Navajo Weaving Looms & Supplies

Navajo weaving has a style of its own and it is truly an organic craft. The tools are basic and the equipment is inexpensive. The looms are usually portable and can be readily moved. The looms are available in different sizes depending on what size rug that you want to weave or you can easily build your own loom (plans included in the book "Weaving the Navajo Way") We offer two different looms made by independent crafts people who have a passion for the craft. Your investment will be low compared to other types of looms, and you will discover the fun of weaving.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH A NAVAJO LOOM:

- Shed sticks-used to separate the warp threads
- Heddle Stick
- Batten
- Fork
- Needles
- Heddle Cord
- Weft Yarn
- Twining cord
- Book and/or Video

Navajo Weaving Looms

CACTUS FLOWER MINI LOOM

This miniature loom is a unique loom specifically designed for weaving Navajo style miniatures. What a breeze to use! You warp up right on the loom. Tension is provided by a novel spring system. This 12" by 15" loom will accommodate weavings up to 8" wide and 12" high. Each loom is individually hand crafted of select hardwood with custom made peg bars. You'll find this loom a pleasure to own and use.

Cactus Miniature Loom-made from Poplar*
Comes with a peg bar that warps up at 9 epi. (*Note: If out of poplar, mfg. reserves the right to substitute red cedar, cypress, or aspen in its place)

CAT-MLA-P - C - Popular - $85

Cactus Miniature Loom-made from Birch
Comes with a peg bar that warps up at 10 epi.

CAT-MLB-B - C - Birch - $95

Cactus Miniature Loom-made from Maple
Comes with a peg bar that warps up at 10 epi.

CAT-MLB-M - C - Maple - $95

Cactus Miniature Loom-made from Cherry
Comes witha peg bar that warps up at 10 epi.

CAT-MLC-C - C - Cherry - $115

Cactus Miniature Loom-made from Black Walnut
Comes with a peg bar that warps up at 10 epi.

CAT-MLC-W - C - Black Walnut - $115

Cactus Flower Maxi Loom

This loom works exactly like the mini loom but is designed for larger weavings. The loom is 17" by 21" and will accommodate weavings 12" wide and 18" high. It is still small enough to be a lap loom, but will require you to lean it against a table or pillow. The warp is spaced at 9 epi and is suitable for either worsted weight or sport weight (fine) yarns. Comes with shed stick and heddle stick.

Price - $150

CAT-MAX-P - Made from Pecan
CAT-MAX-AP - Made from African Padauk
CAT-MAX-H - Made from Hickory
CAT-MAX-M - Made from Mahogany
CAT-MAX-C - Made from Cherry

Dovetail Student Loom

The Student Loom is sturdy yet portable, with an easel stand that folds up to allow it to be carried or stored flat. The frame is 24" X 27", and the loom comes with three 1" X 24" dowels and two 3/8" X 24" dowels. Also provided is four u-bolts, which fit where desired into a line of holes drilled in the posts and hold the 1" dowels in position for warping. After warping the bottom dowel is held in place with two u-bolts and the top dowel is easily tensioned with two velcro cinch straps. This loom is made of solid maple and comes unassembled and ready to finish.

DOV-SL - Dovetail Student Loom - $139

Dovetail Navajo Loom

For the more advanced weaver. This loom is user-friendly and very handsome. Mad of solid maple with cherry and copper accents and a light danish oil finish. Will accommodate weaving size of approx. 30" X 32" or 30" X 56" in the tall version. Tension is easily and accurately adjusted with two handles centered over threaded rods. Includes five dowels: Three 1" X 32" and two 3/8" X 24".

