I am currently weaving on an Ashford Knitters Loom, and would like to purchase a floor loom.

I would appreciate any suggestions on type/brand from you experienced  floor loom weavers :).

Thank you !

Comments

Joanne Hall

The Glimakra website has articles about different types of looms and features of looms to look at.  That might be a good start, as you can learn vocabulary and what to look for.

I suggest you find someone near you to take a class.  It is also helpful to join a guild.  Try a number of looms and visit weavers who have floor looms. 

I don't know where you live, but there are many regional festivals and conferences with weaving classes. 

Then, when you know whether you want a portable loom to take to workshops or a full sized floor loom for weaving at home, then you can narrow your search.

For a first time floor loom, it is nice to find a used four shaft counterbalance loom, as it can weave a lot of different things.

Joanne

kuvmom

Thank you Joanne. I live in Vancouver, Canada. I will check out the website you suggested. I am looking for a loom that is not a huge as a full size, but not neccesarily portable.

Claudia Segal (not verified)

I started with a Baby wolf which did not fit me well.  I learned more about counterbalance and countermarch floor looms and how much easier they are for your body.  I was fortunate to have lots of space in our basement, which is semi-finished, and bought a very old Glimakra Standard.  I have had that loom for over 12 years and I love it!

I strongly recommend you consider either counterbalance but preferable countermarch.  If you don't have room for a Glimakra, consider a Louet Spring or Delta.  Louet is a Canadian co and you may have more luck finding a used Louet in Canada.  The Louet David is NOT a countermarch.  It is a jack loom with some assitance to the jacks to make it easier to use.  I have woven on one and would NOT recommend it.  

Go for as many shafts, treadles and width as you can afford and have room for.  You won't regret the extras even if you don't use them right away.

Good luck and Happy weaving,

Claudia

kuvmom

Thank you Claudia, I had been leaning towards a baby wolf as it seems to be a popular one. I've now decided I need to do more research on others. :)

 

norgard

I am new to weaving and learned to weave on an Asford Knitters loom.  Unless you're going to buy a brand new loom, your choices for a floor loom are usually dictated by what's available used in your area.  I bought a used Schacht Baby Wolf about 6 months ago and I love it because: a) I got a great deal on it, and b) because it's the only floor loom that I have ever used, so if there is something much better out there (and there probably is) I don't know about it.  Ignorance can be bliss.

Just my 2 cents worth.

kuvmom

Thank you Norgard, lucky you finding your loom at a good price. I am leery of buying used as I am not familiar with the floor looms and not sure what I should be looking out for. I am going to do more research on some of the others, although I'm finding they are pricey.

sandra.eberhar…

Usually you have an idea of what you want to make, and that can drive the decision.  Small jack looms like the Baby Wolf and its Leclerc and Harrisville versions are popular because they are small, inexpensive, and easy to tie up and use.  They are not heavy enough to make rugs on, and jack looms in general are more limited in what fabrics they do well; large ones require muscle to work.  Counterbalance and countermarche are more versatile and easier to treadle but an 8 shaft CM takes a lot longer to tie up than an 8 shaft jack.  You haven't said what you mean by "full sized".  I have 8 shaft jack looms that are very compact and 8 shaft CB looms that are huge.  All are "full sized".