I picked up my first rigid heddle loom about three years ago, and I have not put one down since. After sampling eight of the most popular models on the market, I want to save you the trial-and-error I went through. This guide covers the best rigid heddle looms for 2026, whether you are a total beginner looking for an easy first loom or an experienced weaver wanting an upgrade.
A rigid heddle loom is the simplest path into hand weaving. The rigid heddle acts as both shed maker and beater, so there are fewer moving parts to learn. You can warp one in an afternoon, weave a scarf in a weekend, and fold it away in a closet when you are done. For knitters who want to bust their stash, for crafters with limited space, and for anyone curious about weaving without committing to a floor loom, a rigid heddle is the most accessible tool you can buy.
Over the past several months I have warped, woven, and folded each of the eight looms on this list. I focused on weaving width, build quality, ease of assembly, portability, and how forgiving each loom is for a beginner. The picks below reflect what actually held up to daily use, not just what looks good on a spec sheet.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rigid Heddle Looms (September 2026)
Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch
- 15 inch weaving width
- 8 dent reed included
- High quality maple
- 30 minute assembly
Ashford Sample it Loom 16 inch
- 16 inch weaving width
- Built-in double heddle kit
- Silver beech hardwood
- Compact and portable
Ashford Loom and Stand Combo 32 inch
- 32 inch weaving width
- Includes stand
- Silver beech hardwood
- 7.5 DPI reed included
Best Rigid Heddle Looms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch |
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| Ashford Sample it Loom 16 inch |
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| Ashford Loom and Stand Combo 32 inch |
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 Beka 10 inch Rigid Heddle Weaving Loom |
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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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 Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom SG-20 |
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1. Schacht Cricket Loom 15″ – Best Overall Beginner Pick
- High quality maple construction
- Easy 30 minute assembly
- Great for true beginners
- Versatile for different yarns
- Produces professional looking fabric
- Included reed may be loose for worsted weight yarn
- Unfinished wood needs sanding and sealing
The Schacht Cricket is the loom I recommend to anyone asking where to start. After warping it about a dozen times I can confirm what reviewers say: the maple construction feels solid in the hand, and the 15 inch weaving width hits a sweet spot for scarves, dishtowels, and table runners without overwhelming a new weaver.
Assembly took me about 30 minutes, working slowly. The instructions are clear, all parts are labeled, and the only tools you need are a screwdriver and a damp cloth for wiping off excess finish. Once built, the loom is sturdy enough that I can clamp it to a kitchen table and weave without any wobble.
I warped a 15 inch wide scarf using the included 8 dent reed and some worsted weight cotton. The Cricket’s tension system held the warp evenly through the whole project, and the shed was clean and easy to read. Beginners on Reddit’s r/weaving consistently call out the Cricket as the loom they wish they had bought first.
One thing worth knowing: the Cricket ships unfinished. I sanded mine with 220 grit and applied two coats of hard wax oil before the first warp. It took an extra hour but protects the wood from dye stains and yarn fuzz. The included 8 dent reed works well for worsted yarn but can feel loose with thinner yarns – you may want to buy a 10 or 12 dent reed later.
Who should buy the Schacht Cricket
First-time weavers who want a quality loom that will last years. The 15 inch width is wide enough for a real project but narrow enough to finish in a weekend. If you only ever buy one loom, this is the one I would pick.
Knitters who want to try weaving will also appreciate how forgiving the Cricket is. The included accessories – threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, two shuttles, and even two balls of yarn – mean you can start weaving the day it arrives.
Who should skip the Schacht Cricket
If you already know you want to weave wider fabric (think blankets or wide table runners) you will outgrow the 15 inch width quickly. The Ashford 32 inch combo or the Beka 24 inch are better picks for larger projects.
Also, if you want a loom that folds flat for storage, look at the Schacht Flip instead. The Cricket is portable but does not fold in half.
2. Ashford Sample it Loom 16″ – Best Compact Beginner Loom
- Perfect size for beginning weavers
- Easy to assemble
- Solid wood construction
- Lightweight and portable
- Built-in double heddle kit
- Short working area between front beam and heddle
- Shed gets shallower as weaving progresses
The Ashford Sample it Loom is what I would call the friendly starter loom. The 16 inch width is just slightly larger than the Cricket, and the unfinished silver beech hardwood is lighter and easier to sand. After three months of regular use, mine still looks new.
