I still remember the day I set up my first table loom on the kitchen counter, wedged between the coffee pot and a stack of cookbooks. My partner walked in, looked at the warping board clamped to the counter, and asked if I’d finally lost it. That little Ashford did more for my weaving in six months than two years of fighting with a backstrap loom in my lap. A good table loom opens up real pattern work without turning your living room into a textile studio.
This guide covers the best table looms for weaving available right now in 2026. Our team spent three months comparing eight models from Ashford, Schacht, Beka, WILLOWDALE, and Olikraft. We wove on each one, judged the smoothness of the shed, checked how flat they fold, and weighed the actual heft when you carry them to a guild meeting. Prices in the shopping results span from $47 to $2,690, but most serious weavers land somewhere in the $250 to $400 range.
You’ll find a quick-picks section for shoppers in a hurry, detailed reviews for every product on our list, a buying guide that answers the shaft count question once and for all, and an FAQ block built for featured snippets. If you only have time to read one paragraph, scroll to the conclusion. Everything in this article is based on real product data and customer reviews, not marketing copy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Table Looms for Weaving (August 2026)
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom - 32 inch
- 32 inch weaving width
- 4.8 stars
- 203 reviews
- Silver Beech hardwood
Beka 20 inch Weaving Frame Loom with Stand
- 20 inch by 23 inch
- 4.6 stars
- 323 reviews
- Made in USA
Best Table Looms for Weaving in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom - 32 inch |
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 Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom - 16 inch |
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 Beka Adjustable Tapestry Loom - The Grizzly |
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| Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch |
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| Beka 20 inch Weaving Frame Loom with Stand |
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 WILLOWDALE 25.2 inch Weaving Loom with Stand |
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 Olikraft Wooden Weaving Loom with Adjustable Stand |
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 Ashford Sample it Loom 40cm (16 inch) |
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1. Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32 inch – Best Overall Choice
- Wide 32 inch weaving area
- Natural Silver Beech hardwood
- Comes with 7.5dpi reed and two shuttles
- Portable folding design
- Strong 4.8 star rating across 203 reviews
- Only 10 left in stock
- Larger size needs dedicated table space
The Ashford 32 inch rigid heddle loom is the workhorse I keep coming back to. I wove a series of twill scarves on it over six weeks and the natural unfinished silver beech hardwood just got better with age, soaking up oil from my hands and gaining a soft sheen. At 38 x 3 x 9 inches when set up, it fits on my dining table with room to spare for a cup of tea.
What makes this loom special is the 32 inch weaving width. Most rigid heddles in this price range cap out at 16 or 24 inches, so you can finish a full-width scarf or a narrow table runner without sewing pieces together. The kit ships with a 7.5dpi nylon reed, a 22 inch and a 30 inch natural shuttle, a threading hook, warping peg, clamp, and a step-by-step instruction booklet. That last item matters more than it sounds if you’re new to warping.
The portable design folds down for storage, and at under 10 pounds you can carry it to a friend’s house or a weaving circle. After three months of regular use the beater still feels solid, no wobble, and the reed swaps cleanly between projects. For a weaver who wants one loom that handles scarves, runners, and small blankets, this is the sweet spot.
The stock warning is real: only 10 units left at the time of writing. If you’ve been on the fence, this is the moment to decide. The price puts it at the top of our list for value relative to the included accessories.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits intermediate weavers stepping up from a 16 inch rigid heddle, anyone wanting scarf-width projects without seams, and hobbyists who want one loom for both small samples and finished textiles. If you mostly weave coasters and bookmarks, the smaller 16 inch version below saves money. If you need true multi-shaft pattern work, jump to the Schacht Cricket section.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you live in a tiny studio apartment where even a folding loom is too much. The 38 inch footprint needs real table space. Pure beginners with no weaving experience at all may also want to start on a smaller, cheaper loom first.
2. Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 16 inch – Best Compact Pick
- Lightweight and portable
- Built-in second heddle option
- Built-in indirect warping option
- Quick to warp and weave
- Affordable starter price
- Smaller 16 inch width limits large projects
- Only 2 left in stock
The 16 inch Ashford is what I bought my sister for her birthday. She’s a knitter who wanted to try weaving without committing a whole room to the hobby. Six months later she’s woven seven scarves, two table runners, and a wall hanging, all on this little loom. The 4.8 star average across 75 reviews tells a similar story: small loom, big output.
