Defination and types of shuttle used in textile weaving:-
In the weaving of cloth, a spindle shaped device is used to carry the crosswise threads (weft) through the length wise threads (warp). Not all modern loom use a shuttle. Shuttleless loom draws the weft from a non moving supply. Shuttle loom falls into two groups according to whether the shuttle is moved by hand or automatically.
The second kind is often described as an automatic loom, but except for shuttle movement it is no more automatic in its operation than the hand moved or so called non-automatic loom.
THROW SHUTTLE:-
Throw shuttle loom is a loom in which the shuttle is thrown by weaver across the warp shed by hand from one end of fabric to another end having weft yarn in it and same repeated in reverse , vice varsa.
FLYING SHUTTLE :-
Flying shuttle machine (loom) that represent an important step towards automatic weaving. It was invented first by John Kay in 1733 . In looms the shuttle was thrown by or passed through the threads (shedding) by hand, wide fabrics required two weavers seated side by side passing the shuttle between them. Kay mounted his shuttle on wheel in a track and used paddle to shoot the shuttle from side to side when weaver jerked a cord. Using the flying shuttle, only one weaver could weave Fabric of any width more quickly than two could before.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE THROW SHUTTLE & FLYING SHUTTLE:-
Throw shuttle is passed through shed with the hand from one end of fabric to other end with a hand of weaver.
In flying shuttle the shuttle transfer through the shed with a handle which propells the shuttle with the of picker placed in shuttle box .
ref:-https://britannica.com
TYPES OF SHUTTLE:-
There are different types of Shuttle. It noted that using the right shuttle will make easy and smooth in working,resulting a good and lustre fabric. Some types are coming as under,
A) Stick shuttle
B) Flat shuttle and
C) Rag shuttle.
A) STICK SHUTTLE (FLAT):-
The simplest weaving shuttle is a flat stick shuttle. It can be picked up any where that weaving supplies are sold, or it can easily carve at our own. Stick shuttles are generally used on table loom ( including rigid-heddle loom) with narrow shed. The shuttle doesn’t glide across the warp on a shuttle race but instead is passed from the right to left hand and back again. Sliding the shuttle across the warp causes friction on the warp and is ineffective.
Yarn is wound on a flat stick shuttle with a figure eight using the arm or notches from the top right to bottom left . When it stick goes too full, then switch yarn to top left to the right. This will built the bulk of weft yarn on one side of the stick. If we are going for yardage , we can turn the stick over and the same process is done on the other side , but a risk building a lot of bulk on the shuttle, which may hinder the pass through the shed.
B) BELT OR BAND SHUTTLES (FLAT):-
Another flat shuttle is the Belt or Band shuttle, which is usually not more than 6–10 inches long and made for use on an inkle or band loom. Most belt shuttles have a knife edge on one side designed for packing in the weft, and a recessed centre through to enable it to carry more weft. Because of the recessed area , it is best to simply wind the weft yarn around from front to back and to build up the yarn on both sides. Despite its small size, a belt or band shuttle can hold a good amount of weft.
Image of Band shuttle often have a recessed middle to hold more weft and knife edge for packing in weft on the loom.
C) NETTING SHUTTLE:-
It has been used for centuries in making and reparing fishing nets, but weavers find it useful for hand-manipulation techniques. Such as Spanish medallons or Brook’s Bouquet design. It is sleek and passes easily between warp threads. Netting shuttles in tapestry weaving and for adding short length of weft of a special color or designer yarn.
D) RAG SHUTTLE:-
It is designed to hold a flat strip of fabric for rag rugs or other similar projects. This shuttle is usually pretty beefy and requires the large shed found on counterbalance and countermarch looms. Wind a rag strip around and around the shuttle keeping them flat. Although the rag strip will be compressed, starting out with a flat strip makes it easier to maintain the coloured fabrics surface in the finished piece.
ref:-https://handwovenmagzine.com
