The weaver works on a historical satin stitch loom and explains the old textile technique.

Home weaving had been widespread in Appenzell Ausserrhoden since the 17th century. Appenzell weavers produced for the trading houses of the canvas town of St.Gallen. Cotton weaving emerged in the middle of the 18th century and led to an unprecedented boom in Appenzell. Around 1800, Ausserrhoden was the most densely industrialised region in Europe.

A genuine Appenzell invention around 1820 was the satin stitch loom, on which weaving and embroidery could be carried out simultaneously (in parallel). In combination with the jacquard device introduced earlier, this made it possible to produce extraordinary fabrics.