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Learn Section>> Carpet Creation Index>>
Weaving>> Tools
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In the realm of weaving, a weaver needs certain tools to fulfill certain
functions. Below are shown pictures of some of the main tools used in Iran
today. Many of the tools shown are antiques and have been replaced by
modern versions which fulfill the same capacity.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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Dafteen or Comb- This tool serves the purpose of beating the weft into the
warp. It is very heavy, usually weighing between
3 and 7 pounds. The
weaver wields it by swinging it up and then letting it fall into the warp.
This motion and the weight of the tool cause the weft to be pounded into the
warp threads which are under tension. This tension then holds the weft in
place and allows for the creation of a tight and durable fabric. I can
easily see how such a tool could be mistaken for, and even used as, an
instrument of war. It just goes to show that you'd better be nice to
weavers!
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Weaving Knives- The
 hook
on the end of this specialized knife enables the weaver to tie knots more
easily. Once the knot is tied, the actual blade is then used to cut the
pile to the desired length.
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Scissors- Specialized
 scissors have been created in Iran for the
purpose of trimming the pile of a carpet to the desired length. By making
the blades of the scissors a certain depth, it allows the weaver to cut the pile
at a uniform depth, thus ensuring a better quality and a smoother look. It
also negates the necessity of measuring each knot end to the desired length of
pile.
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Spindles- Spindles
are not used in actual weaving, but are instead used
to spin the freshly trimmed wool into yarn. For the tribal weaver, the
spindle is an essential tool. When out tending sheep or children, a tribal
weaver is never without her drop spindle. Doing only one thing at a time
is idleness- the hands must always be busy! A drop spindle enables the
weaver to spin the yarn while doing other things so that later she will have
time to devote to weaving. This picture illustrates the different styles
from different areas of Iran. |
Shuttles and Bobbins- Most carpet and kilim weavers do not use, nor need to use a
shuttle and bobbin for putting the weft into
the warp. The process of
carpet and kilim weaving is slow and needs constant attention in getting the
pattern just right. These shuttles and bobbins were used in other textile
production in Iran. They were used, usually, on floor looms and shot back
and forth- thus the metal tips on many of them. Usually, you would find
these types of shuttles and bobbins in use for weaving brocade, velvet, ikat,
warp-faced weavings and finer materials.
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