Table Looms

Table looms are a compact alternative to larger multi-shaft floor looms. Their small size and portability makes them perfect for guild meetings, workshops, and sampling. Unlike rigid heddle looms, table looms can have up to 16 shafts, which means you can weave more complex patterns.

The possibilities are endless! Scarves, home textiles, and table linens are probably the most common projects made on table looms, but with the magic of double-width weaving you can make larger projects like shawls and blankets too.

Your loom purchase depends on a variety of factors—how wide and complex you'd like to weave, your available space, budget, and personal preferences such as portability, weight and rising or sinking shed. We are pleased to carry table looms from Ashford and LeClerc. Both are highly respected companies known for making quality products, and we are happy to answer questions about their offerings to help you make the best decision for your weaving interests and budget. Contact us at hello@gistyarn.com

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Send us an email at hello@gistyarn.com.

Maybe! Send us an email at hello@gistyarn.com and we'll be happy to look into it for you.

The biggest difference is shafts. A rigid heddle loom has one to two heddles (essentially 2 positions — up and down), which primarily produces plain weave or some more complex weaves when weaving with a double heddle. A table loom can have 4, 8, or even 16 shafts, allowing complex pattern weaves like twills, overshot, and lace. Table looms also use separate heddles and a reed, giving you more precise control over sett.

Table looms are a great option for beginners who want to explore multi-shaft weaving without the space commitment of a floor loom. They're especially popular for weaving classes and workshops. The main trade-off compared to a floor loom is speed — you raise shafts with hand levers rather than foot treadles, so you can't throw the shuttle as quickly.

Yes! That's one of the biggest advantages of table looms. Most are designed to be portable — they fold or disassemble for transport and can be set up on any sturdy table. They're the standard loom type for guild meetings, retreats, and multi-shaft weaving workshops. Some weavers keep both a table loom for travel and a floor loom at home.