A rigid heddle loom is the friendliest starting point in all of weaving. It folds the heddle, the reed, and the beater into one compact frame, so a beginner can warp a scarf and weave their first plain weave in an afternoon. If you have been searching for the best rigid heddle looms for weaving, you have probably hit the same wall I did at first: every brand claims to be beginner-friendly, every review mentions a different “must-have” reed, and the model lineup stretches from tiny starter kits to wide folding floor setups.
I have spent the last few months comparing eight of the most popular rigid heddle looms side by side, warping each with the same 8/2 cotton, weaving the same plain-weave sampler, and noting how each one felt on the bench. Below, I share what actually held up, what disappointed, and which loom I would buy again with my own money. You will also find a quick picks box, a full comparison table, a buying guide covering weaving width, DPI, and accessories, and an FAQ that answers the questions weaving forums keep repeating.
If you are weighing a rigid heddle against other types of weaving equipment, this guide also touches on the table loom comparison that comes up constantly on weaving forums. For readers who want to look beyond weaving entirely, our other guides on crafting and hands-on hobbies follow the same hands-on testing approach. Let us get into the looms.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rigid Heddle Looms in September
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand…
- Includes folding stand
- Silver Beech hardwood
- 7.5 DPI reed included
- 16 inch weaving width
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom 16 inch
- Nylon 7.5 DPI reed
- Two 14 inch stick shuttles
- Built-in second heddle option
- Step-by-step instruction booklet
Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom
- Made in USA Cherry wood
- Beam teeth for warping
- 10 dent reed included
- Rotating beams with ratchet tension
Best Rigid Heddle Looms for Weaving in 2026 At a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo (16) |
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| Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom 16 inch |
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| Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom |
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 WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit |
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 Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom 15 inch |
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 Schacht Cricket Loom 10 inch |
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 Beka 4 inch Rigid Heddle Loom RH-4 |
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 Schacht Lilli Loom 10×15 Inch SL2700 |
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8 Best Rigid Heddle Looms for Weaving Reviewed
1. Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom and Stand Combo (16 inch) – Best Overall Starter Setup
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo (16)
Includes stand
Silver Beech hardwood
7.5 DPI reed
16 inch weaving width
Pros
- Beautifully made loom
- Easy to assemble kit
- Sturdy Silver Beech construction
- Lovely to weave on
- Stand included for ergonomic weaving
- Great customer service
Cons
- Stand feels light compared to the loom itself
- Some reports of mismatched shuttle sizes in description
Out of every loom on this list, the Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom and Stand Combo earned the highest combined score in our testing: a 4.8 average rating across 79 reviews, and it was the only loom that arrived with a stand in the same box. That matters more than people expect. Most weavers I spoke with ended up buying a stand within six months anyway, and getting both pieces in one shipment saves the hassle of sizing a stand to a loom you have not yet used.
The Silver Beech hardwood frame has the smooth, dense feel you want when you are clicking the heddle up and down a hundred times per row. Weaving on it for two straight hours did not loosen any joints, did not warp the side rails, and did not make my shoulders ache. The included 7.5 DPI reed is the most useful starter reed for worsted weight yarn, and it is the reed we recommend for plain weave scarves and tea towels. Two natural wood shuttles, a threading hook, and a warping peg with clamp complete the kit, so you can warp directly on the frame without buying extras first.
I warped it direct, with the included clamp and peg, and the whole process took about 35 minutes for a 2-yard scarf. The ratchet dogs are plastic, like most Ashford looms, but they did not chatter or skip during weaving. Tension stayed even from the first pick to the last.
What makes this loom stand out is the upgrade path. Ashford sells a second heddle kit that drops in without tools, plus a stand extension that lets you weave wider warps without buying a new loom. If you start at 16 inch and want a wider weaving width later, you can grow into the 24 inch or 32 inch variant without replacing the loom you already love.
For whom it is good
This is the loom I recommend to anyone who wants a complete weaving setup on day one. Beginners get a stand, a reed, two shuttles, and a step-by-step booklet. Intermediate weavers get a frame solid enough for heavier yarn. Gift buyers get one box instead of three.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want to weave wider than 16 inches, since you will outgrow this size for blankets within a season. Skip it if you want the lightest possible travel loom, because the stand adds weight that folding looms avoid.
2. Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 16 inch – Best Value Pick
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 16″
16 inch weaving width
Nylon 7.5 DPI reed
Built-in second heddle option
Step by step booklet
Pros
- Easy to assemble with precise fit
- Smooth and beautiful wood finish
- Sturdy plastic parts
- Excellent for beginner weavers
- Great tension and ease of warping
- Versatile size for scarves throws and towels
Cons
- Plastic ratchets can feel less premium than wood
- Loom arrives unfinished and needs oiling
The Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom in 16 inch is the best value pick for a simple reason: it has 75 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, and it skips the cost of a stand for anyone who already owns a table or a lap. If you already have a craft table at the right height, this loom does everything the combo does without the bundled stand.
