Fundamentals of Textile Design 3(2+1)

Lesson 9: Loom and Its Parts

Heddles and Harness

Heddles (also called as healds) are the devices made of steel wire or string through which warp yarns are passed from warp beam to cloth beam. Each heddle has an eye in the centre – an opening for single warp yarn to pass through. On the edges, two warps per eye are passed for creation of strong edge called selvages. These heddles are framed into a harness, otherwise called the shaft. There should be at least two shafts for weaving to take place. Drawing warp through heddle eyes is termed as ‘drafting’.