Advance Weaving Notes
Subject Overview
Advance Weaving develops the ability to design textile surfaces on complex looms — Jacquard and Dobby — and understand the technology behind modern weaving machinery. You'll study Jacquard and Dobby looms, then drop-box looms and the technology of air jet and water jet looms, before executing a full design collection from theme and colour story through to production on the loom, with documentation of the finished woven swatches. This is a 3-credit core practical paper across 2 units.
Subject at a glance
2
Units
7
Topics
3
Credits
2
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
2 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Understanding and designing on Jacquard looms and Dobby looms
- constraints of warp and weft
- limitations of drafting and lifting plans
Controls
Groups of warp threads via shafts
Each warp thread individually
Design size
Small geometric repeats
Large, complex figures
Shafts
Up to about 24–28
No shafts: hooks and harness
Examples
Small checks, textured shirting
Brocades, tapestries, damask
Study guide
This unit covers Jacquard and dobby looms: how they work, designing on them and the constraints and limits of drafting and lifting plans. Understand why Jacquard allows complex figured designs.
- Drop box looms
- punching and the technology of air jet and water jet looms
- systematic design methodology (theme, colour story, product, market, cost, material)
- executing a design collection from concept through to woven swatches with full documentation
Air jet
Jet of compressed air
Fast, light-to-medium cotton and blends
Water jet
Jet of water
Synthetic filament yarns only
Rapier
Rigid or flexible rapier arms
Wide variety, fancy yarns
Projectile
Small gripper projectile
Wide-width fabrics
Study guide
You study drop box looms, punching and air-jet and water-jet loom technology, a systematic design methodology (theme, colour story, product, market, cost, material) and execution of a design collection from concept to woven swatches with documentation. Document your full process; it demonstrates design thinking.
Why Advance Weaving Matters
Advanced weaving knowledge prepares you to work with industrial looms and design woven collections for brands and mills.
How to Prepare for Advance Weaving
- Learn how each loom type affects design possibilities.
- Plan collections with colour story, market and cost in mind.
- Keep thorough documentation of design development.
Advance Weaving: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Jacquard loom?
A Jacquard loom controls individual warp threads, allowing complex woven patterns such as brocades and large figured designs.