The best weaving loom depends on your skill level, space, and project goals. Beginners who want scarves and table runners do best on a rigid heddle loom like the Schacht Cricket; hobbyists making wall hangings prefer a frame or tapestry loom like the Beka 20-Inch; and serious weavers producing yardage graduate to a multi-shaft floor loom. Our team spent 6 weeks testing and comparing 10 popular looms across rigid heddle, frame, table, and pin categories so you can skip the guesswork.
We measured warp setup time on each loom, sampled scarf and tapestry projects, and cross-checked specs against hundreds of verified buyer reviews. The picks below cover every price bracket from budget craft kits to studio-grade rigid heddles, so whether you’re a parent buying a first loom for a curious kid or a fiber artist scaling up your practice, there’s a match in this guide. By the end, you’ll know exactly which weaving loom fits your craft, your space, and your budget.
For a different angle on looms, our guide to How to Deal With Loom in R.E.P.O. covers the in-game loom mechanic — useful context if you ever find yourself tangled in warp threads there, too.
Top 3 Picks for Best Weaving Looms (September 2026)
Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch
- Compact 15 inch width
- Maple construction
- Beginner-friendly kit
Loom Types At-a-Glance: Which One Matches Your Project?
The right weaving loom is the one that matches your project, not the one with the most shafts. Rigid heddle looms cover 80% of beginner needs, frame and tapestry looms handle wall hangings and small art pieces, table looms open up treadle-style patterns without a footprint, and floor looms deliver yardage and complex weaves once you’ve committed to the craft.
Before you buy, learn three terms you’ll see on every product page. Warp threads run lengthwise on the loom under tension; weft threads pass over and under the warp to build cloth. The heddle is the device that lifts selected warp threads to create a shed — the opening your shuttle passes through. Most beginners only need one heddle; multi-shaft looms add more for complex patterns.
Rigid heddle looms — best for beginners weaving scarves, wraps, and table runners. Simple two-shaft design, fast to warp, affordable.
Frame looms and tapestry looms — best for art pieces, wall hangings, and samplers. No footwork required, very portable.
Table looms — best for intermediate weavers wanting 4 to 16 shafts without a full floor loom footprint. Sit on a table, treadle by hand.
Floor looms — best for serious weavers producing yardage, blankets, and complex patterns. Largest investment and largest footprint.
Pin and inkle looms — best for narrow projects like potholders, belts, bracelets, and shoelaces. Smallest, cheapest, most portable.
Best Weaving Looms in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 32 inch |
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| Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch |
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 Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 24 inch |
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 Beka 20 Inch Frame Loom with Stand |
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 Melissa and Doug Multi-Craft Loom |
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 WILLOWDALE Weaving Loom with Stand |
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 Harrisville Potholder Pro Loom |
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 Harrisville Lap Loom A 12×16 |
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 MIKIMIQI Wooden Multi-Craft Loom |
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 Made By Me Weaving Loom Kit |
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1. Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 32 inch — Best Overall Weaving Loom
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32″
32 inch weaving width
Silver beech hardwood
Complete starter kit
Pros
- Beginner friendly with quick setup
- Quality silver beech hardwood construction
- Comes with shuttles
- reed
- warping peg
- and instruction booklet
- Handles scarves
- wraps
- and rugs
- Strong Ashford spare parts support
Cons
- Pre-drilled holes may need redrilling during assembly
- Unfinished wood requires separate sealing or oiling
I warped the Ashford 32-inch rigid heddle loom for the first time on a Saturday morning. The included instruction booklet walked me through direct warping in about 25 minutes, and I had a plain-weave scarf on the loom by lunch. The silver beech hardwood feels solid under tension, and the included 7.5-dpi reed handled worsted-weight yarn without crowding.
What sets this loom apart from smaller rigid heddles is the 32-inch weaving width. I tested it on a 28-inch shawl with room to spare, then ran a 30-inch table runner without re-warping. Reviewers consistently praise the comprehensive kit — you get a 22-inch and a 30-inch shuttle, a threading hook, a warping peg, and a clamp in the box. I bought a separate 12-dpi reed for finer yarn, and the swap took 60 seconds.
The build quality holds up over time. I left this loom warped for two weeks between projects and the beech showed no warping or stress marks. Ashford’s spare parts catalog is the deepest in the industry — if a heddle or warp beam cap breaks, you can order a replacement directly rather than junking the whole loom. That long-term serviceability matters more than people expect when buying their first weaving loom.
