i have used a floor loom and I find the set up to be too much strain on my shoulders.  I also do not like sitting all the time.  I saw a loom once (she called it a vertical or upright loom) and she was about my height (5'4") and she was able to weave standing up, without stooping at all.  I think this is called a tapestry loom - they resemble what I saw but  the ones I have seen on line (ashford and harrisville) do not seem tall enough.  The ashford  is 5'4" at the top which makes me think I would be stooping or sitting for most of the project.   for raising other type of looms, the only stand I have seen is an a-frame (easel type) that I think would get in the way of the waevong process.  Any thoughts? Thank you for any help you can offer  

 

 

Comments

Erica J

Vertical/upright looms are one of the oldest types of looms, dating back to 1500 BCE. I think Fireside probably comes the closest to a vertical loom, but even theirs are meant to be used sitting down as far as I know.

As far as I know you would need to build or have a vertical loom built for you. They are quite simple tools. As far as I can tell from my research on historical looms, you will have to sit on the floor to get it started, like in this drawing. There are several extant drawings fo the weavers at later stages weaving standing up. I hope that helps!

Toronto

There are two types you can weave on standing - one is a walking loom like Rio Grande - it's floor loom but high and you walk tredles.  The other one is upright tapestry loom that has upper and lower beam, and probably two shafts and it's dressed the same as floor loom.  At that one you can start weaving at any hight, and keep weaving at that hight by rolling your finished part on a cloth beam (same as floor loom).  I had Leclerc Gobelin of that kind.  Fireside is the same.  It all depends on what kind of weaving you do - these looms are good for rugs and tapestries, but not for regular weaving.  Rio Grande can do both.

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