Looms

How it works

Fabric is woven in right angles: lengthwise (warp) threads are tightly tied from a back beam to front beam and weft threads are woven perpendicularly through them.
- Warps are lifted and lowered to form opening (shed)
- A large needle (shuttle) helps weave wefts through

Types:
- Backstrap Loom
  - Simple loom that has existed since ancient times
  - Warps are tied from a solid object to the person weaving (ie “backstrap”)
  - The person weaving can control how tight the warp yarns are by leaning back
    - https://mayaweavings.com/pages/what-is-backstrap-weaving
- Tapestry Looms / Frame Loom
  - Simple loom that cannot make a shed
  - Restricted to size of frame
    - https://textilechapter.blogspot.com/2016/11/frame-loom-weaving-definition-features-advantages-disadvantages.html
- Inkle Loom
  - Great for beginners
  - Makes narrow strips such as a belt
  - Portable and cheapest (as low as $99)
    - https://www.interweave.com/article/weaving/learning-to-weave-on-an-inkle-loom/
- Rigid Heddle Loom
  - Great for beginners
  - One rigid heddle (warp yarns are threaded to these so you can lift and lower them)
  - Best way to create pattern
    - https://woolery.com/weaving-looms/looms-by-types/rigid-heddle-looms.html
- Jacquard Loom
  - Lets you control individual warp yarns
  - Originally used a chain of punch cards to instruct a loom to make intricate patterns
    - https://woolery.com/weaving-looms/looms-by-types/rigid-heddle-looms.html

Carnegie Mellon Textiles Lab (Wean 1334)
- Prosumer-level Jacquard Loom
  - Jacquard looms selectively raise and lower every warp yard
  - Contact Jim McCann (jmccann@cs.cmu.edu)