Fabric Manufacture

Alan Newton

Aimed at small, rural communities this book offers an introduction to simple methods of making textile fabrics which are used throughout the world. Includes sections on weaving, knitting, fibre entanglement, lace-making, braiding and knotting (Published in the Small-scale Textiles series).

Small-scale Papermaking

A technical handbook to assist small-scale producers with alternative production techniques - to help them choose and apply those techniques which are most appropriate to local socio-economic conditions.

Chenkumbi Lime

John Spiropoulos

Lime is not only an important building material but an essential ingredient in many industrial processes, such as agriculture and sugar manufacture. As a binder in the construction industry, it is simpler and cheaper to produce than Portland cement and yet just as effective for most building require...

Traditional Candlemaking

Deborah Millington

Describes different materials and techniques, showing methods suited to small-scale producers on a cottage industry level, or the individual at home. With help on techniques, terminology and equipment, and a troubleshooting chart.

Yarn Preparation

John A Iredale

Almost all fabrics, whether woven or knitted, are produced from spun thread. However, this thread or yarn, produced by the spinning operation, either by a hand spinner using the simplest drop spindle or spinning wheel, or spun on the latest automated spinning frame, is rarely in a form suitable to b...

Development of Indian Silk

Sanjay Sinha

Provides an overview of the techno-economic issues in the production of silk in India, examines the development impact of the activity and suggests strategies for strengthening its contribution to rural development.

How to Make a Rope and Washer Pump

Robert Lambert

Shows how to make a simple, cheap, pump suitable for small-holding and garden use, a pump which can raise water from rivers or wells, with lifts of up to 30 metres. A simple clear text, with line drawings, showing how common materials can be used.

Dyeing and Printing

John Foulds

The text and line drawings describe chemical dyeing and printing techniques as they apply to small-scale operations, and how to plan for small-scale production.(Published in the Small-scale Textiles series).

A Wheel-Manufacturing Technology for Rural Workshops

A small-scale approach to making wheels using a jig

Wood and Woodworking Tools

E. Richards

This handbook describes a range of hand tools and simple muscle-powered machinery appropriate to developing countries where abundant labour can offset the problems of limited funds or unreliable sources of energy for mechanization.