Boat shuttle 42 cm

The shuttle

This 42 cm boat shuttle is comfortable in the hand, resistant and designed for regular use. It is one of the basic tools that make weaving on low-warp looms easier, especially with fine yarns. It has two wheels that help it glide between the warp threads and over the base of the beater, the part that holds the reed.

Use and benefits

This shuttle can be used on rigid heddle, table and floor looms, especially with fine and medium yarns or when many colour or fibre changes are needed. It provides comfort, regularity in the weft and greater control over the weaving process. It is very easy to use: first the bobbin is wound with the weft yarn, then inserted onto the metal spindle of the shuttle. The yarn is drawn out through the central hole and the shuttle is ready to pass from one side to the other without having to pull out the yarn beforehand. Its benefits include:

• Smooth unwinding, avoiding the need to pull out yarn before passing the shuttle.
• Better control of the tension of the weft yarn while weaving.
• Helping achieve a continuous, fluid weaving rhythm more easily.
• Working with fine yarns with greater comfort and speed.
• Weaving for longer with less effort.

Materials and finish

Resistant, lightweight birch wood. Varnished finish, to protect the wood and help the shuttle glide during each pass.

Details to consider

To weave with this type of shuttle, bobbins and a bobbin winder are needed. The bobbin winder is also a simple, long-lasting tool, and the bobbins can be pre-made or made from paper.