SHUTTLE:-

Defination and types of Shuttle used in weaving;-

In weaving of a cloth , a spindle shaped device used to carry the crosswise thread (weft) through the length wise threads (warp), is called shuttle.

image of a flying shuttle with weft yarn in it ref Shutterstock.com

Not all modern loom use a shuttle; shuttleless looms draws the weft from non moving supply. Shuttle looms fall into two groups according to whether the shuttle is moved by hand or automatically.

The second kind is often described as an automatic loom, but except for shuttle movement in it is no more automatic in is operation than the hand moved or so called automatic loom.

There are two types of Shuttles used in weaving. 

1) Throw shuttle.

2) Fly shuttle.

(1) Throw shuttle :-

Throw shuttle loom is a loom in which the shuttle is thrown by a weaver across the warp shed by hand from one end of fabric to another end  having weft in it and same repeated in reverse. and vice versa.

Image of a throw shuttle loom ref by Getty image.

(2) Fly shuttle:-

Flying shuttle machine (loom) that represents an important step towards automatic weaving . It was invented by John Kay in 1733 . In previous looms , the shuttle was thrown by or passed through the division of warp thread (shedding) by hand , and if wide fabric is required two weaver's seated side by side passing shuttle between them. John Kay mounted his shuttle on wheel in a track and used paddle to shoot the shuttle from one side to other side of fabric, when weaver jerk a cord . Using the flying shuttle, one weaver could weave fabrics of any width more quickly than two could before.

image of fly shuttle loom ref Alamy 

Difference between Throw shuttle and fly shuttle loom.

In throw shuttle loom , shuttle is passed through the shed with the hand from one end of fabric to other end with the help of weaver's hand.

In flying shuttle loom , the shuttle transfer through the warp shed with a handle which propells the shuttle with the help of picking handle arrange in the sley and picker placed in the  shuttle box.

Ref: https://www.britannica.com 

Types of shuttle used in weaving:-

There are different types of shuttle used in in weaving. It is noted that using the right shuttle will make easy and smooth working, resulting a good quality and luster in fabric. Some types are coming as under 

A) Stick shuttle.

B) Flat Shuttle and

C) Rag shuttle.

(A) STICK SHUTTLE (FLAT TYPE):-

The simplest weaving shuttle is a flat stick shuttle . It can be picked-up any where that weaving supplies are sold or it can easily carve at our own. Stick shuttles are generally used on table loom ( including rigid-,handle loom) with narrow sheds . The shuttle doesn't glide across the warp on a shuttle race but instead is passed from the right to left hand and back. Sliding the shuttle across the warp causes friction in the warp and is in effective. Wind a flat stick shuttle with a figure eight (8) using the arm or notches from the top right to bottom left. When it starts to get too full switch to the bottom to the top , left the bottom right . This will build the bulk of weft yarn on one side of the shuttle of the stick. If we are going for a yardage, we can turn the stick over and the same process is done on the other side , but a risk building a lot of bulk on the shuttle , which may hinder the pass through the shed. 

Image of stick shuttle vary in size and shape by they are use full for specific task.

(B) BELT OR BAND SHUTTLE (FLAT TYPE):-

Another flat shuttle is Belt or Band shuttle, which is usually no more than 6-10 inches long and made for use in an inkle or band loom . Most belt shuttles have a knife edge on one side designed for packing in the weft and a recessed center through to enable it to carry more weft . Because of the recessed are, it is best to simply wind the weft yarn around from front to back and to build-up the yarn on both sides. Despite its small size, a belt or band shuttle can hold a good amount of weft.

image of band shttle.

 Band shuttle often have a recessed middle to hold more weft and knife for packing weft on the loom.

(C) NETTING SHUTTLE:-

It has been used for centuries in making and repairing fishing nets , but weaver's find it useful for hand manipulation techniques , such as Spanish Medallons or Brook Bouquet design. It is slack and passes easily between warp thread . Netting shuttles in tapestry weaving and for adding short length of weft of a special color or designer yarn..

image of netting shuttle.ref www.easty.com

(D) RAG SHUTTLE:-

It is designed to hold flat strip of fabrics for rag rugs or other similar projects. This shuttle-box usually pretty beefy and requires the large shed formed on counterbalance and countermarch looms. Wind a rag drops around and around the shuttle keeping them flat. Although the rag strip will be compressed, starting out with a falt strip makes it easier to maintain the colored fabrics surface in the finished piece.

image of rag shuttle.

ref:-https://www.handwovenmagzine.com