What is float shuttle?

A float shuttle is a device used in textile weaving that carries a length of weft yarn across the width of the loom. The shuttle is designed to float on top of the warp yarns as it moves back and forth, allowing the weft yarn to be inserted into the shed (the space between the raised and lowered warp yarns).

Float shuttles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most consist of a narrow, oblong box with a small opening at the top where the weft yarn is inserted. The bottom of the box is typically fitted with a curved metal or wood piece called a race that guides the shuttle across the warp threads.

Float shuttles are generally used in weaving fabrics with a simple plain weave or twill pattern. More complex patterns may require specialized shuttles or shuttleless weaving technology.