Weaving Looms
Weaving Looms
BY DISHA DEWANI
INTRODUCTION
Tools for weaving fabric are called weaving looms. These tools,
which range in size and design from small portable devices to
big industrial equipment, have been in use for millennia.
● Handheld looms are small and portable weaving looms that can be operated by hand. They are often used for
small-scale weaving projects or by beginners who are just learning how to weave.
● Handheld looms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple cardboard or plastic looms to more complex
wooden looms. They are easy to use and require minimal setup or assembly, making them a popular choice for
beginners or for those who want to weave on-the-go.
● To use a handheld loom, the warp threads are wound around the loom's frame or pegs, and the weft thread is woven
through the warp threads using a needle or shuttle. Handheld looms typically create simple weaves such as plain
weave or basket weave, although more complex patterns can be created with some models.
● Handheld looms are versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of woven products, including scarves, small
bags, and decorative items. They are also affordable and easy to find, making them a popular choice for hobbyists and
DIY enthusiasts.
● Overall, handheld looms are a great option for beginners or for those who want to experiment with weaving without
investing in a larger, more expensive loom. They are easy to use, portable, and can produce a variety of woven
products.
HANDHELD LOOMS
FRAME LOOMS
● Frame looms are a type of weaving loom that is commonly used for hand-weaving. They are typically made of wood or
metal and consist of a rectangular frame with vertical warp threads held under tension.
● The frame loom is designed to allow the weaver to weave the weft thread back and forth through the warp threads
using a shuttle or needle. The weft thread is passed over and under the warp threads in a pattern, creating a woven
fabric.
● Frame looms come in a range of sizes, from small tabletop looms to larger floor looms. They are commonly used for
creating small to medium-sized textiles, such as scarves, blankets, and wall hangings.
● One of the benefits of using a frame loom is its simplicity and ease of use. It requires minimal setup and can be used
by beginners as well as more experienced weavers. Additionally, frame looms are portable and can be easily moved or
transported to different locations.
● Frame looms can also be customized with various attachments and accessories, such as heddles, shuttles, and shed
sticks, to create a variety of woven patterns and designs.
● Overall, frame looms are a popular choice for handweavers due to their versatility, ease of use, and portability. They
are suitable for a range of weaving projects and can be adapted to suit the weaver's needs and preferences.
FRAME LOOMS
TAPESTRY LOOMS
● Tapestry looms are a type of weaving loom used specifically for creating tapestries, which are woven wall hangings often
featuring intricate designs and patterns. Unlike other types of looms, tapestry looms have a wide, flat weaving surface
that allows for the creation of large-scale tapestries.
● Tapestry looms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small handheld looms to larger floor looms. They are typically
made of wood or metal and have a tensioning system to hold the warp threads in place.
● The weaving process on a tapestry loom involves creating a design or pattern on the warp threads using various
techniques such as interlocking, color blending, and shape building. The weft threads are then woven into the warp
threads using a needle or shuttle, creating a tapestry with a textured, three-dimensional appearance.
● Tapestry looms are designed to allow the weaver to create intricate designs and patterns with a high level of detail. They
also typically have a variety of attachments and accessories, such as heddles, bobbins, and shuttles, to allow for greater
flexibility in the weaving process.
TAPESTRY LOOMS
RIGID HEDDLE LOOMS
● Rigid heddle looms are a type of hand-held or table-top weaving loom that are popular with beginners and experienced
weavers alike. They are named for the rigid heddle, which is a frame with slots through which the warp threads are
threaded.
● Rigid heddle looms are typically smaller and more portable than other types of weaving looms, making them ideal for
home use or for taking on-the-go. They are also relatively simple and easy to use, making them a popular choice for
beginners who are just learning how to weave.
● The weaving process on a rigid heddle loom involves passing the weft thread over and under the warp threads,
alternating the direction of the threads to create a woven fabric. The rigid heddle is used to lift and lower the warp
threads, creating a shed through which the weft thread is passed.
● Rigid heddle looms come in a variety of sizes, with the number of slots on the heddle determining the maximum width of
the weaving project. Some models also feature a second heddle, allowing for more complex weaving patterns and
designs.
RIGID HEDDLE LOOMS
TABLE LOOMS
● Table looms are a type of weaving loom that are designed to be used on a tabletop or other flat surface. They are
typically smaller and more portable than floor looms, making them ideal for home use or for taking on-the-go.
● Table looms can be either hand-operated or powered by a motor, and they come in a range of sizes and styles to suit
different weaving projects and skill levels. Some table looms feature a dobby mechanism, which allows for more complex
weaving patterns and designs.
● The weaving process on a table loom is similar to that of other types of weaving looms. The warp threads are threaded
through the heddles and reed, and the weft thread is passed over and under the warp threads to create a woven fabric.
The weaving process is controlled by the harnesses, which lift and lower the warp threads to create a shed through
which the weft thread is passed.
● One of the benefits of using a table loom is its portability and ease of use. It can be easily transported and set up in a
variety of locations, and it can be used by weavers of all skill levels. Additionally, table looms are typically more affordable
than larger floor looms, making them a popular choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.
TABLE LOOMS
FLOOR LOOMS
● Floor looms are a type of weaving loom that are designed to be used on the floor, with the weaver sitting or standing at
the loom to control the weaving process. They are typically larger and more complex than other types of weaving looms,
and are used to create a wide range of woven products, from small textiles to large tapestries and rugs.
● Floor looms come in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from small, portable models to large, industrial-sized machines.
They can be either hand-operated or powered by a motor, and can be customized with various attachments and
accessories to create different weaving patterns and designs.
● The weaving process on a floor loom is similar to that of other types of weaving looms. The warp threads are threaded
through the heddles and reed, and the weft thread is passed over and under the warp threads to create a woven fabric.
The weaving process is controlled by the harnesses, which lift and lower the warp threads to create a shed through
which the weft thread is passed.
● One of the benefits of using a floor loom is its versatility and capacity to create complex and intricate weaving patterns
and designs. It allows for more control and precision in the weaving process, and can be used to create a wider range of
woven products than other types of weaving looms. Additionally, floor looms are built to last and can withstand heavy
use over time.
FLOOR LOOMS