L2015.1042.021 G Gear; overall
  • L2015.1042.021 G Gear; overall
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Tool (for textiles) (Heddles)

  • Category:

    Tools

  • Place of Origin:

    Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

  • Date:

    2000-2015

  • Materials:

    Cotton; Pine; Acrylic

  • Museum Object Number:

    2015.0028.033


  • Complete Details



Object Number

2015.0028.033

Object Name

Tool (for textiles) (Heddles)

Category

Tools

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase with funds provided by Mrs. Jeanne L. Asplundh

Place of Origin

Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Date

2000-2015

Materials

Cotton; Pine; Acrylic

Dimensions (inches)

9.375 (H) , 53.5 (L) , 1.5 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

23.812 (H) , 135.89 (L) , 3.81 (W)

Object Description

Web - 12/15/2016

This set of shafts, or heddles, were likely made in the last few decades by a weaver who still operates traditional looms. They are made from modern cotton and acrylic yarn, including some bright purple chenille, but are made with traditional techniques.

Heddles allow the weaver to work quickly by automatically picking up certain threads from the warp, allowing the weaver to slide the weft yarn between the warp threads in a single motion. This pair of heddles could be used in a two shaft loom, where they would pick up every other thread for a simple over-and-under, or tabby, weave. They could also be used with another set to create more complicated patterns.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Pritchard, M. E. 1954 A Short Dictionary of Weaving: Including Some Spinning, Dyeing and Textile Terms and a Beginner's Guide to Weaving and Dyeing. 196.

[Book] Worst, Edward F. 1974 Weaving with Foot-power Looms. 275.

[Book] White, George. 1846 A Practical Treatise on Weaving by Hand and Power Looms: Intended as a Textbook for Manufacturers by Hand and Power Looms and Power Loom Engineers. 362.