DOV-NL - Dovetail Navajo Loom - $299 - 30" X 32"

DOV-TNL - Dovetail Tall Navajo Loom - $329 - 30" X 56"

WEAVING FORKS

These forks have tapered, hardened, stainless steel teeth. The teeth are set in a brass bar that forms a rigid backbone for the comb. The comb is embedded in the handle using epoxy resin for extreme strength and durability. Handles are shaped by hand and finished with two coats of linseed oil and bee's wax for a satiny finish that is a pleasure to hold. Comes in Maple, Cherry, Hickory and Walnut. Minis are made with 10 or 12 tines per inch; medium and large forks come in 5.5, 7, 10, and 12 tpi. Please specify tpi These Weaving Forks have a nice weight and feel and are styled like the traditional Navajo Combs. Available in 2 different sizes. (Shown in Cherry)

CAT-FK-1 - Weaving Fork 1" wide 9" long - $15

CAT-FK-15 - Weaving Fork 1.5"-1.75" wide 9" long - $17.50

CAT-FK-2 - Weaving Fork 2" wide 9" long - $19.00

These forks have tapered, hardened, stainless steel teeth. The teeth are set in a brass bar that forms a rigid backbone for the comb. The comb is embedded in the handle using epoxy resin for extreme strength and durability. Handles are shaped by hand and finished with two coats of linseed oil and bee's wax for a satiny finish that is a pleasure to hold. Comes in Maple, Cherry, Hickory and Walnut. Minis are made with 10 or 12 tines per inch; medium and large forks come in 5.5, 7, 10, and 12 tpi. Please specify tpi (Shown in Cherry).

MAG-MF-M - Mini Weaving fork 3/4" W X 8 1/2" L
Maple - $25

MAG-MF-C - Mini Weaving fork 3/4" W X 8 1/2" L
Cherry - $25 /SPECIFY TPI 10 or 12

MAG-MF-H - Mini Weaving fork 3/4" W X 8 1/2" L
Hickory - $25

MAG-MF-W - Mini Weaving fork 3/4" W X 8 1/2" L
Walnut - $25

MAG-MDF-M - Medium Weaving fork 2" W X 9 1/2" L
Maple - $45

MAG-MDF-C - Medium Weaving fork 2" W X 9 1/2" L
Cherry - $45 /SPECIFY TPI 5.5, 7, 10 or 12

MAG-MDF-H - Medium Weaving fork 2" W X 9 1/2" L
Hickory - $45

MAG-MDF-W - Medium Weaving fork 2" W X 9 1/2" L
Walnut - $45

MAG-LF-M -Large Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2"
Maple - $52 /SPECIFY TPI 5.5, 7, 10 or 12

MAG-LF-C - Large Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2"
Cherry - $52

MAG-LF-H - Large Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2"
Hickory - $52

MAG-LF-W -Large Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2"
Walnut - $52

MAG-LWF-M - Large Weighted Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2" - Maple - $52 /SPECIFY TPI 5.5, 7, 10 or 12

MAG-LWF-C - Large Weighted Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2" - Cherry - $52

MAG-LWF-H - Large Weighted Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2" - Hickory - $52

MAG-LWF-W -Large Weighted Weaving Fork 2 1/4" X 8 1/2" - Walnut - $52

Navajo Weaving Today
Author: Nancy N. Schiffer

The tradition of weaving textiles among the Navajo people in the Southwest is glimpsed in its present form in this new pictorial study. The regional styles long associated with Navajo blankets and rugs continue to evolve today and the sections of this book present the contemporary results through hundreds of beautiful all color photographs and text identifying many of the weavers. The new styles of Burntwater, , Wide Ruins, Ganado, Crystal, Chinle, Two Grey Hills, Teec Nos Pos, Western reservation and Shiprock area designs show continuing talent among today's Navajo weavers. There is also a section devoted to special purpose and fancy weavings including saddle blankets, round, double and two-faced weaves and multiples designs. One must conclude that the quality and diversity of Navajo weavings is at a high level today. $19.95

Navajo Weaving Way: The Path from Fleece to Rug
Author: Noel Bennett and Tiana Bighorse

"The authors have produced a book to treasure. They portray not only how Navajo weavers make their yarns and dyes and rugs, but how they think and talk about their work. The weavers’ own statements, recorded with warmth and affection, tell of traditional beliefs, spirtual restections, practical approaches, and modern outlooks" - review by Ann Lane Hedlund.

This book reflects four techical princeples of the complex Navajo weaving that includ perspectives and sensitivities from the weavers themselves, a relevant component in the techniques of Navajo weaving.

SC/160 pages/B&W photos and drawings $21.95