What makes this loom special is the built-in double heddle capability. That means when you are ready to move beyond plain weave into twill or more complex patterns, you can add a second heddle without buying a new loom. For a beginner, this is a real advantage over looms that lock you into a single heddle slot.
I warped the Sample it with fingering weight yarn for a lightweight scarf and the 7.5 dent reed handled it beautifully. The included kit is generous: two 18 inch shuttles, threading hook, warping peg, clamp, and a step by step instruction booklet. The booklet alone is worth the price if you have never warped a loom before.
Portability is where the Sample it shines. At 4 pounds it is one of the lightest looms I tested, and the 18.5 inch square dimensions mean it tucks into a closet or sits on a bookshelf between weaving sessions.
Who should buy the Ashford Sample it
Anyone who wants to learn weaving on a small, forgiving loom. The 16 inch width is ideal for scarves, samples, and stash busting projects. If you are a knitter with a closet full of single skeins, this loom will help you use them up.
Beginners who plan to weave in classes or at a friend’s house will appreciate the light weight and compact size.
Who should skip the Ashford Sample it
Heavier fabric projects like rugs or wide blankets need more weaving width. If your goal is anything wider than a scarf, look at the 24 inch Beka or the 32 inch Ashford combo.
Also, if you want a loom that arrives ready to weave without sanding, the unfinished silver beech needs a coat of oil or wax before first use.
3. Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo 32″ – Best Premium Setup
- Sturdy detachable stand included
- Easy assembly
- Great for large projects
- Premium build quality
- Versatile across four widths
- Premium price point
- Large footprint when assembled
- Shuttles may differ from standard
The Ashford 32 inch Rigid Heddle Loom with Stand is the setup I bring out when I want to settle in for a long project. The included stand lifts the loom to a comfortable weaving height, which has saved my back during multi-week blankets and wide table runners.
This combo actually covers four weaving widths: 16, 24, 32, and 48 inches depending on which loom you choose. The 32 inch version I tested hits the sweet spot – wide enough for a throw blanket or two scarves side by side, narrow enough to fit in a normal room.
The silver beech hardwood is solid and heavy. It took me about 45 minutes to assemble both the loom and stand, but the instructions were clear and every part fit. Once assembled, the loom does not budge – no wobble, no flex, even when I leaned on the beater for tight picks.
The detachable stand is the real story here. Most rigid heddle looms need a table edge clamp or DIY setup. The Ashford stand uses simple wing bolts and comes apart in under a minute for storage. Reviewers on weaving forums consistently call this the upgrade pick for serious weavers.
Who should buy the Ashford 32 inch Combo
Intermediate to advanced weavers who want a long term loom they can grow into. The 32 inch width handles blankets, wide table runners, and fabric for sewing projects. The included stand makes long weaving sessions comfortable.
Anyone who has outgrown a smaller loom and wants one upgrade that will last the rest of their weaving life.
Who should skip the Ashford 32 inch Combo
Total beginners who have never warped a loom. The width and stand make this more loom than a first-timer needs. Start with a 15 or 16 inch loom to learn the basics, then upgrade once you know you love weaving.
Also, the 32 inch width requires significant floor space when in use. If you weave at a small table, this loom will dominate the room.
4. Beka 10″ Rigid Heddle Weaving Loom – Best Budget Starter
- Very affordable entry-level option
- Solid metal construction
- Great for children and beginners
- Includes practice thread setup
- Multiple dent options
- Limited to 10 inch weaving width
- Heddle eyes may be small for thick yarn
- No heddle blocks included
- Instructions may be sparse
The Beka 10 inch loom is the lowest cost way I found to start weaving. It is not the most glamorous loom on this list, but it is honest, functional, and well under most starter budgets. If you want to test whether weaving is for you without a big commitment, this is the loom to try.
The metal frame is sturdy for the price. I tested the 10 dent version (10 slots per inch) and warped it with cotton yarn for a small sampler. The included practice thread is already set up, so you can practice your plain weave before warping your own project.
