The Weavers of Irvine originally wove coarse woollen cloth and plaiding and worked in conjunction with the Tailors. As early as 1606 there were complaints about unfree Weavers working in the town.

Inscription in the Weaver's Minute Book:

"God prosper thou this seal to us,
And grant us a right use of it.
So shall we fear and reverence,
Thy gracious will and providence"

In 1672 the Weaving Trade was opened to all and by 1749 a Linen Company was formed with the intention of setting up a factory. Part of the Moor was fenced off for this purpose. When it was discovered that six of the partners were Town Councillors there was "a great clamour among the lower sort of inhabitants". The Trades were involved in this in an attempt to protect the interests of the Weavers.

By the end of the 18th century cotton weaving became Scotland's main industry. In Irvine there were handloom weavers of muslin in Burns Street and in Cotton Row. In 1790 spinning jennies were installed in another workshop employing 80 hands and there were another two small factories employing 50 people each on the outskirts of town. At this time there were estimated to be 116 weavers working in wool or flax.

Throughout the early years of the 19th century weaving suffered bouts of depression and unemployment in 1819, 1829 and 1832. With funds set up by the Council, soup kitchens were opened to help destitute weavers and their families.

Always politically aware, four Weavers joined the procession to celebrate the passing of the Parliamentary Reform Bill in 1832 dressed as an Indian emperor, empress, prince and princess.