Weaving Tools

Good weaving tools make the difference between a frustrating warp and a smooth, even cloth. From picking the correct reed to choosing a shuttle that fits your loom, the right accessories save time at every stage, whether you're dressing the loom, throwing the shuttle, or finishing the fell line. This page brings together the hand weaving tools most looms call for, so you can outfit a new setup or replace a worn-out favorite.

Shuttles and Bobbins

Shuttles carry your weft across the warp, and the right style depends on your loom and the width of your work. Toika offers both closed-bottom and open-bottom boat shuttles, the latter with rollers for smoother glide on wider warps, plus dedicated rug shuttles for heavier weft. Pair your shuttle with bobbins or pirns sized to fit, such as the Schacht 4" plastic bobbins, and keep a few spares on hand so you can wind ahead while weaving.

Reeds, Heddles, and Temples

Reeds set your sett and keep the warp evenly spaced; Toika stainless reeds come in a range of sizes, from 26 to 60, so you can match density to your yarn and project. Texsolv heddles, like the Toika 13" heddles made for computer looms, are a lightweight alternative to steel heddles and work well on many floor looms. A temple, along with temple covers, holds your cloth at a consistent width as you weave, which helps prevent draw-in on wider pieces.

Choosing Tools for Your Loom Type

Not every tool suits every loom. Rigid heddle weavers often rely on pick-up sticks for pattern work, while floor loom weavers lean more on reeds and heddles sized to their equipment. Browse Weaving and Warping Tools and Warping Tools for items that support getting the warp on the loom, and check TOIKA Floor Weaving Looms if you're building out a full setup. For general upkeep and smaller accessories, Tools rounds out the rest of what's on hand.

FAQ

What weaving tools does a beginner need first? A shuttle, a reed sized to your yarn, and a temple cover most of the basics for getting a first warp woven cleanly.

Do rigid heddle and floor looms use the same tools? Some, like shuttles and bobbins, overlap, but reeds, heddles, and temples are often sized or styled differently for each loom type.

Why do I need a temple when weaving? A temple keeps the width of your cloth consistent, reducing draw-in and making the fabric easier to finish evenly.