Slippedweft

Slippedweft is a weaving defect in which the weft thread slips from its intended position during fabric production, leaving gaps or misaligned weft coverage. It can occur with any weave structure on hand or power looms and may produce visible lines, irregular densities, or pattern distortion.

Common causes include inconsistent shuttle tension, uneven weft take-up, damaged or snaggy bobbins, rough sheds, and interruptions during thread changes. Environmental factors such as high humidity or increased fiber friction can contribute to the problem.

Symptoms include uneven sheen, small holes, loose loops, or misaligned pattern elements; selvedges may appear ragged where the weft has not been fully beaten into place.

Prevention focuses on maintaining consistent tensions, smooth shuttle flow, and regular loom maintenance. If slippedweft is detected, the affected area can be reinserted and reseated—often by reweaving or carefully picking up the weft and beating it back into place. In some fabrics, small repairs or darning may stabilize the area.

Slippedweft is generally regarded as a defect in standard weaving practice; the term appears in craft and loom manuals but is not a formal or widely standardized technique. Some discussions describe related issues under different names.