The Weavers’ Language

Apron Bar

Flat metal rod, attached to beam with cords or tape; permits warp threads to be tied to beam

Beam

Term used to describe the four cross pieces of the loom, front and back

Beater

The wood or metal frame which holds the reed; moves back and forth to “beat” in each crosswise thread as you weave

Castle

The upright, center part of the loom, which contains most of the working parts

Dent

the space between the thin metal strips which form the reed, used to keep warp threads evenly spaced

Dog

the metal part which catches the notches of the disc at one end of the beam. this permits holding lengthwise (warp) threads under adjustable tension. these are also used to release the beams so warp threads can be wound forward as you weave

Draft

a diagram to show how the threads should be put into the loom and how it may be woven for certain patterns

Ends

the lengthwise threads put into a loom. fabric is often described as having so many “epi”

Harness

A metal frame hung in the upright part of the loom, holding the heddles through which the lengthwise weaving threads (warp) pass. your loom may have 4 or 8 of these frames

Heddle

the long, slim metal part with an eye or a hole, to hold the thread. usually each harness frame contains about an equal number of these

Hook

designed for use in pulling threads through the heddle eyes, as well as through the dents or spaces in the reed

Lease Sticks

a pair of flat, smooth sticks with holes in each end. used to keep threads in order when using a “cross” in the warping method

Loom

A specially designed frame and appropriate mechanisms to hold threads in order, under tension, permitting easy weaving of fabric

Ratchet Wheel

The disc at the end of the front or back beam, with teeth or notches. works with the “dog” to keep warp or fabric from unrolling. maintains tension

Reed

now they are metal, serving to keep threads separated, as well as to beat each crosswise thread as it is forming the fabric

Selvedge/selvage

the side edge of the woven fabric, where each crosswise thread turns and goes in the opposite direction

Set

the number of lengthwise threads per inch put into the loom, controlled by the reed size. basically the epi

Shed

the opening through which you pass the crosswise threads into the shuttle. this opening is made by pressing one or more of the levers, thus separating the warp ends into two layers, with the space between

Shuttle

tool for carrying crosswise threads. can be a flat, stick type with notched ends, or a boat shaped tool with an inner rod to hold a bobbin

Tabby

a plain weave, with crosswise threads going over and under lengthwise threads as in darning.

Warp

the lengthwise threads put into a loom

Weft

the crosswise threads, put in with the shuttle