Choosing a Loom

GOOD WOOD LOOMS

Choosing a Loom

Whether choosing a loom for yourself or as a present, there are many factors to consider, besides price. Here are some thoughts to help you. If you are unsure as to which loom is best for your needs, please call, write or e-mail us, and we will be happy to help you.

How Skilled is the Weaver?

It is important that beginning weavers not be overwhelmed by either the complexity of weaving or the amount of time it takes them to do their first projects, or they may lose interest in weaving. For this reason, many beginning weavers should start with one of our Frame Looms, our Pocket Loom, or our Mini-Inkle Loom. However, people who are skilled at other crafts and are undaunted by more complex and time-consuming tasks may prefer to start with a Slant Loom.

How Big Are the Weaving Projects?

One can always do small projects on any loom. We list the maximum weaving sizes for each of our looms. Conversely, one can always sew together pieces of cloth woven on a small loom to make any size project. However, it is generally easier to use a loom that fits the project, and thus desired project size should be a major consideration in choosing a loom.

How Important are Storage Space and Portability?

All of our looms and accessories are portable. The Small Frame Looms are convenient for carrying about; the Large Frame Looms, with our unique metal clip system, are easy to disassemble for storage or travel. Even the larger Slant Looms are delightfully portable compared to other table looms. Our Mini-Inkle Loom is small enough to fit into a backpack or tote bag. And the little Pocket Loom can't be beat for portability! Our Yarn Holder folds flat, and the small size of our Warping Board is novel and handy for weavers with limited storage space or for those who wish to take it to workshops or on vacations.

Some Basic Definitions

Warp: The fiber (thread, yarn or string) that is put on the loom.
Weft: The fiber that is woven over and under across the warp.
Shuttle: The tool that holds a supply of weft fiber and is passed back and forth across the warp leaving a trail of fiber.
Heddle: The device in the loom that separates the warp threads so that the shuttle can be passed through the warp fibers. The space in the warp that the shuttle passes through is called the shed.

Product Selection Guide

For a Child, ages 5 to 12:

Inch-Worm Knitting Spools
Small Frame Loom, FL-6
Pocket Loom

For older Children, ages 10 to 15:

Inch-Worm Knitting Spools
Small Frame Looms, FL-6 or FL-9
Pocket Loom
Mini-Inkle Looms
Slant Looms, if help and guidance is available

For Beginning Adults and Older Teenagers:

Inch-Worm Knitting Spools
Pocket Looms
Small Frame Looms, FL-6 or FL-9
Large Frame Looms, FL-130 or FL-175
Mini-Inkle Looms
Slant Looms

For Experienced Weavers:

Any loom, depending upon individual requirements. (The Pocket Loom and FL-6 Small Frame Loom are excellent for small projects, sampling, testing color combinations and new ideas.)
Inch-Worm Knitting Spools, which are a great way to make knitted cord for ties, trims and embellishments to complete weaving or knitting projects, or for using with fine wire to make stunning jewelry
Mini-Inkle Looms, for making bands to use as straps, hangers, book marks, ornaments, or trims and embellishments for garments and accessories

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GOOD WOOD LOOMS

P. O. Box 987, Langley, WA 98260

E-mail: goodwood@whidbey.com

Telephone and fax: 360-730-1826 www.goodwoodlooms.com