The loom, a pivotal invention in human civilization, has played a transformative role in the evolution of textile production. Tracing its origins to ancient civilizations, this paper delves into the historical trajectory of looms, elucidating their design advancements and socio-economic impacts. From the rudimentary hand-operated frames of ancient Mesopotamia to the intricate automated machines of the Industrial Revolution, the evolution of looms reflects broader shifts in technological innovation, craftsmanship, and trade dynamics. This exploration underscores the profound influence of looms on global economies, trade routes, and the empowerment of communities, while highlighting their enduring significance in contemporary textile industries.
2. 1. Warp Weighted Loom
• The first and primitive structure of loom.
• The weavers suspended yarns from the
branch of a tree, which was parallel to
the ground.
• The warp ends tied over the top branch
and placed under tension with stones or
weights, made of backed clay.
• Working against gravity, wefts were
pushed up in to place with the weaver’s
hands or with a crude comb.
• The process was very slow and tedious.
3. 1. Primitive or Vertical loom.
Primitive or Vertical loom: A
primitive loom is generally by sinking
the frame into the ground and the
work inside the pit by both feet. The
framework is of bamboo. This loom
had been known to be in use in 5000
to 6000 years B.C. This loom are still
used for weaving silk pieces, silk
shirting and sarees, muslin etc.by
derivative weavers.
5. 2. Pit loom
• This loom is created by sunking
four posters into the ground
and with an overhang sley.
• The thread work inside the pit,
so that the warp threads may
absorb moisture and better
weaving will result.
• In this loom the combination of
sley & shuttle boxes was seen.
• In 1733 A.D John Kay of Bury,
England invented the "Fly
Shuttle".
• This invention was an extremely
an important event in the history
and development of weaving.
6. 3. Frame loom:
•Frame looms almost have the
similar mechanisms that ground
looms hold.
•The loom was made of rods and
panels fastened at the right angles
to construct a form similar to a box
to make it more handy and
manageable.
•The weaving could be done by
holding the loom in one’s lap or by
placing the loom on a table.
•A shed stick could be inserted to lift
warps as needed
•This type of loom is being utilized
even until now due to its economy
and portability.
8. 4. Chittaranjan loom.
Chittaranjan loom: A type of
semiautomatic loom of sturdy
construction made of iron and wood
commonly used in Bengal is known as
Chittarangan loom. This loom also
called Japani loom.
9. Foot treadle Loom or Floor Loom
• The Foot treadle loom
came after many years of
development and
exploration.
• This loom has heddle
system giving a clear shed
and feeding up the wefts
by using a boat like device
called Shuttle.
• The shuttle carrying the
weft threads could now be
passed back and forth
across the warp without
interruption.
