The Modification of the Traditional Horizontal Loom from Wooden to Steel Frame for the Production of the Narrow Band Fabric

Abstract

The aim of this study is to construct a steel frame modified loom from the modified traditional men’s horizontal loom already produced in wooden frame to serve as a model for mass production to sustain Nigerian traditional weaving industry and form the basis for experimental research in small scale textile machinery production. Very few people who buy hand-woven products have the background to understand the time and effort traditional weavers put behind the production of their materials. The modified loom already constructed with wood was reproduced with steel metal. The result is a standard four harness loom that can weave visually any hand woven fabric. Weaving yarns of different spinning methods were used for the warps in order to achieve aesthetic and design qualities of the traditional fabrics. The fabrics tested on the metallic frame loom were in the form of joined strips multiplying the works of many traditional weavers on one loom. The metallic frame loom constructed can weave the equivalent of the works of up to 42 traditional weavers at the same time. The modified traditional men’s horizontal loom should not only be motorised, but should be computerized and be a foundation for a small scale textile machinery production.