The Development of Frames and Treadles

The Development of Frames and Treadles

During the Shang Period (1766 to 1122 BC) in China the treadle and frame loom system was developed. Weaving frames are rectangular shaped structures that hold the heddles. The heddle is a long needle-like string or metal device with an opening (called an eye) in the middle. There is a loop (called a doup) at the top and bottom of each heddle. The top and bottom doups are threaded on to the top and bottom cross bars of the weaving frame. The warp (vertical) yarns are threaded through the eye of the heddle. A treadle is a foot- or hand-operated lever that is tied by a cord to the bottom of the weaving frame. Using a system of ropes and rollers the harnesses are moved up and down. This system produces an opening in the warp threads called a shed. The weaver passes the weft (horizontal) threads through the warp shed to weave the cloth. [SB] {MW}