A wooden or composite boat-shaped device that holds a bobbin of yarn and carries it back and forth through the shed of the warp threads. In traditional hand weaving, it is thrown by hand, while in power looms, it is propelled mechanically at high speeds to create the fabric web.
Heard on the job
Watch your edges when you throw the shuttle so you don't pull the selvedge too tight.
Insider tip
A smooth, well-balanced shuttle is critical; a splinter or rough edge will snag the warp threads and cause a break.