Weaving for Beginners!

[EweSheep]

I am a CW reenactor and I have seen some of the women having table top weaving looms and I would love to try my hand at it. It looks so intiminating and not sure how it really works.

I know there are several looms out on Ebay and wondered which one is a beginner friendly but yet, the weaving loom must be of that time period of 1840's to 1860's. I do not want to break the bank getting one. Also it can be broken down to be transported if possible to pack up in the van. Some do not break down for travel which that is ok.

I would love to make a rag loom but I am not going to pay over 50 dollars for the frame.

Floor rag rugs, throw rugs, bath rugs and table runners and plaid tartan scarfs are the things I would like to make in different looms.

There are several manufactors out there and I want good ones. I do not want anything that is made of plastic.

So what do you all recommend?

 

[CupOJoe42]

You can make your own loom from wood or from a frame and hammer nails in it. I took a general art class once and that is what we used. All we needed was the shuttle to bring the yarn/material back and forth. Check your local library and they might have some books on beginning weaving. It was a lot of fun!

 

[EweSheep]

However my library is so limited. They said it used to be popular in the 70s but they dont carry that many books since then. However I was glad to find the rag rug books and be able to make a frame for it.

I have two books about weaving but nothing said on making a loom. It could not be THAT hard.

 

[EweSheep]

Thinking either the Ashley or LeCleuric weave looms. I like the Ashley looms because you can fold and transport but not sure of the Dorothy looms which it is more period and its more bulky and uncertain if they do fold down for easy transport.

Not sure how much to be expected to pay for one, a good used one would be sufficent.

Too bad there are NO loom manufactors around here. Looks like internet search for me.

 

[skunknchatter]

I've got a schacht table loom but no idea how to use it. I would love to learn too! I've heard it's a good loom. I inherited it so I didn't have to try to decide what to buy. Good luck on your search.

 

[EweSheep]

They are good looms too! You're lucky!

 

[DuckLady]

There is one here
http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/070233.html

Is that something like what you are looking for?

 

[EweSheep]

Sorry Terrie, no but you gave me more ideas about the looms for kids!

It would be perfect for Girl Scouts and get them to make some potholders for their moms and dads who cooks. Or washrags if I can find cotton pieces similar to the nylon pieces. I will offer that idea to the GS leader and see if she would like to add weaving into the skills for GS.

 

[tamberlin]

A great starter loom is a rigid heddle loom. It's easy to use and despite being small (20" in width or so) you can make an amazing amount of different items on one. Check out www.ravelry.com for more info.
Ashford and Schacht both make one that folds, but looks "almost" period (if you don't notice the plastic in the heddle). Its a place to start, anyway....

 

[mohillbilly]

I have made several different types of looms . I can build you whatever you may want ..just PM me.