Rigid-Heddle Looms
A rigid-heddle loom is a good beginner’s loom. While simpler than table looms, it offers a lot in terms of patterning to an experienced weaver through hand manipulation of the warp and weft. With one rigid heddle, they can be used for two-shaft weaving using yarns that are generally thicker than those used by multi-shaft looms. By adding another heddle, the weaver can use thinner yarns and weave more intricate patterns using pick-up sticks and hand manipulation techniques. They can be used with or without a stand.
A rigid heddle loom is designed for simplicity and portability. The heddle itself acts as both the reed (beater) and the mechanism that raises and lowers warp threads. With one heddle you can weave:
- Plain weave
- Color-and-weave effects
- Stripes and plaids
- Basic Lace weaving techniques
- Pick-up Bandweaving patterns
- Textured fabrics
- Finger controlled techniques
Some weavers add a second heddle, which expands the range considerably, but it’s still not as versatile as a multi-shaft loom.
Best if you want to:
- Learn weaving quickly
- Make scarves, towels, wraps, and blankets
- Travel with your loom
- Spend less on equipment
Typical Projects: Scarves, towels, shawls, blankets
Schacht Flip
Schact Cricket
Schacht Cricket![[]]
Lojan Flex, up to 27.5" weaving width, holds two heddles,
Leclerc Penelope, 22" weaving width, a rigid heddle that stands vertically for tapestry weaving
Ashford SampleIt
DIY
- Rigid-Heddle Loom (Thingiverse)