Rigid-Heddle Basics: Parts of a Rigid-Heddle Loom

So, you’ve got a rigid-heddle loom. Now what? Before you can get your loom warped and start to weave, it’s important to know the different parts of your loom and how they’re used. To make learning about your loom easier than ever, we’ve made this handy guide where you’ll find:

• A video clip from Sara C. Bixler’s course Beginning Weaving on the Rigid-Heddle Loom where she explains in detail what each part does and, in some cases, demonstrates how they work.
• A photo of a rigid-heddle heddle loom with the different parts labeled.
• Brief descriptions of each loom part and the role it plays in the weaving process.
• Resources for next steps to help you as you begin your weaving journey.

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Video Reference: Parts of the Loom and Must-Know Terms

Quick Reference: Loom Parts and Definitions

While the appearance and location of each loom part might vary slightly depending on your loom’s make and model, each part should be in roughly the same location. Also, regardless of how they might look, the basic loom parts and their purposes remain the same from loom to loom. Some looms might have extra parts or equipment, such as warping aids or extra heddle blocks. When in doubt, refer to manufacturer's paperwork for your specific loom model.

Photo by George Boe

Apron Rod/Stick

Apron rods are often dowels but can also be flat sticks, depending on your loom. Rigid-heddle looms have two apron rods: one on the front, which is attached to the cloth beam, and one on the back, which is attached to the back beam. Each side of the warp is tied to an apron rod.

Back Beam

The back beam is a rod attached to the back of the loom that can turn forward or backward using a ratchet and pawl. The warp is wound onto the back beam before weaving.

Cloth Beam

The cloth beam is a rod attached to the front of the loom that can turn forward or backward using a ratchet and pawl. Woven cloth is wound onto the cloth beam as you weave.

Heddle

Heddles control which warp ends are lifted or lowered. Slots and holes alternate along the width of the heddle, and each warp end is threaded through either a slot or a hole. The number of slots and holes per inch determines the warp density, or the warp sett, of the fabric. A heddle’s sett is referred to as its dent: A heddle with 8 slots and holes per inch would be an 8-dent heddle. Most looms come with one heddle, but you can buy heddles with different setts to fit your loom. The heddle sits in the heddle block where it can be moved into three positions: up, down, or neutral. Alternating moving the heddle up and down allows you to weave plain weave. After placing each row or pick of weft, the heddle is removed from the heddle block and used to beat the weft into place, and then placed back into the heddle block.

Heddle Block

The heddle block holds the heddle in place. A heddle block is located on either side of the loom, one for each side of the heddle. Each heddle block allows you to move the heddle into three positions: up, down, and neutral. Some looms have heddle blocks for multiple heddles.

Pawl

Along with the ratchet cog, the pawl is used to lock or unlock the back beam and cloth beam. When the pawl is in the ratchet, the beams can be turned in only one direction. When the pawl is off the ratchet cog, the beams can turn in either direction.

Ratchet

The ratchets on a loom turn the back beam and cloth beam. Along with a knob, the ratchet also has a cog. The ratchet is positioned next to a pawl. When the pawl is placed in the grooves of the ratchet cog, it locks the beam so it can be turned in only one direction. The ratchet and pawl are used to wind the warp onto the back beam, to tension the warp, and to advance the warp and wind fabric onto the cloth beam.

Sett

The sett refers to how many warp ends per inch (epi) or weft picks per inch (ppi) are in your weaving. The heddle controls the warp sett while yarn size and beat strength both play a part in the weft sett. A balanced sett refers to cloth with the same number of warp ends as weft picks per inch.

Shed

As the heddle moves up and down, every other warp end is either lifted or lowered, creating an opening between the layers of warp known as the shed. The shed is the tunnel through which you place your weft. Changing your shed changes which layer is on the top.

Shuttle

Shuttles hold and move the weft yarn through the shed during weaving.

Warp

The threads that are tied onto the loom and moved up and down are collectively known as the warp. The threads are referred to as warp ends. Warp ends can be made up of one strand or multiple strands working as one. Each warp end is threaded through either a slot or hole in the heddle.

Warp Separators

Warp separators, sometimes referred to as warp protectors, are wound along with the warp onto the back beam to keep the layers from tangling. Some weavers prefer to use warping sticks as warp separators, as shown here, while others prefer to use bamboo placemats or blinds, corrugated cardboard, or thick paper.

Weft

The yarn that goes over and under each warp end is the weft. While the heddle and loom control the warp, the weaver controls the weft. One row of weft is known as a pick, although a pick can be made up of multiple strands of yarn used as one.

Next Steps and Resources

Once you’re comfortable with the parts of your loom, you’re ready to get warped and start weaving. Check out these video resources from world-class rigid-heddle weaving teachers to help you as you move on to your next steps.

• Learn how to confidently warp your rigid-heddle loom in the free How to Direct Warp video featuring instructors Sara C. Bixler and Sara Goldenberg White. You’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to direct warp your loom as well as ingenious tips for getting perfect tension.

• Start your rigid-heddle weaving journey on the right foot with the Sara C. Bixler’s video course Beginning Weaving on the Rigid-Heddle Loom. Sara covers choosing yarns, warping, weaving best practices, basic weaving designs, and much more.

Happy Weaving!

Christina