Images(2)

Tape loom

Date1750-1820

OriginEngland

MediumMahogany

DimensionsOH: 12 1/8"; OW: 5 7/8": OD: 9 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-330

DescriptionTape loom constructed with a dovetailed box as the base and an upright heddle on one end featuring an ogee arched top. The heddle has 12 vertical slots with holes bored in each slat to accomodate alternating warp threads. Two diagonal braces attach the heddle and base with a take-up spool set horizontally in the middle of the two braces. One side of the take-up spool has a crank with a shaped wooden handle and the opposite side features a wooden ratchet and and pointed clip to hold the threads taut when weaving. The top of the box has a sliding lid and molded edges.
Label TextThis box-style tape loom was used to weave thin, ribbon-like bands of cloth or "tapes." Usually made of wool or linen, the width of these narrow woven strips was determined by the number of holes in the upright portion of the loom called the heddle. Tapes could be plain or intricately patterned and served as garters, decorative trimming on clothing or hats, or were used as ties or straps for binding and attaching various materials. On this example, the lid of the box slides off providing a space to store extra tools and materials when not in use.