We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Rigid Heddle?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,175
Share

A rigid heddle is a type of weaving heddle, a device that raises and lowers threads in the warp of a weaving to allow people to weave quickly and efficiently. With the assistance of a heddle, people can separate the threads in a weaving to pass a shuttle through in one clean pass. Many handweavers use heddle looms, and the rigid heddle is a very simple and easy design to use, making it popular for people who are just starting to learn how to weave.

This heddle design takes the form of a panel with a series of slots and holes. The warp threads are passed through the rigid heddle and when the device is raised, half the threads move up, separating them from the other half. When the heddle is lowered, the same threads move down. By alternating raising and lowering of the heddle, weavers move the warp thread back and forth as they create the weft, creating a sturdy and consistent final woven product.

Rigid heddles can be used on looms of all sizes. Many companies make small rigid heddle looms designed for beginning weavers, including folding looms for people who want to be able to travel with weaving projects. Replacement heddles are available in the event that a heddle becomes damaged or broken and weavers may also be able to swap out heddle designs as they work on more advanced projects.

The advantage to using a rigid heddle is that the warp threads rarely become tangled during work and the design is very simple and easy to use. The disadvantage is the simplicity. For some types of projects, more advanced movements need to be made with the warp threads, and a rigid heddle is not an appropriate tool. Other types of configurable heddle designs need to be used instead and in some cases, multiple heddles are necessary to control the warp as desired.

People who are interested in learning to work with a heddle loom can take a weaving class at a textile school, art center, or college with an art program. These classes often offer opportunities to work with different kinds of looms so that while learning to weave, students can also try out different loom models to find one they want to use at home. Some weavers are also willing to loan out or rent their looms to students who are learning to weave to allow their students to practice without having to purchase looms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-rigid-heddle.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.