Loom

A warp-weighted loom, sometimes tens of feet across, is the primary means by which fabric is woven in Stenza society (they have the technology to synthesize fabric to fit a person exactly, but this is reserved for Insulating Mesh and some components of Battle Armor). The loom rests in a near vertical position, often near a wall, and a weaver walks back and forth, working the shuttle through the warp threads according to the weaves of their region. The bobbin rests within a specialized arm that allows it to spin while the weaver walks back and forth and winds and unwinds thread from the shuttle. The Stenza consider this the most efficient type of loom and struggle to sit still when faced with smaller ground or backstrap looms. Studies even show that Stenza weavers work better when they are allowed to move, although why this is the case is still unknown. (Possibly related is the fact that they often pace while spinning.)

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Warp threads are held in place by stone weights, around which extra warp thread can be wrapped (which allows the weaver to continue by rolling up the finished fabric and unwinding the warp thread from the weights). This, coupled with the size of many warp-weighted Stenza looms, allows the creation of fabric of almost any size.

Item type

Tool

Used by