My guild is wanting to purchase a loom for beginners. What is the difference between a schacht rigid heddle flip loom and a cricket loom other than the size availability. What are the pros and cons. Is one used for different projects. What about the shed size? Etc. we want it to be somewhat less scarey to warp etc.

Comments

Sat, 08/30/2014 - 16:07

Sara von Tresckow

Plain and simple, the flip has depth that is required to make decent fabrics. The Cricket and other similar snub nosed looms look cute, but like some infamous table looms that are too short (Dorothy 20" model), there is not enough room for the warp ends to move and bend.

It may not be apparent for absolute beginners, but I've had lots of cricket owners tell me they wish they'd bought the larger loom.

Also, there isn't much price difference between the looms - go with the flip, it will produce more cloth and cloth of better quality.

Thu, 09/04/2014 - 11:48

horsofcors (not verified)

Thanks for your input. Thats what we will do. Buy the 20" flip.
Mon, 07/06/2015 - 19:55

lkcantwell

I have a ten-inch Cricket and a 15-inch Schacht flip loom. The 10" loom is suitable for scarves or coasters, but not for much else. I really like the wider loom and I love the flip loom much better. It gives me the ability to weave wider fabrics as well as the use of two heddles as an option. It gives you a lot more options.

Tue, 07/07/2015 - 18:32

pampawl (not verified)

I teach on and sell both the Flip and Cricket. The Flip has longer weaving area and the heddle stays in place better than the cricket. Being able to upgrade to two harnesses makes it a loom you can grow into. Also the cricket only comes with an 8 dent heddle . You can choose what heddle you want with the Flip. The Flip is made of hardwood maple, the cricket frame is plywood. The Flip is about $100 more than the cricket. I've used the Cricket to teach many workshops but also bring a Flip for comparison. weavers also like the Cricket to take "on the road"  because it fits easily on car seat  and is ready to go when you are. Hope this is helpful!