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What is a weaving shuttle? Everything you need to know about sticks shuttles!
Posted on: 17 May, 2019
stick shuttle weaving tools

Weaving shuttles are essential and most frequently used by weavers.There are many kinds of weaving shuttles, but most beginners start weaving with a stick shuttle. In tapestry weaving, tapestry bobbins (which are cylindrical) are also used.

What is a weaving shuttle?  

A weaving shuttle is organizing tools for weaving yarn between warp yarns. In tapestry weaving the most commonly used weaving shuttles are stick shuttles and tapestry bobbins.    

using stick shuttle

What is a weaving shuttle made of?  

A stick shuttle is often made of wood, plastic or paper. Stick shuttles vary in size and shape. Short shuttles are used in shorter warp width projects and longer ones are used in longer width warp projects.    

How do you use a weaving shuttle?  

On the top and bottom of stick shuttles are grooves to wrap the yarn around it. Once you have the desired yarn, create a slipknot with it and attach the loop to the top of the grooves. Wrap the yarn from the top to the bottom, then the bottom to the top. Continue wrapping the yarn until you have reached the desired length cut the yarn and begin weaving.   You can find a full tutorial for using a shuttle here on a previous blog post.    

Loop the slipknot on the weaving shuttle

Loop the slipknot on the weaving shuttle

Wrap the yarn from the top to the bottom, then the bottom to the top.

Wrap the yarn from the top to the bottom, then the bottom to the top.

Continue wrapping the yarn until you have reached the desired length cut the yarn and begin weaving.

Continue wrapping the yarn until you have reached the desired length cut the yarn and begin weaving.

How to make a weaving shuttle?

If you do not have weaving shuttle, it only takes minutes to make your own. For me, the easiest stick shuttle to make is from cardstock paper. With paper you can adjust its size to your desired length and design.   You can find a full tutorial for making an affordable shuttle here on a previous blog post.

how to make a stick shuttle

Conclusion

When weaving with so many yarns, it is hard to organize them and use them without an organization system. There are many kinds of weaving shuttles to choose from and I encourage you to try out various types in order to find what works best for you.

What type of weaving shuttle do you prefer to use? Leave a comment below and let me know.   Weaving shuttles are one of the top tools used for weaving. For a list of all 10 essential weaving tools, check out this blog post.

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