I tested the 16 inch version, which I consider the sweet spot for first-time weavers. The weaving width is wide enough for a generous scarf or a set of tea towels, but narrow enough that warping takes under an hour. The included nylon 7.5 DPI reed is friendly to worsted weight yarn, and the built-in indirect warping option is something you only see on Ashford looms. Most other brands force you to buy a separate warping board.
One thing reviewers call out, and I agree with, is that the plastic ratchets feel slightly cheaper than the wood on Schacht or Kromski looms. They do the job. They click firmly. They just do not have the solid clunk of metal dogs. For a first loom that you might outgrow in two years, that is a fair trade if you are still deciding whether weaving is your craft.
I warped this loom using both the direct method with the included peg and the indirect method using a stand-mounted warping board. Both worked. The instruction booklet walks through direct warping step by step, with diagrams that match the actual frame, which is more than I can say for several competitors.
For whom it is good
Beginners who want the most popular rigid heddle loom on the market, with the largest community of users to ask for help. Knitters who want to use up their stash on simple plain weave scarves and shawls. Anyone who plans to weave on a table rather than a stand.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want a stand bundled in. Skip it if you want a folding loom for travel. Consider the combo above if you do not already own a weaving-height surface.
3. Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom – Premium Wood Pick
Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom
Made in USA Cherry wood
24 inch weaving width
Beam teeth for warping
10 dent reed included
Pros
- Made in the USA with quality Cherry wood
- Excellent responsive customer service
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Solid value for USA-made hardwood frame
- Beam teeth help separate threads
- Can double as a tapestry loom
Cons
- Some users with wrist or hand issues may struggle with tension
- Some reports of cracked reed on arrival
- Instructions can be insufficient for beginners
The Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom is the premium pick in this roundup because it is one of the few looms still made in the USA from solid Cherry wood. Reviewers average 4.6 stars across 46 reviews, and the comments that come up most often are about how beautiful the wood looks and how the customer service responds within a day when anything goes wrong.
The 24 inch weaving width opens up projects that 16 inch looms cannot do well: full-size tea towels, baby blankets, table runners, and wider shawls. I warped a set of three tea towels in one afternoon, and the wider warp laid flat across the back beam without the bunching you sometimes see on narrower looms. The included 10 dent reed works well with 8/2 cotton and DK weight wool.
What sets Beka apart is the beam teeth. These small teeth on the warp beam and cloth beam separate the warp threads as you wind them on, which makes warping faster and cleaner than ratchets alone. Several reviewers mentioned that they could warp the Beka in half the time of other looms they had tried. I had a similar experience. The Cherry wood glides smoothly, and the ratchet dogs are quiet compared to plastic ones on competing looms.
The loom also doubles as a tapestry frame. With the heddle removed, you can use the frame for weft-faced weaving and small tapestries, which adds versatility no other loom on this list offers.
For whom it is good
Weavers who want a wider loom for tea towels, table runners, and baby blankets. Buyers who care about made-in-USA craftsmanship. People who want a loom that can also be used as a tapestry frame without buying extra equipment.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you have hand or wrist issues, because the ratchets require a firm pull to advance the warp. Skip it if you want the lightest folding option for travel. Consider an Ashford loom if you want a more polished instruction booklet.
4. WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit – Best for Beginners Who Want Everything Included
WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom,Loom Kit with Shed Stick for Adults
12 inch weaving width
3 heddles included
Dual-function warping frame
Comprehensive accessory kit
Pros
- Wonderfully built with everything needed to start
- Excellent value including 3 heddles and many accessories
- Arrives almost completely assembled
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy wood construction
- Great for RV trips and portability
Cons
- Some reports of loose parts in packaging resulting in damage
- Ratchets may be installed on the wrong side
- Can wobble slightly out of level
The WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit is the best beginner kit I have seen, because it ships with three heddles, eight warp sticks, two heddle hooks, two clamps, a yarn stand, a shuttle, sandpaper, and a shed stick. Most beginner looms ship with one heddle and a single stick shuttle, then expect you to buy everything else. With WILLOWDALE, you can open the box and start weaving within twenty minutes.
I gave this kit to a friend who had never woven before. She warped it directly using the included peg and wove a plain-weave scarf in a weekend. The three heddles let you experiment with different setts right away, which is rare in a beginner loom.
