I am looking at two used looms in the area.  It will be my first.  One is a four shaft and the other an eight shaft.  I am curious about the differences in variety of weave patterns available between the two.  I don' t anticipate doing very intricate patterns, although it is hard to say what I will feel drawn towards later.  My primary consideration now is that I want to be able to produce a very strong weave.  I want to weave some long cloths for carrying babies on my back.  I have 18 month old twins and things go much better around here when I can wear one.  I am so glad to have found the website.  Thank you.    

Comments

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 07:36

Isarwinkler

Hi Holly,

if you take the eight shaft loom you can start with less then eight, may be two, three of four ....

But there are a lot of parameters, which are quiet more interesting: weaving-width, technical equipment ...

Ask a weaver to accompagny you - she/he can give you good advice!

I wish you good decisions,

 

Gernot

 

 

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 07:38

Isarwinkler

Please administrators, take one out !!!!!

I pressed the button twice - sorry!

Gernot

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 03:41

holly farnam

thank you.  I do have a lead on some local fiber spinners and weavers I plan to follow up on.  Both looms are 36 inch width, which is plenty for a carrying cloth.  I like a cloth that is 28-30 inches wide.  I just wonder if I get more strength with a plain weave or a twill or if I should try for a reinforced pattern ( I had seen some weave ideas which were reinforced by doubling up on weft threads at regular intervals)   

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 04:32

Sara von Tresckow

If one of those looms is counterbalance or countermarche, you will get sturdier cloth with either shaft combination because the shed will allow you to weave denser fabric.

Looms with a rising shed, even with plain weave, make fabric that is drapier and has a lovely hand, but might stretch and be flimsy when carrying one of your babies.

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 06:12

holly farnam

thank you Sara- they are both mightywolves, so jack looms I understand?  I appreciate the information,  it may be good for me to consider a counterbalance instead. 

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 21:11

NancyHassel

I purchased a 4-shaft modular AVL in 1990 and upgraded to 16-shafts (the max for that loom) after my first weaving project. It is really nice to have a lot of shafts to keep your options open. With 8 shafts, you can weave a 4-shaft twill and use 2 more shafts to weave a smooth huck salvedge on each side (twill salvedges can be wavy). You can also weave slits by threading the left side of your warp on 1-4 then threading the same pattern on 5-8 on the other half (lifting just the left pattern then just the right pattern to weave slits). Put some thought into the fabric you want to weave and where you want to put your loom (space available in a pleasant location). If you want to weave rugs then countermarche has benefits (with a more complex tie-up than jack). A 4-shaft counterbalance loom is good for overshot (and again rugs) but there are pattern constraints (one shaft lifts while it's "companion" depresses). If you are buying used and do not over-spend then you may be able to sell your loom for it's purchase price to buy a replacement as you decide upon your preferences. Good luck - your loom is a personal decision based upon your goals and preferences. Check out the drafts at http://www.handweaving.net or in the drafts section of Weavolution.
Wed, 03/27/2013 - 19:11

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

Twill cloth will be more durable than plain weave when both are woven with the same yarns because twill has more ends per inch (needs a higher epi) and more picks per inch (ppi). Satin also has more threads per inch than plain weave, and so does double weave. You can make a twill cloth with 3 or more shafts.

A loom is a major purchase. You sound like you have identified one project but not yet learned the basics of weaving. It would help if you could take a beginning weaving class and/or read a book or two. Give some thought to other items you might want to weave. Strong, durable fabric is a good goal. You could also weave blankets, table linens, rugs, bags, pillows, clothing...  Fabric!

 

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 15:18

holly farnam

I have contacted the local textile center and inquired about weaving classes.  Hopefully someone will get back to me.  I really appreciate all of the input. 

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 15:18

holly farnam

I have contacted the local textile center and inquired about weaving classes.  Hopefully someone will get back to me.  I really appreciate all of the input. 

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 23:39

sandra.eberhar…

By the time you get your loom selected, learn to use it, warp, tie it up, and weave the dense, strong cloth you want, your babies will be walking.  Unless this will be an ongoing need (see lots more babies in the future), I would take a wider look at what you might want to make.  Weaving is a wonderful pastime, and you can make things you can't buy.  But if you need a utilitarian cloth now, you're better to go to a store that sells material for outerwear.