One of Heathcoat's machines (patented in 1809), the most expensive and complex textile machine then in existence, simulated the movements of the bobbins in the hands of the pillow-lace workers, producing an exact imitation of pillow lace. Heathcoat and his partner, Charles Lacy, built a mill at Loughborough to exploit the new process. The Luddites invaded the mill in 1816 and destroyed 55 lace frames. Heathcoat afterward installed new and greatly improved machines at a mill in Tiverton, Devon. He also developed contrivances for ornamenting net in the course of manufacture and for making ribbons and plaited and twisted net, he invented improved yarn-spinning frames, and, finally, he devised methods for winding raw silk from cocoons. From 1832 to 1859 he represented Tiverton in Parliament.