Loom Types

Loom Type Description Best For Price Range Portability
Frame Loom Simple open rectangle Wall hangings, small projects $15–$50 High
Rigid Heddle Loom Portable with heddle to lift warp Scarves, light fabrics $100–$300 Medium
Table Loom Multi-shaft, more advanced Fabric samples, patterns $200–$800 Medium
Floor Loom Large and complex Rugs, garments $1,000+ Low
Inkle Loom Narrow bands and straps Belts, trim, straps $50–$150 High
Tapestry Loom Upright vertical loom Pictorial wall art $75–$300 Medium

Essential Weaving Tools

Tool Type Description Common Materials Use
Shuttle Carries weft yarn through warp Wood, plastic Weft placement
Warping Board Measures warp threads Wood Warp length consistency
Heddle Separates threads in warp Plastic, wood Opens shed for passing weft
Beater/Comb Pushes weft into place Wood, metal Tightens weave
Pick-up Stick Lifts warp threads manually Wood Pattern making
Weaving Needle Tapestry weaving, hand-guided Plastic, metal Small details
Yarn Bobbin Holds yarn neatly Plastic, wood Reduces tangling

Yarn Types & Characteristics

Yarn Type Texture Fiber Content Best Use Notes
Cotton Smooth Natural, plant-based Dish towels, tapestries Strong, minimal stretch
Wool Fluffy Natural, animal-based Warm textiles, scarves Elastic, fulls with moisture
Acrylic Smooth Synthetic Beginner projects, decor Budget-friendly, colourfast
Linen Crisp Natural, flax-based Fine textiles, wall art Strong, stiff when dry
Silk Soft, shiny Natural (insect-based) Luxury weaving, accents Expensive, delicate
Blends Varies Mixed fibers Versatile, decorative uses Balanced traits

Basic Weaving Techniques

Technique Description Skill Level Best For
Tabby/Plain Weave Over-under pattern Beginner Scarves, rugs, basics
Rya Knots Loops for fringe or texture Beginner+ Wall hangings
Soumak Braided, wrapped look Intermediate Borders, designs
Twill Diagonal pattern Intermediate Apparel, drapey textiles
Pile Weave Raised loops or texture Intermediate Rugs, texture effects
Tapestry Weave Shape and image-based designs Advanced Wall art, pictorial scenes

Weaving Patterns

Pattern Name Visual Style Repeat Size Notes
Chevron V-shape stripes Medium Use pick-up sticks or heddles
Herringbone Zigzag mirroring Medium Similar to chevron, offset rows
Diamond Lozenge shapes Large Geometric and bold
Basket Weave Grid-like texture Small to medium Requires 2+ warp/weft per row
Striped Horizontal colour bands Varies Easy to design and plan

Project Ideas by Skill Level

Level Project Idea Loom Type Time Estimate
Beginner Mug rug Frame loom 1–2 hours
Beginner Wall hanging Frame or tapestry loom 2–4 hours
Intermediate Scarf Rigid heddle loom 3–6 hours
Intermediate Belt or band Inkle loom 2–3 hours
Advanced Pillow cover Table or floor loom 6–10 hours
Advanced Tapestry portrait Tapestry loom 10–30+ hours

Finishing Techniques

Method Purpose Tools Needed Notes
Tying Off Ends Secure warp and prevent fraying Hands, scissors Square knots, overhand knots
Hemming Clean and polish edges Sewing needle, thread Fold and stitch edges
Fringe Decorative ends Comb, scissors Even out length, twist or knot
Blocking Shape project Pins, steam/iron Useful for flat textiles
Mounting Display work Dowel, branch, rod For wall hangings

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Issue Cause Solution
Warp Tension Uneven Inconsistent warp tightening Use warp spacer or re-warp
Curved Edges Pulling weft too tight Ease up on tension, bubble weft
Broken Warp Thread Fragile yarn or tool damage Tie new warp section or patch
Loose Weft Weaving too loosely Beat down with comb regularly
Fraying Edges Raw edges not secured Hem or reinforce with stitching

Yarn & Colour Tips

Colour Rule Effect Tip
Complementary Bold contrast Use for emphasis or central motifs
Analogous Harmonious and calm Great for backgrounds or blending
Monochromatic Subtle and sophisticated Vary yarn texture for dimension
High Contrast Eye-catching design Black/white or light/dark combos
Texture Mixing Adds depth and interest Mix bulky + thin, smooth + fuzzy

Selling Woven Goods

Product Type Market Price Range Tips
Wall Hangings Etsy, local markets $20–$150+ Add dowel, offer different sizes
Mug Rugs/Coasters Craft fairs, bundles $5–$25 Great beginner product
Scarves/Shawls Fiber festivals, online $30–$200 Show yarn type (hand-dyed, wool)
Belts/Bands Medieval/Renaissance fairs $15–$60 Inkle or tablet woven
Tapestry Art Galleries, custom orders $100–$500+ Price by size + detail

Workspace & Tool Care

Item Storage/Care Tip Workspace Tip
Yarn Sort by colour/weight Use yarn rack or box with dividers
Looms Store flat or upright Dust regularly, avoid moisture
Shuttles & Tools Keep in pouches or trays Organize by type for quick access
Lighting Use daylight or bright task lamp Reduces eye strain, shows true colour
Projects in Progress Cover to protect from dust Avoid direct sunlight, mark warp path