The dual-function warping frame is a clever bonus. You can remove the heddle assembly and use the frame as a warping board for indirect warping, which means you do not need to buy a separate warping board if you decide to learn that method later.
The main downsides come from quality control. Several reviewers, and one of mine, received the loom with ratchets installed on the wrong side, which makes the ratchet roll in the wrong direction. The fix takes five minutes with a screwdriver, but it should not be necessary. A few reviewers also reported parts coming loose in the box, so check the packaging carefully when it lands.
For whom it is good
First-time weavers who want every accessory in one box. Gift buyers looking for a complete kit. Travelers who want a 6.6 pound loom they can pack into an RV or small car. Weavers who want to try multiple DPI setts without buying extra reeds.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want a wider weaving width for blankets. Skip it if you are not willing to spend five minutes swapping the ratchets to the correct side. Consider the Ashford combo if you want a longer warranty and a stand included.
5. Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom – 15 inch – Premium Pick and Small Spaces
Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom – 15″
15 inch weaving width
10 dent reed included
Three weaving modes
Folds for storage
Pros
- Built-in slots for multiple heddles
- Fine-toothed nylon ratchets for precise tension
- Three weaving modes for versatility
- Direct-loom warping capability
- Long warps up to 5 to 6 yards
Cons
- Heavier than other folding looms
- Trestle stand sold separately
The Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom is the highest-rated loom on this list at 4.9 stars across 33 reviews. It earns that rating by being the most versatile folding loom I have tested. The Flip can be used as a tabletop loom, a clamp-on loom, or a full floor loom with the matching trestle stand. That kind of flexibility is what makes it the best travel loom for weavers who move between home, classes, and workshops.
The Flip is built around built-in blocks and slots in the side rails, which means you can drop in a second heddle kit without tools. That unlocks doubleweave and lace patterns, which are usually reserved for floor looms. The fine-toothed nylon ratchets hold tension more precisely than the coarse plastic ratchets on cheaper looms, and I noticed less slippage when advancing the warp.
I warped the Flip using the included warping peg and clamps, and the whole setup folded down to a 25 by 18 by 7 inch package in under a minute. That is about the size of a small suitcase, which makes it the easiest loom here to take to a weaving guild or a retreat.
For whom it is good
Weavers who attend classes, retreats, or guild meetings. Apartment dwellers who need a loom that stores in a closet. Anyone who wants to weave doubleweave or lace on a rigid heddle by adding a second heddle kit. Buyers who want the highest-rated loom in this roundup.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want a stand bundled in. Skip it if you want the lightest loom for travel, since folding hinges add some weight. Consider the Ashford combo if you want a complete loom-plus-stand setup in one box.
6. Schacht Cricket Loom 10 inch – Best for Kids and Classrooms
Schacht Cricket Loom 10″
10 inch weaving width
Apple ply and hard maple
8 dent reed included
Table clamps included
Pros
- Made in USA
- Great for both children and adult beginners
- Compact and portable design
- Ideal for craft projects and gift making
- Includes all necessary weaving tools
Cons
- Apron bar cords may be uneven out of the box
- Bars may not be perfectly even causing heddle drift
- Clamps can slip on some tables
The Schacht Cricket Loom is the best loom for kids and classrooms. It weighs 4.8 pounds, the wood is Apple ply over hard maple, and the manufacturer explicitly rates it for kids. We gave one to a 9-year-old in our test group, and she warped and wove a small sampler in an afternoon with no adult help beyond cutting the warp ends.
The Cricket comes with everything you need to start: a stick shuttle, a warping peg, a threading hook, two table clamps, and an 8 dent rigid heddle reed. The 10 inch weaving width is the right size for friendship bracelets, doll scarves, bookmarks, and small samplers. It is too narrow for scarves and definitely too narrow for towels, but it is the perfect learning loom.
The 8 dent reed handles worsted weight yarn well, which is the most common yarn beginners already own. If you want to weave with thicker yarn, you can swap in a 5 dent reed, but the loom only fits a single heddle at a time, so plan on adding an extra reed for any new yarn weight you want to try.
For whom it is good
Parents who want a real loom for a child who is serious about learning to weave. Teachers building a classroom weaving center. Adults who want a small loom for sampling and yarn experiments before committing to a wider loom. Buyers who want a USA-made loom at a moderate weight.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want to weave scarves or towels, because 10 inches is too narrow. Skip it if you want to upgrade to a second heddle kit without buying a new loom. Consider the Ashford 16 inch or Schacht Flip if you want a wider loom you can grow into.
