heddles
Definition
Noun (plural): - Heddles are the cords, wires, or strings in a loom that have an eye (hole) through which a warp thread is passed. They are used to separate the warp threads to allow the weft thread to pass through during weaving.
Usage Examples
- (Each warp thread went through the eye of a heddle.)
- (She ensured the heddles were correctly positioned for weaving.)
Advanced Usage
"To raise the heddles": to lift certain heddles to create a shed (the opening between warp threads) for the weft.
- The weaver raised the heddles for the first row of the pattern. (She lifted the heddles to make a space for the weft thread.)
"Heddle frame": the frame that holds a set of heddles in a loom.
- The heddle frame was lifted by the foot pedal. (The frame containing the heddles moved up.)
Variants and Related Words
Heddle (singular noun): a single cord, wire, or string with an eye for a warp thread.
- Each heddle must be threaded correctly to avoid mistakes. (A single heddle needs precise threading.)
Heddling (noun): the process of threading heddles.
- Heddling is a meticulous task that requires patience. (The act of threading heddles is careful work.)
Synonyms
- Warp thread guide: a general term for any device that guides warp threads (though less specific).
- Loom string: a colloquial term for a heddle, especially in traditional weaving.
Related Idioms