Weaving Looms

Ready to Weave? Shop Our Loom Collection

Are you interested in buying a loom? There are many considerations:

1. What do you want to weave?

2. How big of a piece do you intend to weave?

3. How much space do you have?

4. What is your level of weaving knowledge, skill and interest?

5. What weaving supplies and loom accessories do you need?

6. Is the loom for you or someone else?

7. What is your budget?

The Woolery carries the widest selection of most popular weaving looms among crafters for sale from all the major manufacturers.

• Ashford Handicrafts – Based in New Zealand, the Ashford family has been supplying the fiber arts community since 1934. The Ashford product line includes hand looms, rigid heddle looms, inkle looms, tapestry looms, table looms and floor looms. They also offer a full line of weaving supplies, loom accessories and weaving kits.
• Glimakra – With a history that dates to 1926, Glimakra has been producing looms in Sweden since 1950. The Glimakra product line includes band looms, rigid heddle looms, table looms and floor looms. They also offer a full line of weaving supplies, loom accessories and weaving kits.
• Kromski and Sons – The Kromski family traces its history in the fiber arts to 1918. Their rigid heddle looms are produced in Poland. They also offer a full line of rigid heddle weaving supplies and loom accessories.
• Leclerc Looms – Tracing its history to 1874, Leclerc produces weaving looms in Canada. Their extensive product line includes rigid heddle looms, table looms, floor looms and a several specialty looms. They also offer a full line of weaving supplies and loom accessories.
• Louet – Established in 1974 and based in The Netherlands, the Louet product line includes tapestry looms, table looms, and floor looms. They also offer a full line of weaving supplies and loom accessories.
• Mirrix – This mother /daughter run company produces a line of specialty tapestry and bead looms produced in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
• Schacht Spindle Company – Established in 1969, Schacht produces looms in Boulder, Colorado. The Schacht product line includes hand looms, rigid heddle looms, inkle looms, tapestry looms, table looms and floor looms. They also offer a full line of weaving supplies and loom accessories.

What is a Loom?

A loom can be defined as any device used to weave thread or yarn into cloth, a rug, or a tapestry. A loom holds one group of parallel threads under tension (the warp) while enabling the weaving of another set of threads (the weft) perpendicular to the threads under tension. The pattern of the weave is typically determined by the manipulation or movement (up or down) of the warp threads, which can come in a range of sizes.

Types of Weaving Looms

Weaving looms come in a vast range of different types and sizes, each designed to meet different weaving needs and preferences. The most common loom types include rigid heddle looms, table looms, floor looms, and tapestry looms. Each type offers unique benefits for weavers of all skill levels. The variety of loom types allows for a wide range of projects, from simple scarves to intricate tapestries, catering to both beginners and experienced weavers alike.

When selecting a loom, it's essential to consider your specific weaving goals and the space you have available. Looms vary in size, with some designed for portability while others, such as a four-shaft table loom, are more substantial and stable, perfect for complex projects. Whether you're interested in creating small decorative pieces or larger textiles, there's a loom type to suit your needs.

Floor Looms

Floor looms are ideal for weavers who want to take on larger and more complex projects with a wide variety of widths. These looms are designed to handle the increased tension needed for weaving heavier fabrics, making them suitable for rugs, tapestries, and wide textiles. Floor looms often come with multiple shafts, allowing for advanced weaving techniques and intricate patterns and designs. Investing in a floor loom opens the door to endless creative possibilities. With the appropriate setup, you can create stunning textiles that showcase your skills and artistic vision, making them a cherished addition to your weaving journey.

Table Looms

Table looms serve as an excellent intermediate option for weavers looking to explore more intricate patterns without the complexity and size of a floor loom. Whether you are a beginner ready to advance or an experienced weaver seeking a portable solution, table looms offer the perfect blend of functionality and creativity. Their accessibility and range of capabilities make them a valuable asset for any weaving enthusiast, allowing weavers to experiment with various loom types, weave structures, and textures.

Rigid Heddle Looms

Rigid heddle looms are a popular choice among both novice and experienced weavers due to their simplicity and versatility. These looms feature a rigid heddle that allows for plain weave projects and basic patterns, making them a fantastic starting point for beginners. The ease of use is one of the main reasons weavers gravitate towards rigid heddle looms. They provide a straightforward way to explore the art of weaving and take up less space than table or floor looms.

With rigid heddle looms, you can create a variety of projects, such as scarves, hand towels, and even small rugs. They are available in a variety of widths, making them lightweight and portable, allowing you to weave comfortably in different settings, whether at home or on the go. As you gain confidence, many rigid heddle looms can be adapted for double heddle setups, allowing for more complex patterns.

Tapestry & Frame Looms

Tapestry looms are specifically designed for creating intricate wall hangings and decorative textiles. These looms hold the warp threads tightly, allowing for even tension, which is critical when weaving detailed designs. Many weavers begin their journey with a tapestry or simple frame loom, as they provide an accessible introduction to the art of weaving.

The unique structure of tapestry looms allows artisans to explore various techniques, such as weft-faced weaving, which emphasizes the weft's role in creating the overall design. For those interested in weaving with a personal touch, tapestry looms, including handheld looms, are often the first choice. They provide an excellent platform for creativity, allowing you to craft beautiful pieces that reflect your style and artistic expression.

