FIRST SHAWL ALMOST COMPLETED

I am almost done with my first shawl on the tri-loom my grandson built for me a couple of weeks ago. I have to say I am hooked on the tri-loom. :) Only thing I am unhappy with, basically, is that the top weft thread seemed awfully loose to me? I'm thinking I just didn't pull it tight enough? Also I discovered it is very difficult for me to distinguish the "over/under" threads? I found myself pulling out and redoing frequently. Will this improve in the future? My weaving width on my loom is 48". I had him make me a relative smaller one at this point since I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy weaving on one or not? Now I'm not certain that the 48" width will be large enough for shawls for daughters for Christmas? My girls are rather broad-shouldered and I sure don't want the shawls to look too small on them? Any suggestions or ideas whether this size will be ok? Thanks for any ideas or suggestions. God bless. MerryMac