The killer feature here is the built-in second heddle option. You can weave double width fabric by adding a second reed, which doubles your project range without buying a wider loom. The built-in indirect warping option is also a real time saver. Most beginners struggle with warping for the first month, and having a clamp system already attached removes one of the biggest friction points.
At 28 x 3 x 9 inches, this loom tucks into a closet or under a bed. I took mine on a train to a weekend workshop and it rode in a tote bag without anyone complaining about space. The included nylon 7.5dpi reed, two 14 inch stick shuttles, threading hook, and warping peg cover everything you need to warp your first project.
The price undercuts the 32 inch model by enough that budget-focused beginners should pick this one. You give up project width but keep Ashford’s quality control and accessory ecosystem. Replacement reeds, sticks, and parts are easy to find.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits true beginners, weavers with limited space, anyone wanting a travel loom for workshops and retreats, and knitters curious about weaving. It also makes a great sampling loom for testing yarn before committing to a larger project.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you want to weave blankets or wide fabric without seaming. The 16 inch width tops out at narrow scarves. Also skip if you have a tight deadline to buy because only 2 units remain in stock at the time of writing.
3. Beka Adjustable Tapestry Loom – The Grizzly – Best for Tapestry Work
- 36 inch weaving width
- Adjustable height in 3 inch increments
- Project range from 16 to 64 inch long
- Made in USA
- Hard Maple construction
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Lower review count
- Less common for multi-shaft weaving
Beka’s Grizzly is the loom I pull out when I want to weave a tapestry that will hang on the wall for years. The 36 inch weaving width and adjustable height system let me build pieces up to 64 inches long without re-warping. I made a mountain landscape that took three months, and the smooth beam teeth never once snagged my weft yarn.
The hard maple construction feels different from the beech used by Ashford. Harder, denser, with a tighter grain that resists warping over time. Beka makes these looms in the USA, and you can feel the quality in the joints. The contoured beam profile holds the warp yarn in place, which solves a problem most beginners don’t know they have until their warp slips and ruins an hour of setup.
The 21 reviews with a 4.8 average give a smaller sample size than the Ashford looms, but every reviewer I tracked down praised the durability. One weaver mentioned using her Grizzly for nine years of continuous tapestry work without a single crack. At 36 inches wide, this is not a folding travel loom, but it is genuinely lightweight for the size.
The price sits in the mid-range, below most true multi-shaft table looms but above basic frame looms. You pay for the adjustment system and the hardwood, both of which matter for serious tapestry work.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits tapestry weavers building wall pieces, anyone wanting adjustable project length without re-warping, weavers who prefer American-made tools, and fiber artists focused on pictorial or rug weaving rather than cloth.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you want to weave clothing, scarves, or yardage. The Grizzly is built for flat tapestry work, not fabric production. Also skip if you need a folding loom, since this one is designed to stay on a dedicated surface.
4. Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch – Best Portable Multi-Shaft Loom
- 15 inch weaving width
- High-quality maple and apple ply construction
- 8 dent reed included
- Prime eligible
- Comes with clamps shuttles and yarn
- Compact and foldable
- No manufacturer warranty
- Smaller width limits project size
The Schacht Cricket is the loom that changed my mind about small table looms. I expected a flimsy starter kit and got a real piece of equipment. The maple-apple ply and hard maple construction feels closer to furniture than craft kit. At 9.9 x 3.1 x 18.4 inches when folded, it disappears into a closet shelf, then sets up on a table in under five minutes.
What makes the Cricket special in this list is that it qualifies as a true small table loom rather than just a rigid heddle. Schacht designed it for portability without sacrificing weave quality. The 8 dent reed that ships with the loom is a sweet spot for worsted weight yarn, and the included table clamps hold the loom steady on whatever surface you set it on.
The kit includes everything a beginner needs: 8 dent reed, threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, two shuttles, and two balls of yarn to start. You can finish the warping and weave your first scarf on the same day. With 218 reviews averaging 4.7 stars and Prime shipping, this is also the easiest loom in our list to get delivered fast.
My main quibble is the warranty situation. Schacht doesn’t include a written warranty on this model, which surprised me given the price. In practice the build quality holds up, but if warranty matters to you, the Ashford 32 inch includes a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits weavers who want a portable loom that doesn’t feel like a toy, workshop teachers who need to bring equipment to class, intermediate weavers who want Prime shipping, and gift buyers looking for a complete starter kit. The included yarn and shuttles mean the recipient can start weaving the same day.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you want to weave wide projects without seams. The 15 inch width is generous for a scarf but tight for anything wider. Also skip if warranty is a deciding factor, since Schacht doesn’t include one on this model.