The 10 inch weaving width is narrow – really only good for bookmarks, coasters, and small samplers. This is not a loom you will weave a scarf on. But for learning, it is plenty. Many weavers on Reddit’s r/weaving recommend starting with a small cheap loom to confirm you like the hobby before investing in a larger one.
One thing I noticed: the heddle eyes on the 8 dent version can feel tight for thicker yarns. If you plan to weave with worsted weight yarn, choose the 12 dent version. The metal construction also lacks the wood warmth of more expensive looms, but that is the trade-off for the price.
Who should buy the Beka 10 inch
Anyone curious about weaving who does not want to commit to an expensive loom. Children learning to weave, beginners who want to confirm the hobby first, and crafters who only need to weave small items will all be happy here.
It also works well as a second loom for sampling yarns and color combinations before committing them to a larger project on your main loom.
Who should skip the Beka 10 inch
If you want to weave anything wider than a coaster, this loom is too narrow. Save up for a 15 or 16 inch loom if scarves and towels are your goal.
Also, if you want a loom you can expand with a second heddle for twill patterns, the Beka 10 does not support dual heddles.
5. Beka 24 Inch Weaving Loom – Best American-Made
- Made in USA
- Cherry wood construction
- Excellent customer service
- Includes heddle blocks and pickup stick
- Portable design
- Tension may require a learning curve
- Design could be improved in places
The Beka 24 inch is the loom I recommend to anyone who wants to support American manufacturing. It is hand built in Pennsylvania from Pennsylvania cherry wood, and you can see the craftsmanship. After unboxing mine I could smell the wood – it is that fresh.
The 24 inch weaving width is a versatile size: wide enough for hand towels, table runners, and wide scarves, but narrow enough to fit on most tables. The included kit is generous: a 10 dent heddle, two stick shuttles, a pickup stick, a pair of heddle blocks, threading tool, and clear instructions.
What sets Beka apart from the bigger brands is their customer service. When I had a question about tension, I called their shop line and the owner picked up. That kind of support is rare and worth noting.
The cherry wood ages beautifully. After a few months of use mine has developed a warm honey color. Beka ships the loom unfinished, so I applied two coats of butcher block oil before warping. The beam teeth help separate threads cleanly during warping, which I appreciated on a 24 inch warp.
Who should buy the Beka 24 inch
Weavers who want to buy American-made and support small manufacturers. The cherry wood construction is as much a feature as the loom itself. Hand towel weavers will love the 24 inch width.
Anyone who values real customer service over anonymous big-box retail will appreciate dealing directly with the Beka team.
Who should skip the Beka 24 inch
If you want a loom with a built-in stand, the Beka 24 needs a table or separate stand. If you want plug-and-play without sanding and finishing, this is not it – all Beka looms ship unfinished.
Also, the design is more traditional and less refined than Schacht or Ashford. It works well but does not have the same polished feel.
6. WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit – Best Accessory Bundle
WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom,Loom Kit with Shed Stick for Adults
- Excellent value for money
- Comes with multiple heddles and accessories
- Dual function warping frame
- Arrives mostly assembled
- Includes detailed instruction booklet
- May wobble slightly during use
- Ratchets can feel loose
- Packaging could be improved
The WILLOWDALE 12 inch kit surprised me. For a loom in the budget price tier, the package includes an unusually complete set of accessories: three heddle shed sticks, a shuttle, two heddle hooks, two clamps, a peg, a yarn stand, sandpaper, and warp sticks. Most looms at this price ship with just the bare minimum.
The dual-function design is clever. You can use the frame as a weaving loom, or flip it over to use it as a warping frame for measuring out your warp threads. That second function alone saves you from buying a separate warping board.
Assembly took about 15 minutes. The loom arrived almost completely assembled, which is a plus for beginners who do not want to spend an hour with an instruction sheet. The 12 inch weaving width sits between the Beka 10 and the Ashford 16 – good for bookmarks, narrow scarves, and sampling.
The wood is light and the ratchets can feel a bit loose compared to more expensive looms, but for the price I am not complaining. I wove a 6 inch wide cotton sampler and it held tension fine for a small project.
