Choosing a Loom
Most looms will fall into one of three categories: rigid heddle loom, shaft loom, and frame loom.
Once you’ve determined what loom is best for you, be sure to consider which loom accessories will work for you.
Vermont Weaving Supplies is a dealer for Schacht, Harrisville, Leclerc, and Glimakra weaving yarns, supplies, and looms.
We carry a carefully curated selection of looms that are well made and easy to use.
Rigid Heddle Looms
Rigid heddle looms are a relatively inexpensive way to break into weaving with a fairly small learning curve.
These are great for knitters who are looking to bust through their stash, people who want to get started quickly, do not want a lot of complexity or a long learning curve, and for people who think they might want to weave on a shaft loom, but would like to start with something easier to learn and easier to use.
Most people can master the rigid heddle loom without a hands-on class.
They are simpler than a shaft loom and more complicated than a frame loom. They are portable, sit on a table top or a specially designed frame, and start at $200.
Rigid heddle loom packages come with access to Dena’s instructional videos on how to warp and weave on your new loom (available beginning January 7).
Advantages
Small and portable
Lower cost
Easier to learn
Faster and simpler warping
More appropriate for knitting yarn
Good stepping stone to shaft weaving, especially without access to an in-person class
DIsAdvantages
Less versatile than shaft loom
Slower weaving than shaft loom
Harder to make fine cloth, wide projects, and complicated structures.
Shaft Looms
Shaft looms are often referred to as “floor looms” but they can be either table looms or floor looms. Shaft looms have a longer learning curve, are more expensive, and can take up a lot of space.
On the other hand, once you have mastered the basic skills, they are fast, versatile, and a whole lot of fun to work on. While people who have never taken an in person (or Zoom) class can weave on a shaft loom, it is a lot harder to learn from books and videos.
Shaft looms come with access to Dena’s instructional videos on how to warp and weave on your loom (available beginning Jan 15).
Prices on shaft looms start at $1300. Additional equipment costs around $300.
Advantages
Ability to easily use finer yarns
Easier to make wide projects
More access to fabric structures
Ability to weave fairly quickly with a fluid rhythm
DIsAdvantages
Longer learning curve than rigid heddle loom
More complicated warping process
Higher price point
Frame Looms
Frame looms are generally small and can be anything from a potholder loom to a tapestry loom. A basic frame to hold the warp (1) threads, sometimes with notches or pegs, and not much else.
These start at $20 and are lovely for their specific purpose, but not generally as a loom to grow with. Frame looms are available for special order.
Accessories
Along with your loom you will need some accessories to get you started. Click the link below to explore.
JOIN A WEAVING CLUB: MAKE, LEARN, STASH!
A box filled with yarn and an exciting weaving project delivered to your door. What could be better? Rigid heddle and shaft looms, floor or table loom options.