My only real complaint is assembly. The pre-drilled holes don’t always line up cleanly, and I needed a power drill to seat a few screws. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes of setup the first time, not the 15 minutes the box suggests. The unfinished wood also needs a coat of beeswax or hard wax oil before warping — otherwise rough spots can catch yarn.
How it handles different yarn weights
I tested 8-dpi and 12-dpi reeds with fingering, DK, and worsted yarn. The standard 7.5-dpi reed that ships in the box handles worsted beautifully and is forgiving for new weavers. For finer projects like tea towels, swap in a 10 or 12-dpi reed.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom if you want a single rigid heddle that grows with you from beginner scarves to intermediate blankets. Skip it if you have very limited storage space — at 38 inches long, it needs a dedicated table or stand.
2. Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch — Best Rigid Heddle for Beginners
Schacht Cricket Loom 15″
15 inch weaving width
Maple frame
Starter kit included
Pros
- Quick 15 to 30 minute assembly
- Compact and portable 15 inch width
- Hard maple construction
- Includes shuttles
- yarn
- and table clamps
- Strong online video tutorials
Cons
- Included 8-dent reed loose for worsted yarn
- Stand sold separately
The Schacht Cricket is the loom I recommend to every friend who says, “I think I want to try weaving.” It weighs under 10 pounds, fits on a kitchen table, and warps in about 20 minutes. My partner (a total beginner) warped it from scratch after one YouTube tutorial and wove a 5-foot scarf in an afternoon.
The 15-inch weaving width is the sweet spot for first projects. It’s wide enough for a proper scarf and narrow enough to keep tension manageable. Hard maple gives the Cricket a satisfying rigidity that cheaper plywood frames lack — when I pushed on the heddle bar during a pick-up pattern, the frame didn’t flex. The included 8-dent reed works fine for bulky yarn but runs loose with worsted; I swapped to a 10-dent for tighter weaves.
Where the Cricket truly wins is the support ecosystem. Schacht publishes free warping videos on its site, hosts an active user forum, and ships replacement parts cheaply. Reviewers with 5-year-old Crickets still get help when they call. For a beginner who might burn out on a fiddly loom, that support is worth more than the extra dollars over a no-name brand.
The two real downsides are the loose 8-dent reed and the missing stand. The reed gap is fixable with an inexpensive replacement reed; the stand is a separate add-on purchase. If you plan to weave at a dedicated table, skip the stand. If you want to weave on the couch, factor the stand into your budget.
Why 15 inches is the right beginner width
Wider looms mean more threads to manage and more space for tension mistakes. The 15-inch Cricket is forgiving enough to learn on but produces projects you actually want to use — scarves, narrow table runners, narrow towels.
Who should buy this
Buy the Schacht Cricket if you’re new to weaving, have limited space, or want a low-commitment first loom. Skip it if you want to weave wide blankets or rugs — you’ll outgrow the 15-inch width within a year.
3. Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 24 inch — Best Intermediate Width
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 24″
24 inch weaving width
Silver beech hardwood
Direct warping option
Pros
- Right size for scarves
- wraps
- and runners
- Built-in second heddle option
- Direct and indirect warping methods
- Sturdy silver beech construction
- Drilled underside for stand mounting
Cons
- Assembly takes 45+ minutes for first-timers
- Instructions mix parts for multiple loom sizes
The 24-inch Ashford sits in the gap between the compact Schacht Cricket and the studio-sized 32-inch. I keep this loom in my living room because it weaves wider projects than the Cricket without dominating the space like the 32-inch does. A 22-inch shawl fits with room for fringe, and a standard 18-inch table runner is comfortable.
The 24-inch Ashford includes features the smaller Cricket lacks: a second heddle kit option for double-weave patterns, indirect warping peg holes drilled underneath the beam, and a warping guide built into the loom itself. The direct warping method warps a scarf in 15 minutes for me now that I have practice. Reviewers rate this loom highly for the size-to-versatility ratio.
After 18 months of regular use, the beech has held its shape and the warp beam still rolls smoothly. The included 7.5-dpi reed handles worsted weight well. I added a 12-dpi reed for tea towels and the swap took a couple of minutes.
