I am looking for some advice on puchasing a loom. I really like floowr looms and prefer to have 4 shafts in order to do more complex weaves, or at least twills. 

But I would like to be able to travel with it and ideally on a plane as well. Any advice would be so appreciated!!

Saori looms look they might be a possibility. Note sure if they can hand;e regulare pattern drafts?

Thank you, 

Comments

Sat, 03/24/2018 - 23:44

sandra.eberhar…

Saori seems to make folding 4 shaft loom,which you can see on their website.  Good luck getting it on a plane.  It would be checked luggage, which is getting expensive.

Sun, 03/25/2018 - 04:12

MaryElisabeth

I actually just tested a Saori loom today! It seemed really lovely, minimal, light and elegant. The only thing is that I am a "traditional" weaver and I worry that I won't be able to do my twills and drafted patterns... only bc everyone that uses them does the free weaving. 

The weight is perfect at 27lb. but I wish it folded up a little more. 

Sun, 03/25/2018 - 14:57

Sara von Tresckow

If the loom has 4 shafts it will do any 4 shaft weave - and you can also free weave on it.

As for plane travel and a floor loom - even with folding, there isn't a model out there that will fly with you (only possible as checked baggage or air freight) for little or no cost. For traveling weavers, I'd recommend some type of backstrap loom - bands or fabric - that fits in your suitcase. And yes, you can do twills on a backstrap with enough heddling bars.

Mon, 03/26/2018 - 02:22

sally orgren

I have Leclerc Voyagers + a hardside, rolling suitcase that the loom fits in when folded up. I do not remove the beams or the crank handles when transporting.

I live on the east coast, and these table looms have been to Vancouver, Canada, Tampa, Florida, Long Beach, California, and many other places.

The loom does not fit in the overhead bin in their canvas bag as originally advertised. They must be checked. I think the weight is about 32 pounds for the 8 shaft version.

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