How Does a Floor Loom Work?

Types of Floor Looms

• Although similar in operation, there are three basic mechanical types of floor looms: counterbalance looms, jack looms and countermarch looms. Counterbalance looms are the most traditional; some threads move up while others go down when the shed is created during the weaving process. Contemporary jack looms, often called “rising shed” looms, have harnesses that rise as downward pressure is applied to a treadle. Countermarch looms, sometimes spelled "countermarche," involve every shaft in every shed; as some shafts are lifted, others are pulled down.

Terminology

• The different floor looms share some terminology with other looms and each other. “Warp” threads run vertically and are held in place by metal “heddles” attached to individual moveable “shafts.” The space created between the shafts is the “shed.” “Weft” threads pass horizontally through the shed on a “shuttle.” A “beater” or “batten” presses the weft into place. “Bobbins” hold the weft thread. A “brake” keeps the loom from operating, while multiple “treadles” are foot operated pedals that move the shafts.

Selecting a Loom

• When selecting a loom, weavers must take into consideration the size of the finished weaving, the amount of space in the room where the work will be completed and whether the treadles are front or back mounted. Look for a non-attached bench that can be adjusted to different heights. When seated, the loom operator should be comfortable and balanced. Glimakra (glimakrausa.com), Harrisville Designs (harrisville.com), Leclerc Looms (leclerclooms.com), Louet (louet.com) and the Schacht Spindle Company (schachtspindle.com) are major manufacturers of floor looms.

The Workings

• The differences between the three types of floor looms do not change the overall process of weaving fabric. As the weaver depresses a selected number of treadles, the mechanical motion lifts the shafts and pulls the associated warp threads up, creating the shed through which the shuttle with the weft threads passes. The shuttle passes through the shed from left to right on one pass; the beater bar is pulled toward the weaver, firmly locking the threads into position before returning to its resting state. The weaver then switches treadles, creating another shed through which the shuttle returns to its starting position. The beater is again pulled forward. As the work progresses, the weaver develops a personal rhythm. The finished piece rolls toward the weaver, wrapping around a beam. When finished, the weaving is removed and the ends are finished.