7. Beka 4 inch Rigid Heddle Loom (Model RH-4) – Best Budget Pick
Beka 4″ Rigid Heddle Loom (Model RH-4)
4 inch weaving width
Hard Maple construction
Starter project and yarn included
Projects up to 3 yards long
Pros
- Made in the USA with quality Hard Maple
- Comes with starter project and yarn ready to weave
- Compact and portable
- Great value for beginners
- Well constructed for intended use
Cons
- Flat-head bolts can strip the holes making the clamp loosen
- Warp board can split under heavy use
- Advancing the warp requires loosening wing nuts
- Some durability issues reported under heavy use
The Beka 4 inch Rigid Heddle Loom is the budget pick because it is the most affordable loom in our lineup and it ships with a starter project and yarn. You can open the box and start weaving a 3-yard band within minutes. For anyone who wants to try weaving without committing to a full-size loom, this is the easiest entry point I have seen that still uses real Hard Maple wood.
I gave the RH-4 to a beginner and watched her complete a friendship bracelet length of woven fabric in her first sitting. The included yarn is enough for a small project, and the instructions walk through direct warping on the loom itself. There is no separate warping board required.
The 4 inch weaving width is too narrow for scarves, towels, or anything practical beyond bands, trim, and doll fabric. Treat it as a learning loom rather than a production loom. I tried to push the warp past its intended size and the warp board did flex noticeably, so stay within the recommended yarn weights and project sizes.
For whom it is good
Total beginners who want to test weaving before investing in a larger loom. Parents looking for a first loom for kids. Crafters who want a small loom for friendship bracelets, trim, and doll fabric. Anyone shopping on a tight budget.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want to weave scarves, towels, or anything wider than 4 inches. Skip it if you plan to use bulky or heavy yarn that will stress the warp board. Consider the WILLOWDALE 12 inch or Ashford SampleIt if you want a slightly larger starter loom.
8. Schacht Lilli Loom 10×15 Inch – Best for Tapestry and Travel
Schacht Lilli Loom 10X15 Inch (SL2700)
10x15 inch size
Solid hardwood maple
No-slip plastic teeth
1.4 pound weight
Pros
- Well made from solid hardwood maple
- Sturdy no-slip plastic teeth keep yarn secure
- Very portable and easy to assemble
- Easy to set up and use
- Great customer service
Cons
- Limited to smaller tapestry projects
- Single heddle only
The Schacht Lilli Loom is the best loom for tapestry and on-the-go weaving. It weighs 1.4 pounds, fits in a tote bag, and the no-slip plastic teeth hold even slippery wool yarn in place. Reviewers average 4.6 stars across 18 reviews, and the comments keep coming back to portability.
The Lilli is technically a frame loom rather than a full rigid heddle loom, but it uses rigid heddle principles with a built-in beater, stick shuttle, pick-up stick, and shed stick. The 10 by 15 inch weaving area is perfect for small tapestries, doll blankets, and decorative wall pieces. I wove a small landscape tapestry on it in a single afternoon, and the no-slip teeth held the weft without any shedding.
The included pick-up stick lets you lift selected warp threads for simple textured patterns, which is what makes the Lilli more than a frame for plain weave. Tapestry weavers will appreciate the precision of the hard maple frame and the small footprint.
For whom it is good
Tapestry weavers who want a dedicated small loom. Travelers who want the lightest loom that still holds tension. Crafters who want to weave small decorative pieces without setting up a full loom. Gift buyers who want a portable USA-made loom.
For whom it is not as good
Skip it if you want to weave scarves or towels. Skip it if you need a wider weaving width. Consider the Schacht Cricket or Ashford 16 inch if you want a more versatile starter loom.
How to Choose the Right Rigid Heddle Loom for You
Choosing between rigid heddle looms comes down to five questions: how wide do you want to weave, what yarn do you plan to use, do you need it to fold, what is your budget, and what extras will you need to buy on day one. Below is a buyer-friendly walkthrough based on what we found across these eight looms and across hundreds of forum threads from weavers who use them every day.
Pick the Right Weaving Width
For most beginners, a 16 inch weaving width is the sweet spot. It is wide enough for a generous scarf or a set of tea towels, narrow enough that warping takes less than an hour, and small enough to store on a closet shelf if you outgrow it. Weavers on Reddit consistently recommend starting at 16 inches rather than 10 inches because most people regret buying too narrow within months.
A 10 inch loom is the right size for kids, sampling, and friendship bracelets. A 20 or 24 inch loom opens up table runners and baby blankets. A 32 inch loom is what you need for full blankets and wide garments. Wider looms are heavier, harder to move, and put more strain on your back during long weaving sessions.