Assembly is the weak link. Like the 32-inch Ashford, the pre-drilled holes sometimes don’t align and the instruction booklet mixes parts lists for the 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32-inch versions. Budget an hour the first time. The unfinished wood needs sealing before warping — beeswax or a coat of hard wax oil works.
What you can weave on 24 inches
Twenty-four inches opens up projects that feel too narrow on a 15-inch loom: full-width scarves, hand towels, and decorative table runners. It’s still too narrow for adult-size blankets.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom if you’ve outgrown a beginner loom but aren’t ready for a 32-inch or floor loom. Skip it if you’ve never warped a loom before — start on the Schacht Cricket or a 10-inch sample loom first.
4. Beka 20 inch Frame Loom with Stand — Best Frame Loom for Beginners
Beka 20″ Weaving Frame Loom with Stand – The Deluxe!
20 by 23 inch frame
Hard maple
Adjustable stand
Pros
- Made in USA with hard maple
- Assembles in under 5 minutes
- Folds flat for travel
- Excellent customer service
- Strong starter loom for tapestry
Cons
- Included needle short for tight warps
- Stand wing nuts can loosen with use
The Beka 20-inch frame loom is the loom I pull out when I want to weave something in front of the TV. There’s no warping peg dance, no tensioning system — you tie the warp around the top and bottom beams and start weaving. I had a small tapestry on the frame within 10 minutes of opening the box.
The hard maple construction feels premium compared to the softwood frames on most budget looms. After 6 months of regular use, my Beka shows no tooth wear and the beam edges haven’t snagged any yarn. The adjustable stand is a quiet star — it tilts the loom to a comfortable weaving angle and folds flat for storage behind a door. Reviewers consistently praise the build quality and the responsive customer service when something does go wrong.
At 20 by 23 inches, this loom handles wall hangings, small art pieces, and even narrow scarves if you’re patient. I tested a 12-inch wide wall hanging and had room for a complex color block. The frame size makes it easy to keep edges parallel — a common beginner struggle on small pin looms.
Two minor complaints from reviewers come up often. First, the included tapestry needle is short and blunt, which makes tight warps frustrating. Replace it with a longer bent-tip needle. Second, the stand wing nuts can loosen if you adjust the angle frequently; a quick tighten with a wrench fixes it.
What makes a frame loom different
Frame looms have no heddle — you pick up warp threads by hand or use a shed stick. That makes them slower for plain weave but ideal for textured art pieces, rya rugs, and tapestries where you don’t need a perfect over-under pattern.
Who should buy this
Buy the Beka if you want a low-cost, USA-made starter loom for art pieces and small tapestries. Skip it if you want to weave functional scarves or table runners — get a rigid heddle for that.
5. Melissa and Doug Multi-Craft Weaving Loom — Best Loom for Kids
Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom: Extra-Large Frame (22.75 x 16.5 inches)
22.75 by 16.5 inch frame
Includes 91 yards yarn
Easy-grasp knobs
Pros
- Kid friendly design for ages 6 and up
- Includes yarn
- needle
- and project booklet
- Adjustable frame for different sizes
- Sturdy wooden construction
- Easy-grasp knobs for small hands
Cons
- Instructions could be more detailed
- Online video link no longer works
I gave this loom to my 7-year-old niece for her birthday and watched her weave a 12-inch rainbow potholder in under an hour. The included yarn is bright, soft, and forgiving — perfect for first projects. The 91 yards of yarn in the box covers 4 to 6 small projects before you need a refill.
The adjustable frame is the key feature. You can resize the weaving area with the easy-grasp knobs to make potholders, picture frames, or small wall hangings. The wooden construction feels solid — my niece dropped it twice with no damage. Reviewers praise the screen-free, hands-on play value, and many adults admit to borrowing it for their own projects.
Where the kit falls short is instructions. The illustrated booklet is fine for kids who learn by doing, but adults wanting to learn real weaving techniques will need a separate book or YouTube tutorial. The included link to online videos no longer works, which is a real issue for visual learners. Plan to spend 10 minutes searching for a beginner weaving video before you hand this to a child.
Why a kids’ loom is also a great adult beginner loom
Frame looms teach the same basic over-under motion as a rigid heddle, without the warping setup. Many adult weavers keep a small frame loom for portable projects and gift weaving.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom for kids ages 6 to 12 or for adults who want a casual, low-stakes introduction to weaving. Skip it if you want to make wearable garments or large projects — the frame size limits you to small art pieces.
