HeddleUpdated 6 months ago

A heddle is a loop or eyelet, typically made of metal, nylon, or string, through which each warp thread passes on its way to the reed. Heddles are attached to shafts on multi-shaft looms and control the movement of individual warp threads. When a shaft (or harness) is raised or lowered, the heddles on that shaft lift or lower their respective warp threads, creating a shed where the weft can pass through. This movement of warp threads is what enables patterning and structural variations in the weave.

Difference from the Reed: While the reed keeps warp threads spaced and packs down the weft, heddles control which warp threads are raised or lowered to create the weave structure. Each warp thread must pass through both a heddle (to enable shaft movement) and a dent in the reed (for spacing and beating), meaning heddles are crucial for pattern formation, whereas the reed manages fabric density.

Tip: Heddle type and material (metal, Texsolv, or string) can impact ease of use and fabric tension. Metal heddles are durable and precise, while Texsolv heddles are lightweight and quieter.