Vävsked

Vävsked, or weaving shuttle, is a tool used in weaving to carry the weft yarn through the warp threads as a loom creates fabric. On a loom, the shuttle is sent from side to side to insert the weft into the shed, and then captured by the take-up system as the next shed is prepared.

Shuttles are typically elongated, boat-shaped blocks made of wood, plastic, or metal. They can be hollow and hold the weft yarn on a bobbin (bobbin shuttle) or carry a continuous length of yarn wound around it (non-bobbing designs). The shape is designed to minimize friction with the warp threads and to fit the loom’s shuttle box or weft-takeup mechanism.

Types of shuttles include hand-weaving shuttles used on primitive and craft looms, fly shuttles that pass through the shed at high speed, and box or bobbin shuttles used on industrial looms. The choice depends on the loom, fabric type, and production requirements.

History: The concept of a shuttle is ancient, but the flying shuttle, introduced in the 18th century by John Kay, dramatically increased weaving speed and fabric width, contributing to the mechanization of textile production. In modern weaving, electronic drives and different shuttle systems have reduced but not eliminated the shuttle's role on many looms.

Etymology: In Swedish, vävsked combines väv (weave) and sked (spoon), referencing its spoon-like shape and function.

See also: loom, warp, weft, shuttle.