A rigid heddle loom is the best choice for weavers. If you’re new to weaving, you’ve come to the right place. With the rigid heddle loom, you can comfortably show off your imagination while also learning the fundamentals of weaving. We review and recommend our 5 best rigid heddle looms to guide you.
However, if you want to try your hand at weaving, choosing the right product becomes difficult. Especially if you are thinking of buying a rigid heddle loom, there are ample choices in the market.
There are so many categories and factors like whether is it travel friendly, the width of the cloth, whether are you a professional or amateur, the price of the loom, yarn quality, etc.
We’re here to assist you in selecting the right rigid heddle loom according to your needs. Again in this article, we talk about some of the best rigid heddle looms and which ones are best for you.
Best Rigid Heddle Looms – Factors to Consider
With so many choices on the market, you must first determine your type before selecting the best rigid heddle loom for you. Every product differs from the others due to a variety of factors. Let’s take a look at them in more detail below.
- Width of The Loom You Need
If you are a beginner, you must go with a small-size rigid heddle loom that is 15″ to 25″. The small er size is the best to start with as a hobby and is convenient to use anywhere. You can store it anywhere and even be easy to travel with. Only small fabrics like hanky, scarves, towels, etc., can be weaved with these little ones.
The big size that is more than 30″ is good for more serious hobby work, or even professional use.
- Difficulty Level
If you are a beginner, make sure that your rigid heddle loom is easy to use. You can get confused by the complex mechanisms of some professional looms. Although some can look fascinating, you must not go with the looks and concentrate on the functioning.
Once you become a pro, you can always use complex working rigid heddle looms for various experiments and results.
- Price of the Rigid Heddle Loom
Beginners must not invest truckload money in buying a rigid heddle loom. You should choose a loom that is efficient and under budget. Once you start earning through your basic rigid heddle loom, you can start buying more expensive ones.
5 Best Rigid Heddle Looms: Our Picks
This study focuses on availability, productivity, and a low price of under 450 dollars.
#1 Schacht Cricket Loom
This is the most commonly used rigid heddle loom among first-time users. It’s versatility and user-friendly nature have attracted both beginners and professional weavers to make complex designs. Thus, this is the best choice for beginners.
Pros
- The pack contains- a threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, two shuttles, and two balls of yarn.
- Space-saving
- Easy to set up
- Contain ABS plastic teeth
- 8-dent rigid heddle
- Made of high-quality maple- apple ply and hard maple
- More durable
- Can be customized- semi-finished product
Cons
- A semi-finished product means you will have to wax the wood and make the finished product by yourself.
#2 Kromski Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom
Just like the previous one, it is also acknowledged by beginners as well as professionals. This is more affordable to beginners as it comes with a warping book behind the loom. All you’ll need to get started weaving is included in this pack.
Pros
- Finished Product- European alder wood with a transparent finish, plenty of curves and turned bits, and a striking overall look.
- Includes- stick shuttles (2), pick up stick, threading hook, clamps (2), warping peg and warping board pegs, 8-dent heddle
- Foldable
- Easy to carry
Cons
- The price of this product is relatively high.
Other products, on the other hand, do not come with as many extras. If you are ready to invest, this is the one for you.
#3 Beka Weaving Loom
This is a very primitive product. Various professional weavers are using it for about 40-50 years. Nonetheless, this is very beginner-friendly.
It’s made of light cherry wood and is very easy to organize. It can also be placed on a table while using.
The product is specialized for not using wooden rod tools and to organize the wrap by beam teeth back and forth. With Danish oil finishing and an elegant look, it is loved by users for its low price and efficiency.
Pros
- Primitive structure
- Portable
- Very affordable
- Easy to Use
- You can use it to weave large fabrics
- You can use it for complex weaving
Cons
- Even though it has good functioning, it is not technologically advanced.
But still, you can consider this if your budget is low and you are looking for a simple, lightweight product. It is suitable for professionals who are willing to make complex patterns on the fabric.
#4 Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom
This is more likely a professional rigid heddle loom. This is for those who already know the basics of weaving and are ready to take up weaving as a serious job. This is mainly used by commercial workers.
You will feel limitless while weaving in this Loom. It’s huge (32″) and best for complex designs. You can make extensive fabrics out of it.
Even though it is a semi-finished product, we would still recommend you use it for its silver beech finish.
Pros
- It includes red nylon, a natural shuttle of two different varieties, a threading hook, a clamp, and a warping peg.
- Versatile
- Quick and easy to use
- Portable
- It comes with video tutorials
Cons
- Semi-finished product- You must wax it before use to get a smooth result.
- Not for the beginners
- Occupies a large area
- Needs a stand before using
- Slightly Expensive
If you are a professional and looking for something concrete, this is the best choice for you. But if you are a beginner, we recommend you not to go with it.
#5 Ashford Knitter’s Loom Rigid Heddle Weaving Starter Pack
You can avoid this package because of its price, but it is the most convenient, user-friendly, easy, and ready-to-use rigid heddle loom in the market. It is fully furnished and ready to use right after buying.
It comes with an erect stand which adds to the beauty of the product. Although there’s a Deluxe pack available, the starter pack is efficient enough.
Pros
- It includes- 2nd heddle kit, dents (7.5, 10, 12.5), 2 stick shuttles, clamps, double end threading hook, warping peg.
- The package comes with a bag to carry the entire thing along.
- Portable
- Professional
- Good for complex usage
- Ready to use after buying
Cons
- It is the most expensive one.
But we should not forget the product you are getting to concern the price. It is perfect for professional weavers as well as beginners. However, beginners can choose from the above list if they don’t want to invest much in the loom.
5 Best Rigid Heddle Looms FAQs
Which size is the best size to buy for beginners?
Since you are a beginner and will work on simple and small projects, we recommend using a 15″ to 18″ rigid heddle loom.
What kind of yarn can be used in rigid heddle loom?
A huge range of yarns can be used in rigid heddle looms, unlike other looms. You can use knitting yarn, nylon, cotton, linen, etc.
How easy is it to use for beginners?
It is almost effortless to use and easy to learn. However, you can always use video tutorials from YouTube to learn weaving in rigid heddle loom for free.
5 Best Rigid Heddle Looms Conclusion
With all our research and understanding, Kromski Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom is our personal favorite, with all the features sufficient for both beginners and professionals.
To summarise, we want you to understand that you must first grow a passion for weaving before you start looking for the best rigid heddle loom. Even if you get stuck a couple of times at first, you’ll be able to break the wall in no time with practice.