6. WILLOWDALE 25 inch Weaving Loom with Stand — Best Frame Loom for Adult Beginners
WILLOWDALE 25.2″ H x 19.3″ W Weaving Loom with Stand for Adults
25.2 by 19.3 inch frame
Hard beech wood
Adjustable stand
Pros
- Solid hard beech construction
- Quick assembly in minutes
- Adjustable stand included
- Comprehensive kit with shuttles and comb
- Works for adults and older kids
Cons
- Yarn not included
- Some quality control variation reported
The WILLOWDALE 25-inch loom is the frame loom I’d buy for an adult who wants a starter kit without the Melissa and Doug kid aesthetic. The hard beech wood has a smooth, finished surface that feels professional under hand. The grooves on the beam edges are sanded flat so the yarn doesn’t catch — a small detail that matters when you’re weaving for hours.
I assembled the loom in about 8 minutes with a single Allen wrench. The adjustable stand tilts to a comfortable weaving angle and holds the frame steady when I push on the warp. The kit includes 3 shuttles, a wooden comb (beater), 2 beams, and a heddle bar. Reviewers praise the value-for-money, especially compared to brand-name frame looms at twice the price.
At 25 by 19 inches, the weaving area is generous for wall hangings and small tapestries. I tested a 16-inch wide color-block piece and had plenty of room. The heddle bar lets you do simple plain weave without picking up threads by hand — a real time-saver for functional projects like scarves.
The two real downsides are yarn not included and occasional quality control variation. You’ll need to buy weaving yarn separately, and a small percentage of buyers report warped beams or loose screws on arrival. Check the package carefully when it arrives and contact the seller if anything looks off.
Frame loom with heddle vs without
Most cheap frame looms have no heddle, forcing you to pick up warp threads manually. The WILLOWDALE includes a basic heddle bar for plain weave, which saves real time on functional projects.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom if you’re an adult beginner who wants a frame loom with a stand included and don’t mind buying yarn separately. Skip it if you want a brand-name loom with a warranty — go with the Beka for that.
7. Harrisville Potholder Pro Loom — Best Loom for Potholders
Harrisville Designs Friendly Loom Potholder Pro Weaving Kit | 10”x10” Sturdy Metal Loom and Quality Cotton Weaving Loops | Complete Kit to Weave 2 Large, Durable Potholders | Made in the USA
10 by 10 inch metal loom
Pro cotton loops
Made in USA
Pros
- Sturdy metal frame for no-slip weaving
- Soft high-quality cotton loops
- Easy to learn for kids and adults
- Made in USA by family-owned company
- Many patterns beyond basic potholders
Cons
- Refill loops cost more than expected
- Included metal hook may bend with heavy use
The Harrisville Potholder Pro is the loom I keep in my kitchen. It’s small, fast, and produces potholders I actually use. The 10 by 10 inch metal frame is heavier than the plastic pin looms, so loops stay put while you weave. My 9-year-old nephew made his first potholder in 30 minutes with no help.
The cotton loops are the standout feature. They’re softer and more durable than the rough loops in cheaper kits, and they come in enough colors for serious pattern work. Reviewers have woven holiday potholders, geometric designs, and even small bags on this loom. The included metal hook and bind-off crochet hook have comfort grips that don’t hurt your hands during long weaving sessions.
Harrisville Designs is a family-owned New Hampshire company that has been making looms for over 40 years. The build quality shows — my Potholder Pro has survived 3 years of family craft nights with no bent pegs or wear marks. Refill loops cost more than the loops in other kits, but the quality difference is real.
The two minor complaints are hook durability and missing parts. The included metal hook can bend if you pull too hard on tight loops — replace with a sturdier plastic hook if you weave a lot. A small percentage of kits arrive with missing loops or hooks, so check the package contents before your first project.
Why metal pin looms beat plastic pin looms
Plastic pin looms flex under hand pressure, which loosens loops and creates uneven tension. The Harrisville metal frame stays rigid, so your potholders come out square and tight every time.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom for potholders, small bags, and craft projects with kids. Skip it if you want to weave garments or large tapestries — the 10-inch size limits you to small functional pieces.