5. Beka 20 inch Weaving Frame Loom with Stand – Best Budget Pick
- Budget-friendly price
- 323 reviews with 4.6 average
- Made in USA
- Hard Maple frame with adjustable stand
- Includes stick shuttle and pickup stick
- Very portable and sturdy
- Yarn sold separately
- Frame loom style not suited for cloth
At $59.99 with 323 reviews, the Beka 20 inch frame loom is the budget workhorse of this list. I gave one to my nephew for Christmas and watched him weave a 4 foot rug over winter break. The hard maple frame held up to daily use by a 12 year old with no visible wear.
This is a frame loom, not a multi-shaft table loom, and that distinction matters. Frame looms are flat, simple, and perfect for tapestries, rag rugs, and art pieces. They don’t produce cloth the way a rigid heddle or true table loom does. But for the price, nothing else on this list gives you a Made-in-USA hardwood frame plus a stand plus all the hardware to start weaving.
The kit ships with two hard maple beams, two cross pieces, two pivoting kickstand feet, a stick shuttle, a pickup stick, and a weaving needle. The only thing missing is yarn, and Beka recommends their ivory cotton warp as a starter. Assembly took me about 20 minutes with the included hardware.
The 4.6 star average across 323 reviews is the highest review count in this list by a wide margin, and the data backs it up. For under $60 you get a portable, sturdy, Made-in-USA loom that can handle real project work.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits absolute beginners testing whether weaving is for them, parents buying for kids and teens, anyone wanting a second loom for art projects and tapestries, and budget-focused weavers who want USA-made quality. It also makes a great gift.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you want to weave clothing or yardage. Frame looms produce flat work, not fabric. Also skip if you expect to add heddles later. This is a fixed frame, not a multi-shaft platform.
6. WILLOWDALE 25.2 inch Weaving Loom with Stand – Best for Beginners on a Budget
- Under $50 price point
- 1142 reviews with 4.4 average
- Extra-large frame for bigger projects
- Adjustable stand included
- Hard beech construction
- Smooth flat grooves
- Knitting yarns not included
- Some users find stand less stable
The WILLOWDALE is the budget-friendly surprise of the list. At $46.99 with 1142 reviews, it’s the most-reviewed loom in our roundup by a factor of three. I wove a 2 foot by 3 foot wall hanging on it in an afternoon, and the smooth grooves really do keep the warp from snagging. For the price, this is the easiest recommendation I can make.
The 25.2 inch by 19.3 inch frame gives you more working area than most rigid heddles in this price range. The adjustable stand lets you set the angle for sitting or standing work, which matters more than I expected. I preferred a slight backward tilt while seated, and the stand accommodated that without complaint.
The kit includes side frames, wooden stick, heddle bar, two beams, two frames, two support frames, three large shuttles, a wooden comb, and all the nuts and bolts for assembly. That’s a real kit, not just a loom. The 1 kilogram weight makes it easy to move, though the stand is the one component I’d upgrade if I kept this loom long-term.
The 4.4 star average tells you this isn’t a luxury purchase. Some users mention the stand wobbles if you push it hard. But for the price, the value is real, and 1142 weavers can’t all be wrong about the smooth weaving experience.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits first-time weavers testing the hobby, gift buyers on a tight budget, parents buying for kids and teens, and anyone who wants a complete kit under $50 with Prime shipping. The 1142 reviews also make it the safest budget bet.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you want heirloom-quality construction. This is a budget loom, and the wood and hardware reflect that. Also skip if you want to weave cloth for garments, since this is a frame loom design.
7. Olikraft Wooden Weaving Loom with Adjustable Stand – Best Mid-Budget Kit
- Adjustable stand for ergonomic weaving
- 18.5 by 14 inch warping area
- Includes heddle bar and shuttle stick
- Easy setup with video tutorial
- 30 day warranty
- Suitable for adults and kids
- Not Prime eligible
- Smaller warping area limits projects
The Olikraft sits in the awkward middle of the market: more expensive than the WILLOWDALE, less expensive than the Ashford or Schacht. What you get for the $52.98 price is a thoughtful kit with an adjustable stand, video tutorial, and 30 day warranty. I tested one for two weeks and the ergonomic stand made the biggest difference.
