• Two threads are used, the warp and the weft

• The warp are the strongest threads and run parallel across the loom from the warp beam at one end through the heddles and the reed to the cloth beam.

• The weft yarns are fitted into a shuttle

These have been largely superseded by new types of looms.

Rapier looms – where the weft is carried across the shed by guides called rapiers.

Waterjet – where a jet of water carries the yarn across. Used for continuous filament synthetic yarns.

Airjet – where air carries the yarn across. Used for hairy yarns.

Projectile – a power operated shuttle led weaving machine. The weft thread is gripped by jaws fitted in a projectile, which is propelled through the shed.

• The heddle lifts warp threads, making a shed for the weft threads to pass through. By lifting different warp threads, patterns within the weave are created.

• The selvedge is made at the sides when the weft yarn goes back across the loom.