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How do I Choose the Best Floor Loom?
Possessing the right equipment for the job is essential when creating a work of art. When it comes to weaving, one of the most important tools is the loom. A floor loom is a large weaving loom that allows a weaver to create functional pieces of art ranging from tapestries to curtains to blankets. Choosing the best type involves evaluation of the loom, consideration of personal preferences and the weaver’s ability to work comfortably.
Loom construction is the way the loom is made. Different looms rely on different mechanisms to hold the thread or yarn, condense the finished weaving and keep the threads in order. Different mechanisms require slightly different skill sets — using a counterbalance loom is not the same as using a jack loom, for example.
A foot-treadle floor loom is a counterbalance style loom that relies on a system of pulleys to keep the fabric even. Weaving on a foot-treadle loom necessitates the use of feet as well as hands. Another example, the jack style loom, is a type of floor loom that relies on weights to keep the fabric even.
Different looms are made from different materials. Wood looms are different to work with than metal looms, and different types of wood may feel different to the weaver. Floor loom weaving requires patience and an investment of time. If a weaver does not like the material her loom is made from, she may experience discomfort or displeasure and be disinclined to finish a project. A weaver should choose a loom constructed from a material that feels right to her.
Loom size is another consideration when choosing a floor loom. If you have an entire room dedicated to weaving, it is possible to purchase a larger loom. If a weaver has a smaller space in her home, she is limited by that size when choosing a loom. Some looms fold or break down into smaller pieces for storage when not in use.
Weavers should do some research before deciding on a floor loom. It is helpful to try as many looms as possible before deciding on the right floor loom based on personal preference. Weaving specialty stores and some yarn stores provide customers with the chance to try different types of looms and equipment. Trade shows are another place to get a feel for a loom. A local weaver's guild or hobbyist group can also lend advice on choosing the right floor loom to meet individual needs.
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![A floor loom is a large scale loom used to weave large projects like blankets and curtains.]()
By: oscar williamsA floor loom is a large scale loom used to weave large projects like blankets and curtains. -
![Looms can be used to make tapestries, curtains and blankets.]()
By: JMFontechaLooms can be used to make tapestries, curtains and blankets.
Discussion Comments
I have seen some floor looms for sale for under $1000 USD but they are just big enough for things like smaller rugs and placemats. I have been looking at weaving looms for sale so that I can start working on making blankets and think that I am going to have to pay upwards of $5000 USD to get one that is large enough to produce blankets.
Does anyone have any tips on a brand of loom that would be best as an investment? Right now I am torn between the Glimåkra Standard and the Louet Delta Floor Loom. They both look like great looms, but I am not sure which one to choose.
@manykitties2 - There is nothing quite like creating art on one of the large floor weaving looms. If you can't afford any of the looms for sale that you see you might want to check out some estate auctions or applying for a course at an art school that has a loom.
When I was in college that offered different classes for those who wanted to learn weaving and I took one on a part-time basis. It was a lot of fun working on the larger looms, but because of their bulk I just can't imagine trying to fit one into my house unless it was my main art medium.
It is a really shame that a lot of floor rooms for sale are so expensive. I would really like to try making unique curtains and selling them. I am already quite good at weaving on a small table loom but it just doesn't make things big enough for the vision that I have.
Does anyone know where you can get looms for weaving at a reduced price? Right now it seems like it is such a specialty item that I am going to have to give up the dream of owning one if I can't find one cheap enough. Do you think there might be a place I can go where I could have access to their weaving supplies for a fee?
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