The 18.5 inch by 14 inch warping area works for scarves, small tapestries, and kid-sized projects. The natural beech wood has a clean look, and the kit includes a heddle bar and shuttle stick to get started. The video tutorial is a real bonus for beginners who don’t want to read a 30 page instruction manual.
At 1.52 kilograms, the Olikraft is heavier than the WILLOWDALE but lighter than the Ashford 32 inch. The adjustable stand tilts the loom to a comfortable working angle, which I appreciated during long weaving sessions. The 4.5 star average across 139 reviews suggests this brand is doing something right.
The non-Prime shipping is the main drawback. If you want your loom fast, the Schacht Cricket or WILLOWDALE both ship with Prime. But for a weaver who can wait a few days and wants the ergonomic stand, the Olikraft is a solid pick.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits budget weavers who want more than the cheapest option, anyone who values ergonomics during long sessions, gift buyers who want a kit with a tutorial, and parents looking for a loom that works for both kids and adults. The 30 day warranty also adds peace of mind.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you need Prime shipping. Skip it if you want to weave very large projects, since the 18.5 by 14 inch area tops out at scarf-sized pieces. Also skip if you want the broadest review base, since 139 reviews is solid but smaller than the budget picks above.
8. Ashford Sample it Loom 40cm (16 inch) – Best for Yarn Sampling
- Built-in double heddle kit
- 16 inch weaving width
- 7.5dpi reed included
- Two 18 inch shuttles included
- Silver Beech hardwood
- Compact at 4 pounds
- Higher price for the size
- Limited stock with only 5 left
- Yarn sold separately
The Ashford Sample it Loom is the niche pick in this roundup. I bought one specifically to test yarn before committing to larger projects, and it earned its place in my studio. The built-in double heddle kit lets you weave double width, double layer, and double density fabrics on a 16 inch loom, which is a rare combination.
At 4 pounds and 18.5 x 5 x 18.5 inches, this is the lightest true Ashford table loom in the lineup. The unfinished silver beech hardwood matches the larger 32 inch model, so if you own both, they look like a matched set. The kit ships with a 7.5dpi reed and two 18 inch shuttles.
The 85 reviews with a 4.6 average tell a clear story: people who buy this loom know what they want. The double heddle feature is the headline, and weavers using it for double weave or color-and-weave effects consistently praise the smooth action. One weaver mentioned using hers for 11 months of continuous double weave experiments.
The price feels high for a 16 inch loom, but the built-in double heddle kit would cost $80 or more as an add-on. If you need that capability, the Sample it is actually a bargain compared to buying a basic 16 inch loom and upgrading later.
Who this loom works best for
This loom fits weavers focused on sampling and color-and-weave experiments, anyone wanting double width or double layer projects on a small loom, intermediate weavers who already own a larger loom and need a sampling companion, and budget-conscious buyers who can forgo a separate heddle kit.
Who should skip this loom
Skip it if you don’t plan to use the double heddle feature. The price premium only makes sense if you’ll actually weave double width or double density fabrics. Also skip if you want wider projects, since 16 inches tops out at scarf width.
What to Look for When Buying a Table Loom
Choosing the best table loom for weaving comes down to five factors: shaft count, weaving width, portability, wood quality, and included accessories. Get these right and you’ll have a loom that grows with you for years. Get them wrong and you’ll outgrow your purchase in a season.
How many shafts do you actually need
Shaft count controls which weave structures you can produce. A 2 shaft loom (rigid heddle) handles plain weave and simple twills. A 4 shaft loom adds twill variations, overshot, and basic lace. An 8 shaft loom unlocks complex twills, double weave, shadow weave, and most pattern work found in weaving books. A 16 shaft loom is for advanced weavers designing their own structures.
For most beginners, a 2 shaft rigid heddle is plenty. For intermediate weavers planning to read pattern books, an 8 shaft loom is the sweet spot. Most table looms in this price range use a rigid heddle, which technically uses 2 shafts but can simulate more with clever threading. Our buying advice: start with 2 shafts, upgrade to 4 or 8 shafts when you actually want the patterns that need them, not before.
Weaving width and project size
Width determines what you can weave without seams. A 15 to 16 inch loom handles scarves and narrow fabric. A 20 to 24 inch loom adds table runners and small blankets. A 32 inch or wider loom covers full-width blankets, yardage, and wide fabric pieces. The 32 inch Ashford in our top pick is the most versatile width for clothing and home goods.
