ReedUpdated 5 months ago

The reed is a comb-like component of the loom, usually located within the beater. It keeps warp threads evenly spaced across the width of the loom and helps to control the density of the weave by determining how many threads per inch (called dents per inch) will pass through. The reed also plays a crucial role in beating the weft threads into place as the fabric forms.

Difference from a Heddle: Unlike heddles, which are used to lift or lower individual warp threads to create patterns, the reed’s main job is to maintain consistent spacing and pack down weft threads. Each warp thread is placed through both a heddle (for movement control) and a dent in the reed (for spacing), making both parts essential but functionally distinct.