Robert David Sailors was born May 23, 1913 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After first attending Olivet College where he received a certificate in Interior Decoration and Commercial Art, Sailors received his B.A. in Art Education from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1938. He then taught art classes at Evanston (Illinois) High School and weaving at the Grand Rapids Art Museum through the University of Michigan Extension Program. During the summer of 1941, Sailors studied weaving at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

In 1942, Sailors received a scholarship to attend Cranbrook where he primarily studied weaving with Marianne Strengell. While he received his MFA in May1943, he continued to study here through the spring of 1944. In June 1944, Sailors became the Assistant Director and Instructor in the Weaving Department, a position he held for two years. During that time, he was responsible for instructing weaving students on the power loom which was installed at Cranbrook in 1945.

In 1947, Sailors left Cranbrook to establish his own weaving studio and company, first in Bitely then in Belmont, Michigan. Sailors was known for abstract design and for his combinations of unusual materials including aluminum strips, mosquito netting, Lurex, and bamboo. He was one of the first to incorporate bamboo and wooden slats into window shades, which he wove for restaurant chains across the Midwest.

In 1974, Sailors purchased the historic Cortez (Florida) Schoolhouse which he turned into a studio, living quarters, and community gathering space. Sailors passed away July 30, 1995 in Cortez.