The weaving

Weaving of silk ribbons appeared in the region during XVI century and still exist in a residual way. But it was at its best during XIX century.

It is still very present in villages of the western part of Pilat park: Saint Genest Malifaux, Jonzieux. where dozens of workshops existed.

The workers worked at home and for some companies in Saint-Etienne that furnished them silk and commercialised the ribbons.

The houses of ribbons makers were very characteristic because there was the accommodation at the ground floor and the workshop at the first floor. They also had some characteristic very high and large windows (3.5 to 4 meters high) to allow the light to come in at any time of the year so the ribbon maker can achieve his delicate task : 30 to 40 000 wires were composing the ribbon chain.

Web site to see : www.sahuc.com