The Wisconsin Federation of Handweavers began in 1950 with a request for charter members and $3.00 annual dues. Five women formed an organizing committee and determined the purposes of the new organization which were:

· To establish a non-profit organization of Wisconsin hand weavers.

· To establish standards of Craftsmanship,

· To conduct or sponsor state and regional shows.

Ten area weavers held the first meeting of the organization in January of 1951, at the Charles Allis Art Library. Meetings were held at the Charles Allis until the group outgrew the space. Meetings are currently held at Gaenslen School, the site of the Alice Bertschy Kadish Memorial Weaving Center. In 1985, the group officially changed its name to Wisconsin Handweavers, Inc. Wisconsin Handweavers was granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 2007.

Education has always been a major focus of the organization. The first WFH bulletin was published in 1951 and the first sample page and swatch was added in 1952. The sample page remains a popular part of the monthly newsletter and an important link for weavers throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. The Wisconsin Handweavers' Newsletter is published prior to each monthly meeting from September through May (except January).

For nearly 70 years, WHI has promoted the art of hand weaving through juried exhibits, guild and workshop contributions, children’s exhibits, fashion shows, and sales of work by local weavers. Blue and red ribbons were awarded for the “First Annual Exhibit of the Wisconsin Federation of Handweavers,” at the Charles Allis in 1951. The annual exhibit began as a springtime event with a fashion show held in the winter. Later the two were combined for the fall, and in 1980 a sale of handwoven articles was instituted. The fashion show was eventually discontinued.

Wisconsin Handweavers continues to sponsor an exhibit of handwovens now knows as Loominosity. It includes a juried exhibit, guild and workshop contributions, a student exhibit, and sale.

Maria Charalambides, a past vice-president, designed the logo of interwoven threads, which is used on a lapel pin, stationery and publications. In 2018 further logo updates were made by Addie Wescott, the daughter of Anah Radatz.

The Wisconsin Federation hosted Midwest Regional Weavers’ Conferences in 1979 and 1995. Both were held at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with organization, leadership and some instructors provided by the membership. Over 600 weavers from around the world participated in each conference.

Other educational activities include a demonstration of hand weaving at the Wisconsin State Fair, member appearances at many schools, art fairs and shows, and weaving workshops. Members also exhibit and successfully compete at State Fair and other area art shows. Volunteers from WHI work with children at Gaenslen School during the academic year.

Over the years, many well-known fiber arts professionals have spoken and taught at WHI meetings and workshops. These have included: Mary E. Snyder, Berta Frey, Jack Lenor Larsen, Else Regensteiner, Malin Selander, Virginia West, Alberje Koopman, Edie Rigby, Victor Jacoby, Anita Luvera, Jennifer Moore, Deb Essen, Judith Yamamoto, Sara von Tresckow, Rita Hagenbruch, Mary Sue Fenner, Heather Winslow, Daryl Lancaster and Jason Collingwood. The Wisconsin Handweavers, Inc. organization has around 140 members and provides study groups and frequent workshops in addition to the stimulating monthly meetings and newsletters.