Most people are able to learn rigid heddle weaving without an in person class. While classes are on hold due to covid, this is a great option for being able to weave soon. All rigid heddle looms purchased through Vermont Weaving School include access to a group of unlisted educational youtube videos that will teach you how to set up your loom and weave (to be released Oct. 30). I am also available for private zoom sessions.

If you are new to rigid heddle weaving (or even if you aren’t) I highly recommend purchasing the Weaver’s Idea Book, by Jane Patrick.

I am currently working on a new and comprehensive website for the sales of looms, yarn, and accessories. Launch date is scheduled for November 30. Until then, rigid heddle looms can be purchased by contacting me directly. If you need some guidance, I can help you figure out the right loom and accessories and then send you an invoice.

Choosing Your Rigid Heddle Loom

I highly recommend Schacht rigid heddle looms. They are well made and easy to use. They come with everything you need to get started (clamps, warping peg, threading hook).

Schacht has two models. The cricket (comes in 10” and 15” weaving width) and the flip (comes in 15”, 20”, 25”, 30”). The cricket has a smaller profile than the flip and is less expensive. The flip can fold and is more versatile, giving you the option of weaving with two heddles (to make finer fabrics or do more complex patterning). When the flip is folded, it is similar in size to the cricket. Scroll to the bottom of the page for pricing.

 

The Cricket Loom

Cricket advantages: less expensive, takes up less space when weaving, easier to use on your lap.

Cricket disadvantages: smaller shed (how the threads open when weaving), less versatile for finer threads and patterning, 15” maximum weaving width.

Sizing: unless you know that you will only want to weave scarves, I recommend the 15” width.

The cricket comes as a kit and needs to be assembled. If you are purchasing this as a part of a class, you will assemble it while you are here. The cricket also comes with two balls of yarn. 8 dent reed included.

 

The Flip Loom

Flip advantages: comes in larger sizes, can make finer fabrics and more complex patterns with use of a second heddle, foldable.

Flip disadvantages: more expensive, larger footprint when opened, harder to use on your lap.

Sizing: I recommend the 20” or the 25”. The 20” offers far more versatility than the 15”. If you want to make larger tea towels or shawls, the 25” is better. I do not recommend the 30”. The width on a rigid heddle loom is difficult to manage.

Minor assembly is required for the flip. The flip includes one reed, your choice.

 

Free shipping on all rigid heddle looms.

• Cricket 10″: $180 (not currently in stock, available for special order)
• Cricket 15″: $199
• Flip 15″: $290
• Flip 20″: $308
• Flip 25″: $335 (not currently in stock, available for special order)
• Flip 30″: $389 (not currently in stock, available for special order)

Rigid Heddle Reeds:

• 10″ Cricket: $33 (special order)
• 15″ Cricket or Flip: $43 (in stock in 8, 10, or 12 dent)
• 20″ Flip: $52 (in stock in 8, 10, or 12 dent)
• 25″ Flip:  $58 (in stock in 8, 10, or 12 dent)
• 30″ Flip: $65 (special order)

Rigid Heddle Accessories:

• Cricket Stand (15″ only): $142 (not currently in stock, available for special order)
• Cricket Carry Bag: $68
• Flip Stand (fits all sizes): $209
• Flip Carry Bag: $62