Code and Cloth

Weaving is one of humanity’s oldest creative acts. Egyptian linen, Persian carpets, indigenous American textiles — fabric carried art and storytelling alongside its practical purpose. Early looms were operated by artisans who knew every thread by touch. Ada Lovelace remarked that the Analytical Engine “weaves algebraic patterns, just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves.” Weaving threads and writing code were the same act to her — transforming abstract ideas into tangible form.

Weaving interlaces vertical warp threads with horizontal weft. Software development interweaves logical structures and data elements. Both start with separate strands that combine into something complete. As a weaver adjusts threads to perfect a pattern, a programmer refines code. The loom — whether wooden beams or a framework — embodies the creative process.

Industrialization

Textile production was personal. A single weaver carded wool, spun thread, and wove cloth by hand. Finished fabrics carried unique marks — variations in hand-spun yarn and regional patterns that made each piece a reflection of its maker. Weaving skills passed through generations and reinforced community identity.

The Industrial Revolution transformed this. James Hargreaves’ spinning jenny, Edmund Cartwright’s power loom, and Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s programmable loom introduced mechanized speed and scale. Jacquard’s loom, demonstrated in 1801, used punched cards to lift threads in precise patterns, enabling unskilled operators to produce designs that once required master weavers. Cloth that took days or weeks came out in hours. Quality fabrics became accessible, and the artisan’s personal touch faded with them.

In early 19th-century France, skilled silk weavers protested by destroying Jacquard looms. The Luddite movement in England followed the same pattern — textile workers targeting machines that threatened their livelihoods. Factory production achieved remarkable efficiency, and the artistry of handcrafted work diminished.

The Persistence of Craft

Artisanal textile creation persisted. In India, traditional handloom practices survived industrialization and remain integral to cultural heritage — Banarasi silk saris, khadi cotton cloth, techniques carrying deep narratives. In the Andes, indigenous weavers use backstrap looms for traditional patterns. West African artisans craft Kente cloth with geometric designs. Handloom weaving expresses cultural identity and individuality, supported by cultural organizations and niche markets that keep the maker-product connection alive.

Software

In the 1960s and 70s, individual programmers or small teams built entire programs, each line reflecting personal style. Pioneers worked like guild artisans, developing techniques and sharing knowledge within tight-knit communities. Many early games and applications were handcrafted and circulated through informal networks.

As demand grew, development shifted to industrial scale. Large corporations assembled teams to build complex systems. Specialized departments emerged, each member contributing to a larger whole. Software engineering became synonymous with efficiency and standardization. Powerful software emerged, and the personal touch faded.

The Loom

Creation today takes place “in the arena” — competition, clout-chasing, market dominance. Creators measure worth through metrics and market share. Algorithmic AI slop, mass-market factory trends, the patterns repeat.

The loom is a creative tool for personal expression and craftsmanship. Creation for its own sake, success measured by the satisfaction of making something.

Software as Soft-wear

When coding is weaving, “software” becomes “soft-wear” — something personalized, comfortable, crafted with intention. A handwoven garment fits its wearer, and good software feels natural, reflecting its creator’s vision.

The best programs, like the finest textiles, are made with care. Designed for specific needs, they adapt to their users.

Vibe Coding: The New Loom

“Vibe coding” is a term from Andrej Karpathy describing a process where developers focus on creative flow while AI handles most of the code generation. The programmer articulates a vision and the AI translates it into functional code.

This parallels the Jacquard loom. Jacquard automated complex pattern creation. AI-assisted programming automates implementation details, freeing developers for high-level design.

Vibe coding brings back personal expression and creative flow, with technology handling the repetitive work.