This is the first panel of the Tapestry. The design is based on a painting by Andrew Crummy and depicts the thread and textiles industry in Paisley and Renfrewshire.
Paisley was once a huge centre of weaving and famous for the Kashmiri style shawls produced there. The association was so strong that the teardrop pattern within the shawls became known as Paisley pattern and the shawls themselves as Paisleys.
Kilbarchan was also well known for its weaving and there is still a Weavers cottage preserved in the village.
Thread production grew out of the weaving industry and was a huge part of the local economy. The two most famous companies were Clarks and J&P Coats but there were many more throughout Renfrewshire. The last mills in Paisley closed in 1992.
This panel was worked on mainly by the volunteers at Paisley Thread Mill museum from 2017-2018. Many other people have put a stitch or two into this panel during events all over Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
