6 Best Shedding Devices For Rigid Heddle Looms
Simplify your weaving process with our top 6 picks for rigid heddle loom shedding devices. Read our expert guide to find the perfect tool for your next project.
Transitioning from simple plain weave to complex patterns on a rigid heddle loom requires a fundamental shift in how the warp threads are manipulated. While the standard heddle creates a basic up-and-down shed, specialized devices unlock the ability to create intricate textures, double weave, and complex pick-up designs. Choosing the right tool depends entirely on whether the goal is increased efficiency, expanded design capacity, or the ability to weave wider, denser fabrics. Selecting the correct shedding device transforms a basic loom into a versatile machine capable of producing professional-grade textiles.
Ashford Second Heddle Kit: Best Double Heddle Starter
The Ashford Second Heddle Kit is the definitive starting point for anyone looking to increase their thread density or experiment with double weave. By adding a second heddle block, the loom gains the ability to hold two sets of warp threads, effectively doubling the sett—the number of warp ends per inch—of the project.
This kit is designed specifically for weavers who feel restricted by the fixed density of their current reed. If a project requires a finer wool or a tighter weave structure than the current heddle allows, this kit bridges that gap without requiring an entirely new loom.
Installation requires careful alignment to ensure the two heddles do not rub against each other during the shed change. Reliable tension control is non-negotiable here; if the warp threads are not wound with consistent tension, the shed will remain obscured, leading to skipped threads and frustration.
Schacht Heddle Blocks: The Premium, Sturdy Choice
Schacht Heddle Blocks are engineered with the precision and heavy-duty materials required for intensive weaving sessions. Unlike plastic alternatives, these blocks provide a rigid, stable housing that prevents the heddle from shifting while throwing the shuttle.
For those tackling long-term projects like floor rugs or high-tension linen tablecloths, the durability of these blocks is a distinct advantage. They maintain a consistent shed even under the stress of heavier warp yarns or tighter packing of the weft.
These blocks are an investment in the long-term mechanics of the loom. While they may carry a higher price point, the trade-off is a smoother shed and a reduction in the fatigue caused by struggling with a sticky or uneven warp.
Kromski Harp Forte Heddle Block: Easiest Installation
The Kromski Harp Forte Heddle Block stands out for its streamlined, user-friendly design, specifically aimed at reducing setup time. Its geometry allows for a quick snap-in installation that feels intuitive, even for weavers who are not naturally mechanically inclined.
Ease of installation is a critical factor when switching between single and double heddle configurations frequently. If the setup process is too cumbersome, the incentive to experiment with new techniques often vanishes, leaving the loom stuck in its most basic configuration.
Despite its simplicity, this block does not sacrifice functional integrity. It offers a secure fit that keeps the second heddle perfectly vertical, ensuring the shed is clean and easy to pass the shuttle through every single time.
Schacht Weaving Sticks: Essential for Pickup Patterns
Weaving sticks provide a manual method for creating intricate pickup patterns that the loom’s mechanics cannot replicate on their own. They act as a semi-permanent shed, allowing the weaver to pick up specific warp threads to create floats and decorative motifs.
Using these sticks requires a deliberate, methodical approach. One must be comfortable with counting threads and maintaining a pattern chart, as the loom no longer dictates the shed automatically when these tools are in play.
These sticks are best suited for detailed lace work or decorative borders where the weaver wants total control over every individual thread. Consistency in count is vital; a single misplaced pick will break the visual rhythm of the entire design.
Texsolv Heddle System: For Multi-Shaft Weaving
The Texsolv heddle system replaces rigid reeds with flexible polyester loops, effectively mimicking the mechanics of a multi-shaft loom on a rigid heddle frame. This transition is ideal for weavers who find themselves limited by the fixed number of holes and slots in a standard heddle.
Transitioning to Texsolv requires a higher level of warping skill because each warp end must be threaded individually through a heddle eye. This is labor-intensive, but the design freedom it provides—allowing for complex twills and multi-layered fabrics—is unparalleled.
This system is not for the faint of heart or the impatient. However, if the goal is to master complex weave structures that mimic commercial or floor-loom quality textiles, the effort invested in the Texsolv system pays massive dividends in project variety.
Ashford Weaving Sword: A Versatile Pattern Tool
The Ashford Weaving Sword serves a dual purpose: it can be used to hold a wide shed open for easier shuttle passage, or as a tool to manipulate warp threads for manual pattern work. Its long, flat, and tapered design allows it to slide easily between tightly packed threads.
This tool is particularly useful when working with sticky fibers like mohair or high-twist wools that tend to cling together. Using the sword to spread the shed creates a clear path, preventing the shuttle from snagging on delicate warp fibers.
When selecting a sword, prioritize smooth, finished wood to avoid catching on high-friction yarns. A well-sanded surface ensures that the tool glides through the warp without causing abrasion or fraying, keeping the integrity of the project intact.
Choosing Your Shedding Device: Key Considerations
Selecting the right device requires a clear understanding of the project’s requirements. Consider the following factors before making a purchase:
- Yarn Friction: Sticky, grabby yarns require tools that create wide, clean sheds.
- Project Complexity: Are you aiming for simple plain weave or complex pattern work?
- Warp Density: If the project requires a higher sett, a second heddle kit is the only viable path.
- Ergonomics: How long will you be seated at the loom? Choose tools that reduce the amount of physical force needed to clear the shed.
Never choose a tool based on complexity alone. Sometimes the simplest solution, such as a weaving sword, provides the most flexibility for a creative, experimental project.
Double Heddle vs. Pickup Stick: Which Is for You?
The fundamental choice between a double heddle kit and a pickup stick comes down to the desired final fabric. Double heddle systems are for increasing density, warp complexity, and double-layered fabrics, while pickup sticks are for pattern manipulation.
If you are struggling with the drape or hand of your fabric, a double heddle kit is the likely solution. If you are bored with plain, solid-colored cloth and want to see motifs and textures, pick up a set of sticks.
Most serious rigid heddle weavers eventually collect both. Use a double heddle for the structural foundation of a project and a pickup stick for the decorative details on top.
How to Warp and Weave With Two Heddles at Once
Warping with two heddles is an exercise in meticulous organization. The key is to ensure that the warp threads for the front and back heddles are kept separate until they reach their respective eyes and slots.
Always check the alignment of the heddles before the first throw. If the threads cross between the two heddles, the loom will jam, and the weave will become uneven or completely blocked.
When weaving, ensure both heddles are in the same position (all up or all down) for the basic shed. This requires coordinated movement of both heddle blocks to create a clean, unobstructed path for the shuttle.
Understanding Heddle DPI for Double Weave Projects
DPI (Dents Per Inch) represents the density of the heddle. When using two heddles for double weave, the total DPI effectively doubles, but the calculation must account for the specific arrangement of the threads.
A common mistake is assuming that two 10-DPI heddles create a 20-DPI project. While technically true for the total number of threads, the spacing must be managed through the drafting process to ensure an even distribution.
If the yarn is too thick for the combined DPI, the shed will not clear, no matter how hard the weaver pulls. Always match the yarn weight to the combined density; if in doubt, opt for a slightly thinner yarn to allow the warp threads room to move freely during the shedding cycle.
Mastering these shedding devices opens a new world of possibilities for the rigid heddle loom, allowing the transition from basic scarves to complex, intricate textiles. Success lies in understanding the interplay between warp tension, yarn properties, and the specific mechanics of the chosen tool. Take the time to experiment with one system at a time to truly master the unique nuances each device brings to the warp.
