Typically, looms use a shuttle to weave the weft thread through the shed of warp threads. However, the rapier isn`t that type of loom. It uses a rapier or small finger-like projections to carry the weft thread across the warp thread. There are two types of rapier looms.
One is called a single rapier and the other is called a double rapier. In the single rapier loom, one rapier extending the length of the shed is used. In the double rapier, two rapiers exist. One rapier carries the weft thread halfway across, where it is met by the other rapier that takes it to the end.