Shaft looms
Vermont Weaving Supplies is a dealer for Schacht, Harrisville, Glimakra, and Leclerc Looms. All looms and supplies from any of these companies, whether or not it is listed in the shop, can be ordered.
Purchasing a Floor Loom
Once you’ve decided between a rigid heddle loom and a floor loom, let’s talk! A floor loom is a big purchase and there is a lot to consider. I am here to guide you through the process. It usually takes 10-15 minutes by phone.
All floor looms purchased through Vermont Weaving Supplies include access to a group of unlisted educational YouTube videos that will teach you how to set up your loom and weave. I am also available for private zoom sessions.
Here are some of the questions and considerations that will help influence the decision:
Budget
Most new floor looms range in price from $1300 to $5000. Accessories will add an extra $300.
Size
How much space do you have?
What do you want to weave? Many new weavers think about the ultimate project that they want to make…often something complicated and large. My suggestion is to think about what you would like to weave 80% of the time and find a loom that is perfect for that.
There are ways of stretching the capacity of a loom, weaving friends to visit, classes to take for that large project. A loom that will weave a 60” blanket, may not be comfortable or ergonomic when you are weaving 10” wide scarves.
Shape
Do you need something that folds up for storage?
Complexity
Most new looms that are purchased are either four shaft or eight shaft. Each shaft increases the versatility of your loom. Do you get excited by complicated patterns? Do you enjoy playing with numbers? Do you lean towards mostly wanting to play with texture and color, or do complicated patterns feel exciting?
If you decide to go with an 8 shaft loom, you do not have to use all 8 shafts but it will give you plenty of space to explore and learn in the future.
Some looms are offered as a 4 now/4 later. The loom can accommodate all eight shafts, but comes with four to start with and you purchase the other four later.
New or Used?
There are many used looms on the market, and you can find great deals. If you are a new weaver, think about how comfortable you are with uncertainty versus what you are looking for in relationship to your budget.
Right now, small and portable looms are more in demand and hold their value better. If you are looking at smaller looms, you will often get a better deal buying new when you consider loom condition and upgrades that have been made to the design.
If you are looking for a larger loom, you might be able to find a great deal on something used.
It is always better to buy a loom from the person who actually wove on it rather than someone it was passed down to. No guarantees, but weavers tend to be honest, good people.
Shaft Looms for Sale
Shipping Your New Loom
Shipping on all orders, including looms, is $9.75. All add-ons and accessories purchased with your floor loom receive free shipping, plus 10% off. After placing an order for your loom, we will send you an email with coupon codes for these discounts. If you do not receive this email, please reach out: dena@vermontweavingsupplies.com.
Floor looms are drop shipped directly from the manufacturer.
General Lead Times
These are dependent on many factors. Please contact us directly for more information.
Harrisville: Kits ship in one week from placement of order. Contact us for estimated shipping time for assembled looms. Shipped from New Hampshire.
Schacht: Looms generally have a five-week lead time from date the order is placed. Shipped from Colorado.
Glimakra: Looms generally ship in one week from California.
