Flying Shuttle - John Kay - The Inventors

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Inventors Flying Shuttle Flying ShuttleBy Mary Bellis

In 1733, John Kay invented the flying shuttle, an improvement to looms that enabled weavers to weave faster. The original shuttle contained a bobbin on to which the weft (weaving term for the crossways yarn) yarn was wound. It was normally pushed from one side of the warp (weaving term for the the series of yarns that extended lengthways in a loom) to the other side by hand. Large looms needed two weavers to throw the shuttle. The flying shuttle was thrown by a leaver that could be operated by one weaver.

John Kay was the twelfth child of a farmer and born in Lancashire on July 16, 1704. In 1753, his home was attacked by textile workers who were angry that his inventions might take work away from them. Kay fled England for France where he died in poverty around 1780.

Kay's invention paved the way for mechancal power looms, however, the technology would have to wait another thirty years before a power loom was invented by Edmund Cartwright in 1787.

John Kay John Kay invented the flying shuttle in 1733.

The "Flying Shuttle" In May 1733, Kay patented his "New Engine of Machine for Opening and Dressing Wool". This machine included the Flying Shuttle.

Flying Shuttle Image

Related Innovations Industrial Revolution - Timeline of the Textile Industry

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