How Does A Loom Work?
The art of weaving cloths and tapestry will never fail to amaze me, and I am sure this traditional technique works the same magic on just about everyone.
In fact, some can get so mesmerized by the process that they decide to get a loom and get into the hobby of weaving materials.
And if you are one of those people, then you are surely thinking about getting yourself one – or maybe, you already have the best weaving loom!
In any case, you have surely thought about how does a loom work exactly.
And watching a 45 minute YouTube video for it may not sound very appealing to you.
Therefore, we have done comprehensive research on this tool, and provided all the essential details in our article, which won’t take much of your time to read!
So go through it, and you will find all the answers.
Types of Looms
Before you become familiar with how a loom works exactly, you should become aware of the types of looms available out there.
And this section of our article is specifically dedicated in letting you know about the types of looms available and how they are different from one another. Once you get to know them, you can find a suitable loom for yourself!
Back Strap
The oldest and the most traditional loom is the back strap loom. It has been created by ancient civilizations and is still used by many weavers.
You will have to tie the warp on a stationary object first and then tie the other end on the weaver. The warp is kept taut using the weight of the weaver.
Tapestry
One of the simplest looms out there is the tapestry loom. This is often known as the frame loom, and the size of the tapestry you create is limited to the size of the frame itself.
Hence, to enhance the tapestry’s size, you can choose a larger and wider frame. The best tapestry loom has a changeable frame.
Inkle
The least versatile and the most portable version is the inkle loom. You can use it to weave straps and belts.
While they are generally used by beginner weavers, a veteran can also use the best inkle loom to create complex patterns.
Rigid Heddle
If you are a beginner, then you would surely want to go for a rigid-heddle loom. This portable version can be used with or without a stand.
However, you can use this even as an experience weaver, as it offers complication through hand manipulation of the weft and the warp. You can use it on both thick and thin yarns, depending on the number of heddles you add.
Table
A more complex and portable version is the table loom, which can accommodate more than 8 shafts.
These are made for use on top of a table or a stand, and the best table looms are generally compact in size.
Floor
With 4-8 shafts, floor looms are made for larger projects such as wider and longer pieces of fabric, rugs and accessories. In fact, they are the largest home weavering loom.
They are freestanding, but you can also electronically control them by a dobby that will lift and lower the harnesses in order to create sheds.
How Does a Loom Work?
Now that we have discussed the different types of looms, it has given you a general idea regarding how there are various kinds out there. That means, each of them work differently as well.
But their mechanism is not very different, and once you get a basic idea regarding it, you will be able to work with any type of loom that you choose.
Warp Thread Runs from a Warp Beam
At first, you will find that a warp is tied to a bar at the back of the loom and the warp threads run from it. This bar is often known as the warp beam.
This thread comes all the way from the back to the front beam, which is at the front.
The Beams Are Rolled Forward
Once you start weaving, you will notice that most of the warp thread is at the back beam, and as you roll them, most of the cloth will be wrapped around the front beam.
Each warp thread will pass through a reed and a heddle while it comes from the back to the front and each of the heddles are attached to individual harnesses or shafts.
Lever Movement with Hand
The harnesses are attached to a lever, which you will need to move with either your hand or your foot. This method pulls the attached heddles upwards.
This in turn lifts the warp threads, which run through those heddles and create a shed, from which you will pass your weft thread.
Each Lever Lifts a Different Harness
Now, there are different levers in a loom and each of them will hit different harnesses. In fact, the more harnesses you have, the more complex patterns you can create.
That is because, you can create different variations using the various threads that you have.
Picking
Now we are at the second primary motion, in which you will have to insert weft yarn. This action should be done through the warp yarns.
The purpose of this part in the loom is to move the weft carrying shuttle along the right path. As a result, the weft carrying shuttle will be thrown at a predetermined speed.
Beating
This step is often known as beating up or beating in, which is quite a necessary one to consider. That is because, it pushes the pick at the required distance from the previous one inserted.
This step usually occurs when the shed is transitioning; however, it is usually finished before a new shed completely appears.
Take Off / Doffing
This is the last step, in which you will basically have to remove the loom. At first, you need to slowly pull the loops, to make sure they are out from the pegs on the top.
Once you have removed the warp, you will have to apply the same technique to the bottom of the loom. Your weaving will be completely removed by now, after which you will have to cut the loops open.
Final Words
To give you a basic idea regarding looms, we have constructed this article which answers your question of how does a loom work. We have also discussed the various types of looms and how beginners can start weaving in-depth in another post.
Once you go through the various types, you will find the suitable one for yourself, while being aware of their basic mechanism.
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