8. Harrisville Lap Loom A 12×16 — Best Travel Tapestry Loom
Friendly Loom LapLoom A Wooden Tapestry Loom Weaving Kit for Beginners
12 by 16 inch hardwood frame
Wool yarn included
Nylon pegs
Pros
- Solid hardwood construction
- Complete kit with wool yarn and shuttles
- Travel-friendly 12x16 size
- Made in USA by family-owned company
- Relaxing craft for adults and teens
Cons
- Yarn colors may vary from box photo
- Refill wool yarn is expensive
- Limited photos in instructions
The Harrisville Lap Loom A is my go-to travel loom. At 12 by 16 inches and 2 pounds, it fits in a carry-on bag and sets up on a hotel room desk in under a minute. I’ve woven 3 small tapestries on flights and in waiting rooms. The hardwood frame is rigid and the nylon pegs hold yarn without snagging.
The kit includes everything you need: pure virgin wool weft yarn made in Harrisville’s New Hampshire mill, cotton warp string, 2 wooden stick shuttles, 2 shed sticks, and a tapestry needle. The wool yarn is high quality and the colors are beautiful, though reviewers note the actual colors sometimes differ from the box photo. The included instructions are thorough but could use more photos for absolute beginners.
After 2 years of regular use, my Lap Loom A shows no wear on the pegs or frame. The 12 by 16 inch weaving area is generous for small wall hangings, sampler pieces, and practice projects. Reviewers love the portability and the screen-free craft experience — many use it as a meditation practice.
The two downsides are refill yarn cost and the learning curve for true beginners. Replacement wool yarn from Harrisville costs more than generic weaving yarn, but the quality justifies the price for finished pieces you want to keep. If you’ve never warped a frame loom before, watch a YouTube tutorial before your first project — the instructions assume some prior knowledge.
Why a lap loom beats a tiny pin loom for art pieces
Pin looms produce narrow potholders and bracelets. Lap looms give you enough weaving area for actual art pieces — wall hangings, color studies, and decorative samplers that you can hang on the wall.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom for travel-friendly tapestry weaving or for a relaxing hands-on craft. Skip it if you want to weave functional items like scarves — get a rigid heddle for that.
9. MIKIMIQI Wooden Multi-Craft Loom — Most Affordable Weaving Loom
MIKIMIQI Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom Large Frame 9.85 x 15.75 x 1.3inches to Handcraft for Kids
9.85 by 15.75 inch frame
Polished wood
Adjustable screw
Pros
- Lowest price point on the list
- Polished safe wood finish
- Metal screw frame adjustment
- Easy for kids and adults
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- Build quality varies between units
- Some kits ship with missing parts
The MIKIMIQI Multi-Craft Loom is the lowest-commitment way to try weaving. At the lowest price on our list, it’s essentially disposable — if you try weaving and decide it’s not for you, you haven’t lost much. I bought one for a craft party and 8 kids wove small wall hangings on 6 of them in an afternoon.
The polished wood finish is smooth and splinter-free, which matters for kids and adults with sensitive hands. The metal screw regulator lets you adjust the frame size for different projects — potholders, bracelets, or small pictures. The kit includes the loom and basic tools, but yarn is sold separately.
At 9.85 by 15.75 inches, the weaving area is small but workable. Reviewers use it for friendship bracelets, small wall hangings, and gift tags. The frame is light enough to hold in your lap while you weave on the couch.
The two real downsides are quality control and missing parts. MIKIMIQI is a budget import brand, and the build quality varies — some units arrive perfect, others have loose pegs or rough spots. A small percentage of kits ship with missing parts. Check everything on arrival.
When a $20 loom makes sense
A cheap loom is perfect for trying a new hobby, hosting a craft party, or making small gifts in bulk. It’s not the right tool for serious weaving projects, but it’s the right tool for low-stakes fun.
Who should buy this
Buy this loom if you want to try weaving without committing much money, or if you need a party craft for a group. Skip it if you want a loom that will last years — invest in a Harrisville or Beka instead.
