5 Best Weaving Looms for Beginners (Sept 2023 Review)

Types of Weaving Looms 

If you want to learn how to weave looms, but you are feeling overwhelmed with all of the loom choices on the market, then the following section will help you. You will be pleased to know that the basics of weaving stay the same regardless of the weaving kit you use. 

Weaving looms is easy for beginners, and young children even like to take part in this fun activity. Weaving gives you hours of fun and opens up a world of creativity, and let’s not forget hours of fun. 

Here are all of the types of weaving looms you will find, along with how they work and how difficult they are to use. I hope the following section helps you choose the right weaving loom for you. 

Backstrap Looms

The backstrap loom is a very simple loom weaving device. It looks almost primitive, consisting of sticks, a strap, and a rope. The great thing about the backstrap loom is that is suitable for everyone, and it can be set up and enjoyed anywhere at any time. 

You will need to use the simplest weaving technique while weaving using a backstrap loom. An under-over-under-over technique is perfect for this type of loom, and you can weave patterns and incorporate different colors to the design as you wish. 

Tapestry Looms

Good tapestry looms should have good tension. With smaller tapestry looms, you will find that you can adjust the tension as you wish very easily, which is much harder with larger tapestry looms. 

It is much easier to weave a tapestry loom at high tension, and because of this, you must make sure your loom can withstand this kind of tension for prolonged periods of time. A tapestry loom is the simplest of all looms. You can see all of the wrap at once as it holds a single continuous wrap in place at a time. 

These looms can hold any type of cloth and can be used to weave almost anything. Just remember that most tapestry looms are fragile, and budget looms with plastic teeth and a thin wooden frame will not be able to hold a high tension. 

Inkle Looms

Inkle weaving is a slightly more difficult type of weaving that isn’t suitable for beginners. It involves manually lifting and lowering the cloth to create the shed. Some of the cloth is held in place by wooden heddles, while the rest of it moves freely. 

You would use the inkle weaving technique for creating things and long items such as trims, straps, belts, and any other narrow work you wish to do. This may take a little bit of practice and coordination, but once you get the hang of it, you will be weaving belts and cool guitar straps in no time! 

Table Looms

If you want to weave something intricate and complicated, you should use a table loom for the job. New and experienced weavers can operate a table loom with little to no hassle, which is what makes it one of the best and most versatile looms on the list. 

It is super comfortable to use and very flexible. Table looms are commonly used in classrooms and workshops, and they are ideal for small projects. They are also great for creating textile samples of larger projects yet to come. 

Floor Looms

Do you have a long design that you are dying to produce? If so, you should use a floor loom for the job. These looms are perfect for creating long carpets and rugs. 

Floor looms are quite big, stable, and very solid. Since the 7th century BC, this technique has been used and was a popular weaving technique in India. Weavers would sit on the floor as they wove their large designs. 

What do I Need to Start Weaving? 

You will only need a handful of essentials if you want to start weaving at home. You might have already tried to research weaving essentials and been bombarded with hundreds of ‘essentials’ that have put you off the hobby for good. Don’t worry; there are less than 10 essential tools that every weaver should have, and I have listed them in the section below. 

1.A Loom 

The loom is essential for weaving. It is the base of your design, but you must choose a loom that is suitable for what you are trying to make. Have a look at the different types of looms in the section above to learn more.

2. Weft 

The weft is the fabric you want to weave through the loom. This can be wool, yarn, ribbon, old ripped-up T-shirts, and anything else you can think of. You don’t need to stick to traditional fabrics and have fun experimenting with different textures and designs to make your creation unique. 

3. Warp 

The wrap is the piece of thread that runs through your loom. This is like the base of your creation. Without the wrap, you don’t have anything to weave your weft through. Cotton is usually used as a wrap for looms as it is strong and sturdy. 

4. A Comb 

The comb is a very important tool because it straightens and evens the lines after being weaved. This is what ensures that your garment looks professional. 

5. Shuttles 

You will need a shuttle to hold your working piece of weft. Wrapping lots of wefts around the shuttle will make the workflow easily. 

6. Tapestry Needle 

The tapestry needle is essential for weaving the weft through the loom. Make sure you purchase a tapestry needle that can handle various weft thicknesses and weights. 

7. Scissors

Scissors are always a must regardless of the arts and crafts jobs you want to do. You will need to use scissors throughout the process. 

8. A Ruler or a Shed Stick 

A shed stick will help you during the weaving process. You can use it at the base of the loom to help you build a sturdy foundation or during the process to help with weaving the stitches. 

Take a look at this video for more information about weaving looms essentials. 

Weaving Looms for Beginners Buyer’s Guide

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at some crafts, a weaving loom is a great place to start. These are both beginner and child friendly, and often come with everything you need included. Use a weaving loom to create gorgeous potholders, scarves, and much more – using beautifully colored thread.

Weaving is usually a lot easier than knitting or crocheting and still allows you to make lovely items for friends and family. But finding the best weaving loom for beginners can be a little tricky. This buyer’s guide should help you out.

Ease of Use

It goes without saying that a beginner’s weaving loom should be very easy to use. Look for something with comprehensive, illustrated instructions, and for one that’s specifically designed for beginners like Mikimiqi Weaving Loom or Cra-Z-Art Wonderful Weaves. Those that include everything you need to get going will be much less hassle.

Construction Quality

Whether you opt for a wooden or plastic weaving loom, construction quality is important. Wooden looms like Beka 20” Weaving Frame Loom look beautiful and are more traditional, but they are often heavier and less portable. Plastic looms like Made by Me Weaving Loom are very lightweight but don’t have as nice a look. Both plastic and wooden weaving looms are usually good quality, but ensure you read reviews before you buy.

Kid Friendliness

A child-friendly weaving loom should be very durable and easy to use. Most kids’ weaving looms will be made from plastic as these are a little sturdier. While younger kids might not be able to tie knots, parents can help and from there, your child should be able to do most of the weaving on their own!

FAQ

What can you make with a weaving loom?

There’s a huge amount you can make with a weaving loom. Make blankets, cushion covers, decorations, potholders, and woven mats, or else go for something a little more adventurous like plant pot cozies, tea cozies, or coasters!

Conclusion

Kids and beginners will love creating beautiful woven items on their very own weaving loom, but a beginner-friendly model is essential. For the stunning wooden look, ease of use, and 91 yards of lovely rainbow yarn, it’s the Melissa & Doug Wooden Weaving Loom that claims the top spot.