Shuttles & Pick-up Sticks

Picking the right weaving shuttle can change how smoothly your weaving session goes, and pairing it with a pick-up stick opens up even more pattern possibilities. Here's what to consider when shopping shuttles and pick-up sticks for your loom.

Types of Shuttles

Boat shuttles, like the Schacht boat shuttles or Toika closed bottom boat shuttles, hold a bobbin and glide smoothly through the shed, making them a good match for finer yarns and wider weaving. Stick shuttles, including Schacht stick shuttles and Harrisville Designs stick shuttles, are simpler and work well for narrower pieces, rag rugs, or bulkier yarns where you want to wind weft directly onto the stick. For continuous weft without stopping to rewind, an end feed shuttle such as the Leclerc end feed shuttle keeps tension even across long runs.

Matching Shuttle to Project

• Check your shed height so the shuttle passes through cleanly without catching warp threads.
• Choose a rug shuttle, like the Toika rug shuttles, for heavier rag or rug weaving.
• A belt shuttle, such as the Schacht belt shuttle, suits narrow band weaving where a compact tool matters.

Using a Pick-up Stick

A pick-up stick, like the Schacht pick-up sticks, lets you lift selected warp threads to create lace weaves, honeycomb, and spot patterns without adding extra shafts to your loom. Keep one in several lengths to match different warp widths, and pair it with heddles and tie-up cords or raddles and lease sticks as you set up your next warp.