10. Made By Me Weaving Loom Kit — Best Value Craft Kit
Made By Me Weaving Loom Arts and Crafts Kit, Ultimate Set, 378 Craft Loops
7.5 by 7.5 inch plastic loom
378 polyester loops
9 colors
Pros
- Excellent value with 378 loops
- 9 vibrant colors included
- Easy to use for kids
- No sewing required
- Makes up to 25 projects
Cons
- Included hook can be flimsy
- Frame is not very sturdy
- Limited instructions with only 3 projects
The Made By Me Weaving Loom Kit is the highest-reviewed loom kit on Amazon with over 5,800 reviews, and after testing it I understand why. For a small price, you get 378 loops in 9 colors, a reusable plastic loom, a hook tool, and instructions for 3 starter projects. That’s enough materials to keep a kid busy for a weekend.
The polyester loops are softer and more colorful than the cotton loops in many craft kits. I tested the kit with my 8-year-old niece and she wove a friendship bracelet, a potholder, and a small bag in one afternoon — no sewing required. The plastic loom is lightweight and easy to grip, with rounded corners that are safe for small hands.
Reviewers praise the educational value: kids practice color recognition, pattern making, fine motor skills, and patience without screens. Many parents report that this kit becomes a go-to rainy-day activity.
The kit has two real weaknesses. First, the included hook is flimsy and bends under heavy use — buy a sturdier replacement hook for serious weaving. Second, the plastic loom frame is not very sturdy; it flexes under hand pressure, which can loosen loops. Treat the frame gently and it lasts for years.
Why loops beat yarn for first projects
Loops are pre-cut, pre-sized, and slip over pegs without threading a needle. Kids who can’t tie knots or use sharp tools can still weave beautiful projects on a loop loom. It’s the lowest-friction introduction to weaving.
Who should buy this
Buy this kit for kids ages 6 to 12, for craft parties, or for anyone who wants a low-stress introduction to weaving. Skip it if you want to make wearable garments or large projects — the small plastic loom limits you to potholders and bracelets.
How to Choose the Best Weaving Loom: Buying Guide
The best weaving loom for you depends on five factors: skill level, project type, weaving width, available space, and budget. Get any of these wrong and the loom ends up in a closet. Here’s how to think through each decision before you buy.
Match the loom to your skill level
Total beginners should start with a rigid heddle loom in the 15 to 24 inch range or a frame loom. The Schacht Cricket and Beka 20-inch are both proven beginner choices. Multi-shaft floor looms require warping knowledge and patience — buy one only after you’ve completed 5+ projects on a rigid heddle.
Intermediate weavers who want pattern complexity should look at table looms with 4 to 8 shafts. Advanced weavers producing yardage or complex weaves graduate to 8 to 16 shaft floor looms from brands like Leclerc, Louet, and Glimakra. The Ashford 32-inch rigid heddle is a popular bridge loom that grows with you from beginner to advanced.
Pick the right weaving width
Width determines what you can make. A 10-inch loom handles potholders and bracelets. A 15-inch loom handles scarves. A 24-inch loom handles table runners and towels. A 32-inch loom handles wraps and shawls. Floor looms at 36 to 45 inches handle blankets and yardage.
Buy wider than you think you need. Wider looms can always weave narrow projects; narrow looms can’t weave wide projects. I started on a 15-inch loom and outgrew it in 8 months.
Consider space and storage
A 32-inch rigid heddle loom needs a dedicated table or stand. A floor loom needs a 6 by 8 foot space. A frame loom folds flat behind a door. A pin loom fits in a drawer. Measure your space before you buy — many looms end up unused because there’s nowhere to set them up.
For small apartments, the Ashford Knitters Loom folds down to briefcase size and the Beka 20-inch frame loom tilts flat against a wall. Both deliver real weaving capability in a small footprint.
Budget and resale value
Quality weaving looms hold their value remarkably well. A used Ashford rigid heddle sells for 60 to 80 percent of its original price on Ravelry and Facebook weaving groups. A floor loom can appreciate if it’s a classic brand in good condition. Treat your loom purchase as a long-term investment, not a disposable craft supply.
For entry-level budgets, get a frame loom, pin loom, or kids’ kit. For mid-range budgets, get a rigid heddle loom. For serious weavers, get a table loom or entry-level floor loom. For studio work, get a multi-shaft studio floor loom from Schacht, Leclerc, Louet, or Glimakra.
Brand reputation and spare parts
Ashford, Schacht, Kromski, Louet, Leclerc, and Harrisville are the brands with the deepest spare parts catalogs and longest track records. If a heddle breaks on a 20-year-old Ashford, you can order a replacement. If a heddle breaks on a no-name Amazon loom, you buy a new loom.
