माखु (Makhu) it is a weaving tool used in the traditional loom weaving. It is also known as shuttle in english. It is made from a flat, narrow piece of wood with notches on the ends of the ends to hold the weft yarn.
Dress and Ornaments, Tools and Instruments, Traditional Practices
Summary
Starching is the process where yarn/thread produced is wound on a spool to make a wrap. In order to make the thread stronger it is boiled with rice or flour and water. The yarn or wrap is taken out from the water and dried up in the sun.