Invention of a Loom with Dual Shedding Systems to Accelerate Cottage Weaving In Ghana

Abstract

The history of the textile industry has grown tremendously due to the people’s ingenuity, energy, tools, equipment and natural resources. The device used for weaving a fabric is called loom. The loom has undergone series of changes from the vertical to the horizontal after which other accessories were added and that includes heddles, reed, harnesses, levers, cloth roller and the warp beam. In this project research, an additional mechanism of foot pedals has been incorporated onto the table loom for dual shed creation. This was made possible by the attachment of chains and springs to the pedals via the lams and the shafts. In this study, a Population of forty-six (46) respondents was sampled out of the Target Population using the stratified Random Sampling technique. The descriptive research method was used to describe the various stages involved in the construction of the loom. Primary data for the study were collected using interview guides and observation. A major finding of the study is that, good shedding mechanism is a prerequisite for producing quality woven fabrics. Therefore, the decision by the researchers to design and produce a loom with dual shedding systems is in the right direction. Owing to the complex nature of the loom, it is recommended that a regular and rigorous maintenance culture is adopted to prolong its life span. Furthermore, potential users of this loom must be given proper education on how to prepare the loom for weaving.

Keywords: Weaving, Textiles, Loom, Treadles, Shed