Slim Boat Shuttle - Open Bottom

Precision-crafted open bottom slim boat shuttle designed for smooth, effortless weaving on any loom. Handmade from premium hardwoods with innovative threaded ball spring plunger system for secure bobbin retention. Available in three lengths (8", 10", 12") and six wood species to match your weaving style.

Key Features:

• ✓ Three sizes available — 8", 10", or 12" to fit your loom and project needs
• ✓ Six premium hardwoods — Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Purple Heart, Padauk, Quartersawn White Oak
• ✓ Open bottom design — Lighter weight, faster glide, with open access to apply weft tension above or below the bobbin for precise, accurate picks
• ✓ Slim profile (1.375" wide) — Perfect for intricate weaving and tight warps
• ✓ Threaded ball spring plunger system — Secure, repeatable bobbin retention with satisfying click
• ✓ Dual yarn guides — Smooth yarn exit in both directions, no catching
• ✓ Ergonomic shape — Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
• ✓ Hand-sanded smooth finish — Eco-friendly Danish oil (except Padauk, left natural)
• ✓ Lightweight construction — Swift, agile movement for efficient weaving
• ✓ Complete kit included — Axle, washers, Allen wrench, cardboard quill

What's Included:

One Open Bottom Slim Boat Shuttle (8", 10", or 12"), bobbin axle (1/16" music wire), 2 small washers, 2mm Allen wrench, and one cardboard quill (3.5", 5", or 6" to match shuttle length).

Why Choose an Open Bottom Shuttle?

This isn't just a tool — it's an extension of your creative expression. The open bottom design makes this shuttle lighter and faster across the warp than its closed bottom counterpart, and gives you the ability to apply tension to your weft from above or below the bobbin — a subtle but powerful advantage for weavers who demand clean, consistent, accurate picks. The slim design makes it ideal for intricate patterns, tight warps, and detailed work, while the flat bottom ensures smooth, effortless passes. Whether you're using a table loom, folding loom, or floor loom, this shuttle will become your go-to tool for efficient, enjoyable weaving.

Specifications

Yarn Capacity (using 5/2 Cotton)

Dimensions

Width: 1.375" (34.9mm) — Height: 0.75" (19mm)
Lengths: 8" (203mm), 10" (254mm), 12" (305mm)
Cardboard quill lengths: 3.5" (89mm), 5" (127mm), 6" (152mm)

Approximate Weight by Wood Species

How to Use

Wind your weft yarn onto the cardboard quill. Place a washer on each end of the quill, then insert the bobbin axle through the shuttle body and quill. Lock the axle in place using the threaded ball spring plunger — you'll feel and hear a satisfying click. The washers allow the quill to spin freely for smooth yarn release. For more drag, remove the washers. To change colors, simply unlock the axle, swap quills, and re-lock.

Wood Species Notes

All shuttles are finished with eco-friendly Danish oil (fine sanded, applied, sanded, reapplied) for a smooth, silk-like feel. Padauk shuttles are left unfinished to prevent surface crystallization that could transfer to your weaving.

Compatible Looms

Works with table looms, folding looms, floor looms, and any loom type. Perfect for both seasoned artisans and beginners.

Explore My Full Shuttle Collection

Looking for a different style? I handcraft every shuttle in my lineup from the same premium hardwoods with the same care and attention to detail.

• Slim Boat Shuttle — Closed Bottom — A closed bottom design that protects your yarn and prevents snags. Three sizes.
• Double Bobbin Boat Shuttle — Closed Bottom — Two bobbins, closed bottom design for yarn protection and snag prevention. Instant color changes.
• Double Bobbin Boat Shuttle — Open Bottom — Two bobbins, open bottom design for lighter weight, faster glide, and weft tension control above or below the bobbin.

Need Extra Quills?

Cardboard quills are available separately for $2.00 each. Cardboard Weaving Quills — Boat Shuttle Bobbins.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this or any of my products, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always here to answer questions and give advice or tips on any of my products and their uses. I typically respond within five minutes, which I believe is extremely important in building rapport, credibility, and getting to know you as a customer.

Proudly Made in America

Thank you so much for considering my shop.

General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) Information

• Intended Use: Designed for weaving applications on table looms, floor looms, and folding looms. Holds weft yarn on cardboard quill for smooth shuttle passes across warp threads. Open bottom design allows weft tension to be applied above or below the bobbin for precise, accurate picks.
• Product Composition: Made from premium hardwoods (Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Purple Heart, Padauk, or Quartersawn White Oak), music wire axle (1/16" diameter), stainless steel washers, and eco-friendly Danish oil finish (except Padauk, which is unfinished).
• Age Restrictions: Suitable for ages 12 and up with basic weaving knowledge. Not a toy. Contains small parts (axle, washers, Allen wrench) that may present choking hazard for young children.
• Potential Hazards: Contains small metal parts (axle, washers) that may present choking hazard if swallowed. Music wire axle has sharp ends — handle with care. Wood edges may cause splinters if shuttle is damaged or improperly sanded. Keep small parts away from children under 3.
• Usage Instructions: Wind weft yarn onto cardboard quill. Place washer on each end of quill, insert bobbin axle through shuttle body and quill, and lock axle using threaded ball spring plunger. Ensure axle is fully seated and locked before use. Use 2mm Allen wrench to adjust plunger tension if needed. Replace cardboard quill when worn or damaged.
• Care and Maintenance: Wipe wooden body clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not submerge in water or expose to excessive moisture. Reapply Danish oil finish as needed to maintain smooth surface. Check axle and plunger mechanism regularly for proper function. Store in dry environment away from direct sunlight.
• Disposal Instructions: Shuttle is made from durable materials including hardwood, stainless steel, and music wire. Wood body may be recyclable or compostable depending on local guidelines. Metal components (axle, washers, plunger) should be recycled as scrap metal. Dispose of responsibly according to local waste regulations.

Riley Wood and Fiber Art

Spokane, WA 99217

jason@rileywoodandfiberart.com