handvävstol

Handvävstol, or hand loom, is a manually operated weaving loom used to produce textiles by hand. It is designed for small-scale weaving and does not require electricity. Common forms include frame looms and table looms, usually built from wood, but metal versions exist as well. A handvävstol holds the warp threads under tension on a back beam and a front cloth beam. A mechanism creates a shed, separating the warp threads so that the weft can be inserted. The weft is carried by a shuttle and beaten into place with a reed or comb, forming the fabric as it advances onto the cloth beam. The loom is typically simple to assemble and portable, making it suitable for hobbyists, students, and traditional crafters. Variants such as rigid-heddle looms use a fixed set of heddles to simplify the shedding process, while more complex frame or table looms may have multiple shafts for patterning.

In use, the weaver threads the warp through the loom, passes the weft through the shed repeatedly, and advances the cloth as weaving progresses, gradually building up fabric. The handvävstol has a long history in many cultures and remained a common domestic tool before industrial-scale looms became widespread. Today it is popular in weaving workshops, schools, and among hobbyists who produce scarves, towels, garments, and decorative textiles. Maintenance includes keeping the frame clean and dry, inspecting for wear in moving parts, and ensuring the warp and cloth beams rotate smoothly.