A Beginners Guide To Choosing A Floor Loom For Weaving

If you are ready to embark on the journey of weaving, you may feel a little intimidated when you begin to shop for your first weaving loom. There are so many types and sizes to choose from that it can be difficult to know which is right for your needs. Taking a few things into consideration will help you narrow down your options.

Determine your budget

Many weavers own a variety of looms over their lifetime, so do not feel like you need to start off with the largest and most expensive loom. Be realistic about the type of projects you hope to create when selecting a loom. You will want to purchase multiple reeds for your floor loom, and general 8-dent and 10-dent reeds will work well for most weaving projects.

Stainless steel reeds are more costly but you do not have to worry about them rusting like their carbon steel counterparts. If you live in a humid environment, or the humidity levels in your home are not well-controlled, stainless steel reeds are worth the extra cost.

Consider buying a used loom

Used looms can save you a lot of money and are often a great choice for beginning weavers who may want to get a feel for weaving before investing in more expensive equipment. You should purchase used looms from a reputable dealer. Some used looms may be sold with bonus items, such as extra reeds, tools, or a bench.

Be realistic about your space

Floor looms will take up a substantial amount of space in any room. If you are fortunate enough to have a dedicated room for your weaving equipment, you can go with a larger framed loom, as you can let it stand between weaving sessions. A small or medium-sized folding floor loom is best if you do not have a dedicated space and need to move the loom to different locations or disassemble it frequently. 

Durability matters

Wooden looms should feel sturdy and secure when assembled, rather than wobbly. Look for floor looms manufactured with bolts and wedges rather than screws. Wedges and bolts make tightening the loom easier when adjustments are necessary.

Getting off to a great start when learning the craft of weaving is important to your success and enjoyment. For beginners, it is best to start off with a simple floor loom that fits your budget. As your experience and interest grow, you can add additional floor looms and accessories if desired.