"Right now there are only two horizontal beams, so this is the simplest backstrap loom. If you space them out properly and add more rods in different positions, then use a certain pattern to lift the rods, you can weave completely different designs."
"Of course, this is all theory. If I try to do it myself, I definitely would not be able to calculate it properly. If you're interested, you can try it yourselves."
"Things like checks and diamonds..." Hayoon picked up a wooden stick and casually drew on the ground beside her. "These should be relatively easy patterns to weave."
Even though her explanation was quite rough, some sub-beastmen actually understood it.
"I think I get what you mean. I'll try figuring it out when I weave later."
Hayoon wove a little longer, and soon Sulyeon, unable to resist, asked, "Hayoon, can I try?"
"Sure."
She happily switched places with Sulyeon. Seeing the other sub-beastmen all looking regretful as if they had been one step too late, she smiled and said, "Everyone line up. Take turns trying it. If you don't understand anything, ask me right away."
The sub-beastmen immediately brightened up. "Okay!"
Hayoon was not worried at all about them not learning it.
Even Haeun, who was usually clumsy, had already learned to weave decently.
But what she did not expect was how quickly they picked it up.
The cloth they wove was already fairly even and smooth, and their weaving speed was extremely fast too.
The horizontal beams and beating tools were almost moving so quickly they left afterimages.
Hayoon watched in stunned silence.
After weaving for a while, Sulyeon looked up and asked humbly, "Is this okay?"
Hayoon gave him a thumbs-up without hesitation. "You've graduated."
Just as Sulyeon smiled, another sub-beastman immediately called out, "My turn! Let me try the loom!"
Sulyeon could only step aside helplessly.
Weaving a little was nowhere near satisfying enough.
A few sub-beastmen immediately dragged others out to cut wood so they could build their own looms.
After everyone had taken turns trying the loom, the sky had already cleared. Sunlight poured down warmly, making everything feel soft and comfortable.
No one rushed to leave. Instead, they each found a spot, brushing away rain-damp grass before sitting down.
Some spun thread, some built looms, some wove cloth. Even while working, they chatted happily, filling the space with a lively, joyful atmosphere.
Hayoon had already used up all her hemp thread, so she did not rush to spin more. Instead, she took out the clay vat used for washing starch, poured off the impurities, and refilled it with clean water.
Seeing his actions, everyone asked curiously, "What are you doing?"
Hayoon simply repeated what she had already explained to Haeun and Minho the day before.
When the sub-beastmen heard it, they shook their heads.
"So this starch thing takes two or three days to make? That sounds too troublesome."
"If Kudzu roots rot, just throw them away. There are plenty more roots outside."
"I also think it's too much work."
"Hayoon, I'll go back later and bring you half a basket of roots."
Hayoon smiled but did not explain how important starch was. She only said, "We don't lack roots at home for food. I'm just finding something to do for myself."
"Alright then."
The next day, these sub-beastmen came again.
In fact, they had already learned how to weave cloth, and some had even figured out simple patterns, but they still liked staying here and working together with everyone.
The rain had become lighter compared to the previous days.
Minho went out hunting every day, Haeun went to the tribe to play with other friends, and the sub-beastmen felt comfortable staying here.
Today, the starch had finished settling. Taking advantage of the sunshine, Hayoon brought it out to dry.
After that, she cut a long rectangular wooden board and sat down among the group.
Seeing this, Sulyeon asked curiously, "What is it?"
Hayoon said, "I want to improve the loom a little. Let me think for a moment."
She held the wooden board and thought quietly.
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing for a moment and began whispering.
"The backstrap loom is already so fast. It can still be improved?"
"My father and I weave together, and in two days we can make enough cloth for one set of clothes. I never even dared to imagine this speed before."
"I wonder how it will be improved?"
They stared straight at Hayoon, afraid to miss anything.
Feeling the pressure, Hayoon smiled and explained, "This is not to make weaving faster. Look at the warp beam here." She pointed to the wooden rod at the front of the loom, the one people stepped on with their feet. "The threads need to be arranged and wrapped around it. Because there is no fixed structure, you have to keep it tightly pressed. If it moves even a little, the threads get messy."
Sulyeon immediately understood. "So you want to fix the threads?"
Hayoon nodded. "Something like that."
She raised the wooden board. "I want to carve a row of teeth here, like a comb, but with tighter gaps and closed at the top and bottom."
Beastmen also used combs, so everyone understood what she meant.
What troubled Hayoon now was the lack of proper tools. Bone knives were not sharp enough and probably could not meet her needs.
She sighed internally, missing modern metal carving tools for the hundredth time.
"Like this..." Sulyeon raised his hand. In the next moment, Hayoon saw his fingertip flash as a sharp claw extended out. "I am a bird sub-beastman. I can transform my claws. Can I try it?"
Hayoon froze.
So it could work like that?!
She had almost forgotten that in this world, everyone had sharp claws and teeth.
Then another sub-beastman also raised his hand. "Hayoon, I'm a cat beastman! My claws are good too!"
"Me too, I'm a bear sub-beastman."
"…"
Just like that, Hayoon explained the spacing between the teeth and reminded them to make the carving as even as possible.