Abstract

Textile production stands as one of humanity’s oldest and most essential technologies, deeply interwoven with the development of civilizations across the globe. Weaving, in particular, is not only a practical craft but also a form of expression through pattern, structure, and material. The advent of textile machinery revolutionized fabric production by enabling efficiency, complexity, and consistency. However, traditional weaving machines-especially those capable of creating patterned textiles-often involve intricate mechanisms, such as multiple heddles and treadle systems, which create a significant barrier to entry for beginners and limit accessibility in educational settings. This research addresses these challenges by developing an innovative desktop shuttle loom equipped with a mechanically programmable flat-plate heddle and an open-type heald. The design simplifies traditional mechanical systems and introduces a novel method of converting textile patterns into loom instructions using bitmap coding. By interpreting weaving patterns as binary pixel grids, where the state of each warp thread (up or down) is predetermined, the loom’s flat-plate heddles can be shaped accordingly. Each heddle features a series of convex and concave elements that physically manipulate the warp threads, mimicking the logical flow of a computer program applied to weaving. The loom’s structure is minimalistic, portable, and cost-effective, making it suitable for museum education programs, STEAM workshops, and general public engagement in textile science. The implementation includes instructional materials and video resources that guide users through the operation, from pattern creation to fabric production. Through hands-on testing and workshops, the loom demonstrated a significant reduction in the learning curve while enhancing learners’ understanding of pattern logic, textile history, and mechanical principles. Ultimately, this project bridges the gap between historical textile techniques and modern coding concepts. It presents a tangible way to teach programming logic, design thinking, and cultural heritage through the act of weaving, making it a powerful tool for interdisciplinary education.

Keywords:Weaving; Pattern design; Bitmap graph; Mechanical program; Innovation heald design; Science popularization