Inkle Looms

Inkle looms are compact and portable weaving tools that are specifically designed for creating narrow, strong bands such as belts, straps, and decorative trims. They are popular among both beginner and experienced weavers because of their simplicity and ease of use. Typically made from wood, an inkle loom features a series of pegs or dowels set into a sturdy frame, which helps to keep the warp threads under tension while weaving.

One of the main advantages of using an inkle loom is its versatility in creating various patterns and designs. By manipulating the color order of the warp threads and using different weaving techniques, crafters can produce intricate motifs and eye-catching geometric patterns.

Another benefit is portability—inkle looms are small enough to be used on a tabletop or even taken on trips, making them ideal for those who enjoy crafting on the go. Projects woven on inkle looms are not only functional but also make personalized gifts or unique accessories. Overall, the inkle loom is an excellent tool for anyone interested in learning traditional weaving techniques or adding custom-made bands to clothing, bags, musical instruments, or home décor items.

Back Strap Looms

The back strap loom is a traditional and portable weaving device that has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world, especially in Central and South America, as well as Asia. It consists of two parallel bars (or sticks) between which the warp threads are stretched. One bar is typically secured to a stationary object, such as a tree, post, or wall, while the other is connected to the weaver via a strap that goes around their lower back. This arrangement allows the weaver to create tension on the warp threads by leaning back, making it possible to control the tightness and consistency of the weave.

The simplicity of the back strap loom makes it highly versatile and accessible. It can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing weavers to carry their work with them or set up almost anywhere. Despite its straightforward design, skilled artisans can produce intricate patterns and complex textiles using this loom. The width of the woven fabric is generally limited by how far apart the weaver can stretch their arms, but within that limitation, a variety of techniques—such as brocading or supplementary weft weaving—can be employed.

Learning to weave on a back strap loom offers insight into ancient textile traditions and fosters an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in handwoven fabrics. The technique remains popular among hobbyists and professional textile artists alike due to its portability, affordability, and direct connection between maker and material.

Triangle Looms

A triangle loom is a distinctive type of weaving loom characterized by its triangular shape. Unlike traditional rectangular or circular looms, the triangle loom employs a continuous strand of yarn that serves as both the warp (vertical threads) and the weft (horizontal threads). This unique technique allows for seamless integration of the two elements, resulting in a fabric with fewer joins and an even tension throughout.

Triangle looms are particularly favored for creating shawls, scarves, ponchos, and other wrap-style garments due to their ability to produce naturally shaped triangular pieces without the need for extensive cutting or sewing. Weavers typically use a single, long piece of yarn which is wrapped around pegs along the three sides of the loom in a specific sequence. As they weave, each new layer interlocks with previous ones, building up the fabric from one corner to the opposite side.

Which weaving loom is best for starting out as a beginner?

When starting as a beginner, the best loom choice often depends on your crafting goals and the types of projects you wish to pursue. A rigid heddle loom is frequently recommended for newcomers due to its straightforward design and ease of use. It allows for a wide variety of projects, from scarves to table runners, while being portable enough for on-the-go weaving.

Handheld looms, such as inklet looms and backstrap looms, are also a great entry point. They are compact and easy to use, making them suitable for weaving narrow pieces like belts or decorative bands. For those who want to dive into more complex patterns without overwhelming themselves, a table loom can be a fantastic choice.

Ultimately, the best first loom is one that aligns with your interests, space, and budget. Exploring different options will help you find your first loom that feels comfortable and inspires you to create.

Where can I buy weaving looms online with a good selection?

Here at The Woolery, we offer a wide range of types of looms, including rigid heddle, table, floor, and tapestry options from various manufacturers. We also provide helpful descriptions and guidance on selecting the right loom for your projects. Our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Service Team is standing by to help you answer these and any other questions that you may have about selected a loom.

What features should I look for when buying a weaving loom?

When purchasing a weaving loom, several key features should be considered to ensure it meets your crafting needs. Ease of use is paramount, especially for beginners. Look for looms that offer straightforward setups and user-friendly designs, which can significantly enhance your learning experience.

Do I need additional weaving equipment with my loom purchase?

You might wonder if additional equipment is necessary. While a loom is the primary tool, having some essential accessories like stick shuttles can enhance your crafting experience. Items like shuttles, bobbins, and warp weights can make the process even smoother and more efficient.

Moreover, consider your workspace. If you're working with a larger loom, you may require a dedicated area to accommodate it comfortably. Remember that some looms, especially those with more shafts, may need more space for setup and operation.

Weaving Tools and Accessories

To enhance your experience, having the right equipment, tools, and accessories is essential. A well-equipped weaver's toolkit can significantly improve the quality of your projects. Here are some essential tools you might consider:

• Shuttles: Used for carrying the weft thread across the warp threads.
• Bobbins: Hold the weft yarn and come in various sizes to accommodate different projects.
• Warping Mill or Board: Helps in winding warp threads efficiently.
• Fringe Twister: Assists in creating decorative fringes for your woven pieces.

Having these tools at your disposal will allow you to experiment with various techniques and projects. The right accessories can provide added convenience and enhance the quality of your weaving, making the process more enjoyable and fulfilling.