Jacquard Loom

A jacquard loom is equipped with a mechanism that controls each warp thread independently, enabling the creation of intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric structure. Invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1804 using punch cards for pattern control—a system considered a precursor to computer programming—modern jacquard looms use electronic controls that offer unlimited pattern complexity and rapid design changes.

The jacquard head mounts above a base loom, which may be a rapier, air jet, or projectile machine. Hook capacity ranges from 1,344 to over 24,576 hooks, with each hook controlling a single warp thread or small group of threads. Single-lift jacquards provide one hook per warp thread for maximum pattern detail, while double-lift configurations enable higher operating speeds of 200–600 RPM depending on the base loom.

The ability to control individual warp threads opens possibilities unavailable to simpler dobby looms: reversible fabric patterns, unlimited pattern repeats, and multi-color designs of any complexity. Jacquard looms are essential for luxury bedding and linens, upholstery and drapery fabrics, damask and brocade materials, woven labels, and technical textiles requiring complex structures. Setting up a jacquard loom requires careful warp preparation, typically using a drawing-in machine to thread the thousands of warp ends through the correct heddles according to the draft pattern.