Reed (weaving)

A reed is part of a weaving loom, and resembles a comb or a frame with many vertical slits.

In 1738, John Kay replaced split cane with flattened iron or brass wire, and the change was quickly adopted.

For a machine-powered cotton loom, the metal wires are commonly 3.5 inches (89 mm) long.

The number of warp thread ends by weaving width determines the fineness of the cloth.

[9] Putting more than one thread through each dent reduces friction and the number of reeds that one weaver needs, and is used in weaving mills.

[8] If too many threads are put through one dent there may be reed marks left in the fabric, especially in linen and cotton.

This minimizes friction between the dents and warp threads and prevents loose fibers from twisting and blocking the shed.

This allows the same loom to be used for making both very fine and very coarse fabric, as well as weaving threads at dramatically different densities.

A small square of egg fresh pasta is cut, rolled on a stick and pressed on a wooden reed.