A clear glossary of essential weaving and spinning terms. Whether you're new or experienced, this reference helps you read drafts, choose tools and understand technical explanations more easily.
New terms will be added over time as the glossary expands.
Essential Terms
Warp (Chaîne)
Longitudinal threads held under tension on the loom. They must be strong and consistent.
Weft (Trame)
Threads placed perpendicular to the warp. They add texture, color and visual interest.
Threading (Enfilage)
The order in which warp threads pass through heddles or rigid heddle slots/holes.
Heddles (Lisses)
Elements that guide warp threads and determine the structure according to the draft.
Rigid Heddle (Peigne envergeur)
A combined reed and heddle system for rigid heddle looms.
Pick-up Stick (Baguette à relever les fils)
A tool that allows manual selection of warp threads to create patterns.
Take-up (Embuvage)
The slight shortening of threads as the weft interlaces with the warp.
Treadling (Pédallage)
The order in which shafts are lifted or rigid heddle positions are used.
Shafts (Cadres)
Shafts hold heddles and allow complex structural weaving.
Flyer (Épinglier)
The spinning wheel part that guides the yarn onto the bobbin.
Bobbins (Bobines)
Spools that collect spun or plied yarn.