On a simple frame loom, a shed stick is used to lift every other warp thread — first one half of the threads, then the other half. In rigid heddle weaving, warp threads pass alternately through slots and holes in a heddle. Raising it lifts half the threads (the ones in the holes), lowering it raises the other half (in the slots). The shuttle carries the weft back and forth.

WEAVING ON A FRAME LOOM

D

D

Half of the threads lifted, moving
the shuttle from right to left.
WEAVING ON A RIGID HEDDLE LOOM
Heddle in down position, moving
the shuttle from right to left.
Other half of the threads lifted, mov-
ing the shuttle back from left to right.