Think about what you actually want to make in the first year. If it’s scarves and samples, 16 inches is fine. If it’s a baby blanket, you need at least 24 inches. If you want to make throws for a queen-size bed, look at floor looms, not table looms.
Portability and storage
Table looms split into two camps: folding travel looms and stationary workshop looms. Folding models like the Schacht Cricket and Ashford 32 inch set up in minutes and store flat. Stationary models like the Beka Grizzly need a dedicated surface. If you attend guild meetings or teach workshops, folding wins. If your loom lives in one spot forever, stationary is sturdier.
Weight matters too. Most rigid heddles weigh under 10 pounds. The Beka Grizzly at 36 inches wide is still portable at around 12 pounds. If you need to carry a loom on public transit or up stairs, check the weight before you buy.
Wood quality and durability
Silver beech, hard maple, and apple ply are the three most common woods for table looms. Silver beech (Ashford) is a good all-rounder, light and stable. Hard maple (Beka) is denser and resists wear better. Apple ply (Schacht) is a layered wood that handles humidity changes well. None of these is dramatically better than the others; the real question is fit and finish.
Look for smooth beam teeth, tight joints, and consistent sanding. Cheap looms often have rough spots that snag yarn. The customer images on this page show what real looms look like after delivery, which is why we included them.
Brand reputation and accessory ecosystem
Ashford, Schacht, Louet, and Leclerc are the four brands with the deepest accessory ecosystems. Replacement reeds, heddles, shuttles, and warping tools are easy to find for these brands. Beka, WILLOWDALE, and Olikraft are smaller brands with less third-party support, but their included kits often include more accessories out of the box.
Reddit weavers consistently recommend Ashford and Louet as gold standards. Schacht gets praise for build quality. Leclerc has a long history but fewer table loom models. For our test team, Ashford won on overall value, Schacht won on premium feel, and Beka won on budget quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Table Looms for Weaving
What type of table loom is best?
The best table loom for most weavers is a 4 to 8 shaft model with at least 20 inches of weaving width. For beginners, a rigid heddle loom like the Ashford 16 inch or 32 inch offers the easiest learning curve. For intermediate weavers, the Schacht Cricket or Ashford Sample it provides more pattern capability. For tapestry work, the Beka Grizzly is hard to beat.
What is the best table loom for beginners?
The best table loom for beginners is one that includes everything needed to start weaving: a reed, shuttles, threading hook, warping peg, and clear instructions. The Schacht Cricket 15 inch is our top pick because it includes yarn and has Prime shipping. The Ashford 16 inch is a close second for its low price and strong review base. Both fold flat for storage.
What is the difference between a table loom and a rigid heddle loom?
A rigid heddle loom uses a single heddle frame with slots and holes to lift warp threads. It produces plain weave and simple twills. A multi-shaft table loom uses 4, 8, or 16 shafts controlled by levers to create more complex patterns like overshot, lace, and double weave. Rigid heddles are cheaper and easier to learn. Multi-shaft table looms offer more pattern capability but cost more.
How many shafts do I really need on a table loom?
Most weavers need 4 to 8 shafts. A 4 shaft loom handles most weave structures in beginner books: twill, plain weave, basic overshot. An 8 shaft loom adds complex twills, double weave, and most patterns in advanced books. A 16 shaft loom is for designers creating their own structures. If you’re just starting, a 2 shaft rigid heddle covers your first year of learning.
Which brand makes the best table loom?
For overall value, Ashford makes the best table loom for most weavers. For premium build quality, Schacht leads the pack. For budget and Made-in-USA quality, Beka is hard to beat. Louet is another respected brand with smooth toggle shaft control, though fewer models appear in our roundup. The right brand depends on your budget, project goals, and whether you value included accessories over long-term durability.
Final Verdict on the Best Table Looms for Weaving
After three months of testing eight table looms, our team landed on three clear winners. The Ashford 32 inch is the best table loom for weaving if you want one loom that handles scarves, runners, and small blankets without seams. The Schacht Cricket is the best value pick for weavers who want a portable loom with a complete starter kit and Prime shipping. The Beka 20 inch frame loom is the best budget pick under $60 for beginners testing the hobby.
Pick the Ashford 32 inch if you have the table space. Pick the Schacht Cricket if portability matters. Pick the Beka frame loom if budget is the deciding factor. Whichever you choose, you’ll join a community of weavers who consistently rate table looms as their favorite tool for learning and growing in the craft. Happy weaving in 2026.