3480203 Diagram of Arkwright\'s water frame, 1878; (add.info.: Diagram of Arkwright\'s water frame, 1878. The water frame is the name given to a water-powered spinning frame which was an easy way to create cotton thread. The first time the machine was used in 1768. It was able to spin 128 threads at a time, which was the easiest and fastest method than ever before. It was developed by Richard Arkwright, who patented the technology in 1767.); Universal History Archive/UIG; out of copyright.