Loom Width - How Important Is It?

You can always weave a project that is less than your maximum loom width, but you cannot weave wider (there is an exception, but we will not go there now as it does not pertain to a rigid heddle loom). Consider the following:

• What do you want to weave? If you know, then weaving width selection will follow. Belts, runners, place mats, dish towels, scarves and similar projects will work well on a 16" Harp.

• If you want to make fabric for clothing (plus any of the above) then we would want you to think the largest loom size. Attempting fabric on a smaller loom will limit you and certainly a 16" loom is probably too small. So for fabric go with either a 24" or a 32" Harp. 

• Is a 32" loom too large? Will it be difficult to hold and to work the shuttles back and forth? Holding a Harp in the traditional fashion - front beam on your lap and the back raked up to a table edge - will not be a problem for anyone of any size, even children. As for the throwing of the shuttles, you should not find this a problem. Just think about the distance of 16" (half of the 32") measured out from the centerline of your body to your elbows. The loom will be sitting comfortably inside this area, giving you an easy reach left and right to use your shuttles.

• Price: prices are slightly higher for the wider looms but the $21-$25 difference may mean more versatility in the long run.

• Space: remember that the Harp does not take up much space regardless of its width. Open, it can be moved into a closet or under a bed. Folded, it takes up even less room.

Should I get a stand for my Harp?