Here are the specific steps involved in using a loom before the flying shuttle:
1. Warp preparation: The first step was to prepare the warp threads, which were the vertical threads on the loom. The warp threads were attached to a beam at the back of the loom and then passed through a series of heddles, which were devices that controlled the raising and lowering of individual warp threads.
2. Weft insertion: The next step was to insert the weft thread, which was the horizontal thread that interlaced with the warp threads to create the fabric. The weft thread was held on a shuttle, which was a small boat-shaped device.
3. Shed formation: Before the weft could be inserted, a space called a shed had to be created between the warp threads. This was done by raising some of the warp threads with the heddles and lowering others.
4. Shuttle throwing: Once the shed was formed, the weaver threw the shuttle through the shed from one side of the loom to the other. The weft thread was then passed through the shed and beaten into place using a comb-like tool called a beater.
5. Repeating the process: The process of inserting the weft, creating a shed, and throwing the shuttle was repeated over and over again to create the fabric.
The flying shuttle was a significant improvement on this process, as it allowed the weft thread to be passed through the shed much more quickly and easily. This greatly increased the speed and efficiency of weaving.