Managing Selvages with Multiple Shuttles - Log Cabin Explanation

Shown on a Rigid Heddle - Applies to any loom

When weaving with two shuttles, interlocking the two yarns at the selvages keeps a neat edge by interlacing the two colors. When the weft yarns are on different sides, there is nothing to needed, just weave as normal. When the two weft yarns are on the same side, pay attention that they interlock. Usually placement of the shuttle just woven, whether above the last shuttle used or below (closer to the weaver) can accomplish this so that a rhythm can be established.

The pictures below are showing a Log Cabin two-shuttle weave on a rigid heddle loom. If you haven't yet established where to place the shuttles, it's simple to follow these simple two rules to be sure that the two colors wrap properly.

1) If the last weft pick woven is going under the outermost warp end, make sure your next pick also goes under the other weft yarn.

2) If the last weft pick woven is going over the outermost warp end, take your next pick over the other weft yarn.

In the following picture, notice that the last pick woven (in the dark Fir Green) is going under the outermost warp end. This means that the next pick to be woven, in Gold, needs to also go under the loose end of the dark Fir Green weft thread. As you can see, the Gold weft thread is going under the Fir Green so that when the shed is opened, the Gold and Green will be properly interlaced.

Last Pick Woven was Under the Outermost Warp Thread

Similarly, when the last pick woven, shown in dark Fir Green in the following picture, is going over the outermost warp end, then the weft in Gold is placed over the Fir Green for the next pick.

Last Pick Woven was Under the Outermost Warp End