Rigid Heddle Loom

The frame has been designed to eliminate the number of cut PVC pipes and enhance strength and stability. Only two PVC pipes run lengthwise, and the warp beam supports and heddle supports have been redesigned for the PVC to pass through them. There are 4 additional nuts and bolts used to fix the heddle supports in place and add even more stability.

A diagram with dimensions has been included.

Files include:

Rigid Heddle Loom Parts
Stick Shuttle
Boat Shuttle (still in development)
String Heddle Jig (uses (2x) 5mm thick bamboo chopsticks, instructions for use here: https://thelibrary.org/lochist/periodicals/bittersweet/su76g.htm)

The SketchUp file is included so users can view all the pieces and modify them if necessary.

This basic rigid heddle loom design incorporates 22mm diameter PVC pipe and two 3mm x 12mm bolts and accompanying hex nuts for the cogs and pawls.

The heddle is approximately 400mm wide.

Resources on setting up and using rigid heddle looms can be found here: https://www.ashford.co.nz/tutorials/weaving-tutorials

Assembling the heddle requires friction welding. The technique is described here: http://hackaday.com/2014/12/30/3d-printing-technique-friction-welding/

Hot glue is used to connect the printed parts with the PVC pipe. But drilling a small hole through the PVC and the 3D printed parts where they interface and inserting a pin or length of paperclip metal to pin everything together works much better. For the cog it is necessary or it will slip when under tension during weaving.

This loom project is part of a wider project seeking to bridge the gap between highly industrialized textile production and localized hand-made production.

Read more here: http://www.progressth.org/2017/07/makers-taking-on-textiles.html