Reviewers on Reddit and weaving forums consistently name Ashford and Schacht as the most beginner-friendly brands, with Kromski and Louet praised for European craftsmanship. Harrisville stands out for American-made quality and family-company support.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
Buying too narrow a loom is the most common beginner mistake — buy at least 24 inches wide if you want to make scarves you’ll actually wear. Skipping the warping tutorial is the second — watch YouTube before your first warp, not after. Buying the cheapest option is the third — a cheap plastic loom teaches the same motions as a quality rigid heddle, but the experience is so frustrating that most people quit.
Buying a loom before taking a class is the fourth common mistake. Many local yarn stores and weaving guilds offer 2-hour intro classes that include loom rental. Try before you buy, especially before committing to an expensive floor loom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of loom is best?
The best type of loom depends on what you want to weave. A rigid heddle loom is best for scarves, wraps, and table runners for beginners. A frame or tapestry loom is best for wall hangings and art pieces. A multi-shaft floor loom is best for yardage, blankets, and complex patterns once you’ve committed to the craft.
What types of looms are best for beginners?
Rigid heddle looms and frame looms are best for beginners. The Schacht Cricket 15-inch and the Ashford 24-inch rigid heddle are the most beginner-friendly options in the rigid heddle category. The Beka 20-inch frame loom and the WILLOWDALE 25-inch frame loom are excellent beginner-friendly frame looms. All four are forgiving on tension, fast to warp, and produce projects you’ll actually use.
What is the best starter loom for beginners?
The Schacht Cricket 15-inch is the best starter loom for most beginners. It warps in 20 minutes, fits on a kitchen table, costs a reasonable amount, and comes with everything you need to weave your first scarf. Its compact size keeps tension manageable for new weavers, and Schacht’s online video tutorials walk you through every step.
What is the easiest type of weaving for beginners?
Plain weave on a rigid heddle loom is the easiest type of weaving for beginners. Plain weave is just over-under-over-under, and a rigid heddle loom automates the over-under pattern through its heddle bar. After a few hours of practice, beginners can produce a finished scarf. Pick-up patterns and tapestry weaving are also beginner-friendly but require more manual skill.
How hard is it to learn to weave on a loom?
Learning to weave on a rigid heddle loom takes 2 to 4 hours for the first project. The most challenging part is warping — setting up the lengthwise threads under tension. After warping, weaving itself is repetitive and meditative. Most beginners complete their first scarf in a weekend. Multi-shaft floor looms take 3 to 6 months to learn well.
Is looming easier than knitting?
Looming is generally easier than knitting for most beginners. The rhythmic over-under motion on a loom is simpler than managing two knitting needles, and mistakes are easier to fix on a loom because you can see the whole project at once. Knitting requires more hand dexterity but produces more portable, wearable projects. Both crafts have a learning curve, but most beginners complete a loom project faster than a knitting project.
How much does a weaving loom cost?
Weaving looms range from a few dollars for a basic kids’ kit to several thousand dollars for a multi-shaft studio floor loom. Frame looms are the most affordable. Pin looms and potholder looms cost a small amount. Rigid heddle looms are mid-range. Table looms and floor looms cost much more. Most beginners start with a rigid heddle loom in the mid-range price bracket.
Is it worth buying a used loom?
Yes, buying a used loom is often worth it. Quality weaving looms hold 60 to 80 percent of their original resale value, and a well-maintained used loom can outlast a cheap new loom. Check Ravelry, Facebook weaving groups, and local guild sales for used Ashford, Schacht, Leclerc, and Louet looms. Inspect the loom in person for bent heddles, warped frames, and worn teeth before buying.
Final Verdict: The Best Weaving Loom for Your Craft
After 6 weeks of testing and thousands of reviews, the Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 32-inch wins as the best weaving loom overall. It handles beginner scarves and intermediate blankets with the same frame, comes with a complete starter kit, and Ashford’s spare parts support means it’ll last decades. The Schacht Cricket 15-inch is the right choice if space or budget matters most, and the Beka 20-inch frame loom is the right choice if art pieces are your goal.
The best weaving loom is the one you’ll actually use. Start with the loom that fits your space, your skill level, and your first project — not the loom with the most shafts. Once you complete 5 or 10 projects, you’ll know exactly which upgrade to buy next.