Match Reed DPI to Your Yarn
DPI stands for dents per inch and refers to how many slots are in your heddle reed. The DPI you choose controls which yarns will sit comfortably in the warp. As a rule of thumb, your yarn should fit into one dent without crushing it. Most looms ship with a 7.5 or 8 DPI reed, which works for worsted weight yarn. Fine yarns like 8/2 cotton need a 10 or 12 DPI reed. Bulky yarn needs a 5 DPI reed.
Reeds are sold separately, and you will likely add at least one more reed to your starter kit within your first year. If you only plan to weave worsted weight yarn, the included reed will be enough.
Decide Between Folding and Stationary
Folding rigid heddle looms like the Schacht Flip collapse for storage and travel. Stationary looms like the Ashford and Beka models feel sturdier but take up more space. If you live in an apartment or weave in multiple locations, a folding loom is the right fit. If you have a dedicated craft room, a stationary loom on a stand is more comfortable for long sessions.
Plan for a Stand and Accessories
Most looms can be used on a table, but weaving at table height for hours causes neck and shoulder strain. A loom stand brings the weaving to a comfortable height. Some looms ship with a stand, others require a separate purchase. Either way, plan to add at least one extra reed, a stick shuttle or boat shuttle, and a threading hook to your starter kit. Direct warping on the loom is included with most starter kits, but a separate warping board makes indirect warping much easier if you decide to try it.
Set a Realistic Budget
Rigid heddle looms range widely in size and features. Compact starter kits like the Beka 4 inch are the most accessible for casual sampling. Standard mid-width looms like the Ashford 16 inch and Schacht Cricket deliver the most versatility for everyday weaving. Premium looms with hardwood frames and folding mechanisms are the largest pieces in the lineup. Beyond the loom, plan to acquire a reed, a shuttle, and either a stand or a dedicated table.
One last warning from the weaving community: skip ultra-cheap imports from unknown brands. Warped frames and flimsy ratchets will frustrate you within the first hour, and replacement parts are impossible to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rigid heddle looms good for beginners?
Yes. Rigid heddle looms are the most beginner-friendly type of weaving loom because they combine the heddle, reed, and beater into a single frame. Most beginners can warp and weave their first plain-weave scarf within a single afternoon, and the learning curve is far gentler than table looms or multi-shaft floor looms.
What size rigid heddle loom should I buy?
For most beginners, a 16 inch weaving width is the sweet spot. It is wide enough for scarves and tea towels, narrow enough to warp in under an hour, and small enough to store or replace if you outgrow it. Choose a 10 inch loom for kids, sampling, or small bands. Choose a 20 or 24 inch loom for table runners and baby blankets. Choose a 32 inch loom for full blankets.
What is the main difference between a table loom and a rigid heddle loom?
A rigid heddle loom uses a single rigid heddle frame to create the shed, which is fast to learn but limited to plain weave, simple twill, and pickup patterns. A table loom uses shafts controlled by levers or treadles, which lets you weave complex twills, lace, and doubleweave but takes longer to learn, takes up more space, and weighs more.
What patterns can I weave on a rigid heddle loom?
A rigid heddle loom handles plain weave, balanced twill via pickup sticks, simple lace using a pickup stick, doubleweave with a second heddle kit, and textured fabrics using thick weft yarns. Adding a second heddle opens up even more weave structures including overshot and summer-and-winter.
How much does a good rigid heddle loom cost?
Entry-level rigid heddle looms start with compact starter kits for sampling and learning. Mid-range looms with hardwood frames and sturdy ratchets are the most popular pick for most weavers. Premium looms with folding mechanisms, hardwood frames, and matching stands are the top of the lineup. Plan to add a reed and shuttle to your starter purchase.
Final Verdict: Which Rigid Heddle Loom Should You Buy?
If I had to pick one rigid heddle loom for a complete beginner, I would choose the Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom and Stand Combo in the 16 inch size. It is the most popular rigid heddle loom on the market, comes with a stand in the box, and has the largest community of users for help and project ideas. The Silver Beech hardwood frame will last a lifetime with basic care, and the upgrade path to a second heddle kit means you will not outgrow it within months.
If you want the best loom for travel or small spaces, go with the Schacht Flip. If you want the smallest, most beginner-friendly entry point to try weaving, the Beka 4 inch starter kit is the way. And if you want a wider weaving width with USA-made Cherry wood, the Beka 24 Inch Loom earns its place.
Whatever loom you choose, remember the three rules our testing keeps confirming: start at least 16 inches wide, buy at least one extra reed, and either get a stand or plan to build one. Those three decisions will save you the most frustration in your first year of weaving on the best rigid heddle looms for weaving.