Some weavers ask: “So why would you bother buying a table loom if you can do so much on a rigid heddle loom?” Is that a con? It’s not really, it’s more of a consideration! I tend to use my rigid heddle loom with thicker yarns as I feel it is better suited.It is hard to achieve good tension with finer yarns.This is due to most reeds being manufactured with heavy duty plastic in a wooden frame. The smallest dent reed currently available is a 15 dent from Ashford. A loom that is already set up for multi shafts is more efficient in this respect. You may need some pretty good guidance to be able to set up your loom for more shafts or patterned weaving. When I mentioned the possibilities in the “cons”, this means a little extra work and thought for the weaver.Very little loom waste (you gotta love that!).I also have a class that shows you how to achieve 4 shaft patterns by weaving with 3 heddles. If this sounds interesting to you, I have an in depth class showing you how to convert 3 and 4 shaft pattern drafts to your RHL. By using pick up sticks, heddle rods and extra reeds, you can turn a RHL into a multi shaft loom. Even though it’s a 2 shaft loom, it has more capabilities than meets the eye.I guess this comes under easy to learn as well, but the RHL is really quick and simple to warp and get weaving. Like anything, becoming comfortable with a RHL takes time, but as long as you have good information, enthusiasm and practice, becoming a good weaver on a RHL is very achievable. It’s very lightweight and portable, making it easy to travel with or carry from room to room.Now I’ll go over the pros and cons of the rigid heddle loom (in my opinion!): ![]() I chatted with some craft friends online who already owned a rigid heddle loom, and their recommendations also helped me to decide that it was the right choice for me. I could see just by looking at it that it was a more simple loom, and I didn’t want something that was over complicated, as I was going to be weaving on my own. Having never woven anything in my life, I didn’t want to spend a heap of money up front, not knowing whether it was something I was definitely going to enjoy.īeing a complete newbie also helped me to decide on the RHL. I found that I could buy the loom and stand for a fraction of the price of a table loom. My first loom purchase was the Ashford 24″ rigid heddle loom. When I was looking for my first loom, a few factors contributed to my final decision. Many shops that sell looms will be more than happy for you to come in store so that you can physically see and try a loom before buying too. ![]() I know it’s not always possible, but if you have a friend who has a loom or you can get in touch with a guild that has looms for you to try, it can be a big bonus. My first recommendation when considering the type of loom you might want to purchase is to try actually weaving on one. Specifically, I will compare the rigid heddle and the table loom, as these are the most common “beginner” looms available. I get asked this question a lot, so I’ve put together a list of things to consider before purchasing. How do you know before buying which one is going to suit your needs the best? When you’re starting out on your weaving journey, it can be confusing when you are faced with the variety of looms for purchase. Ask Kelly – How sturdy is hemstitching?. ![]() New to rigid heddle weaving? Start here!.Free Rigid Heddle Weaving Projects and Patterns.Easy, frugal, bread, onion and tomato bake.How to make bread – my No Knead Whole Wheat Bread Recipe.How I use free content – article for Teachable.Business from the heart – Article for Teachable.Handwoven Magazine, September/October Issue, 2023 – “Photography Tips for Weavers” article.
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