Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a weft strand into the shed of a loom or the like in which a confined zone is provided in proximity to the shed serving as a guide for a weft strand passing through the zone, and a sustained pulse of a supersonic gaseous medium is abruptly expelled from the zone directed toward said shed to thereby pass the weft strand through at least a portion of the shed. The strand is preferably confined to a pre-selected path during passage of the pulse of medium and the strand through at least the stated portion of said shed.