Step 1: Understanding shafts in weaving.
In weaving, shafts or harnesses control the movement of warp threads to form sheds. For a single plain weave, a minimum of 2 shafts are required.
Step 2: Double cloth weave concept.
A double cloth weave involves weaving two separate layers of fabric simultaneously on the same loom. Each layer requires a minimum of 2 shafts. Therefore, for two layers, the total shafts needed are:
\[ 2 \times 2 = 4 \]
Step 3: Practical application.
While more shafts may be used in complex structures, the minimum requirement is always 4 for a double cloth.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the minimum number of shafts/harnesses required is 4.