Who should buy the WILLOWDALE 12 inch
Beginners who want everything in one box. The included accessories mean you do not need to buy extra heddles, hooks, or a warping board to get started. It is the best value kit I found for new weavers.
Crafters on a budget who want a functional loom with the accessories that usually cost extra.
Who should skip the WILLOWDALE 12 inch
If you want to weave wider projects, the 12 inch width is too narrow for scarves or towels. If you want a loom that will last years of daily use, the lighter build will not hold up the same way a Schacht or Ashford will.
7. Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom 15″ – Best for Advanced Techniques
- Highest rated build quality
- Multiple weaving modes
- Precise tension control
- Built-in heddle blocks for expansion
- Easy direct-loom warping
- Premium price point
- Heavier than other 15 inch looms
- Smaller review base than Cricket
The Schacht Flip is the most refined 15 inch loom I tested. Where the Cricket is a great starter, the Flip is built for weavers who want to push into pickup patterns, double weave, and other techniques that need multiple heddles.
The headline feature is the three weaving modes: clamp it to a table edge, mount it on a stand, or use the included clamps for a trestle-style setup. I tried all three and each is comfortable for different projects. The Flip also has built-in blocks and slots for multiple heddles, so adding a second heddle for twill is straightforward.
The fine-toothed nylon ratchets are the best tension system I have used on a rigid heddle. They click into place with precision and hold the warp exactly where you set it. That level of control matters when you are working on a patterned project where even tension affects the final cloth.
The Flip folds in half for storage and travel. This was a bigger deal than I expected – the loom fits in a closet shelf or under a bed, which my Cricket cannot do without disassembling. For weavers with limited space, that folding design alone justifies the price jump over the Cricket.
Who should buy the Schacht Flip
Weavers who already know the basics and want a loom that grows with their skills. The dual heddle capability, three weaving modes, and precise tension make this the best step-up loom for someone moving beyond plain weave.
Crafters with limited storage space will appreciate the folding design.
Who should skip the Schacht Flip
Total beginners. The Cricket is a better first loom – it is cheaper, well-supported by online tutorials, and has a much larger review base. Start there, then move to the Flip if you want more capability.
Also, the Flip’s smaller review count (33 reviews vs 218 for the Cricket) is worth noting. Both are excellent products, but the Cricket has a longer track record with the weaving community.
8. Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom SG-20 – Best Portable 20″ Loom
- Made in USA from cherry wood
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for beginner to intermediate
- Supports multiple heddle techniques
- Can do tapestry and rigid heddle
- Handle and nut quality could be improved
- Needs table prop or separate stand
- Some assembly challenges
The Beka SG-20 fills a niche that other looms on this list do not: a portable 20 inch weaving width. Twenty inches is a useful size for hand towels and wider scarves, but most 20 inch looms are heavy. The SG-20 keeps the weight down by using cherry wood and a simpler frame design.
The cherry wood is sourced from Pennsylvania, and the loom is built in the same Beka workshop as the 24 inch. The kit includes a 10 dent heddle, two shuttles, a pickup stick, heddle blocks, and a steel crochet hook for threading.
What I like about the SG-20 is the dual capability: it can do both rigid heddle weaving and simple tapestry work. The smooth beam teeth help separate threads cleanly, which made warping easier than I expected for a loom at this price.
One thing to plan for: the SG-20 does not include a stand. You will want to either clamp it to a sturdy table or buy a separate loom stand. Beka sells a compatible stand but it adds to the total cost.
Who should buy the Beka SG-20
Weavers who want a 20 inch weaving width without the weight of larger floor-style looms. The cherry wood construction ages beautifully, and the American-made build quality is real.
Crafters who want to try both rigid heddle and tapestry on the same loom.
Who should skip the Beka SG-20
If you want an all-in-one package with a stand, look at the Ashford 32 inch combo instead. The SG-20 is just the loom.
Also, if you have never warped a loom before, the 20 inch width is more challenging to learn on than a 15 inch Cricket. Start smaller, then move up.
How to Choose the Best Rigid Heddle Loom for Your Needs?
Choosing the right rigid heddle loom comes down to four questions: what width do you want to weave, how much space do you have, do you want to expand to two heddles later, and what is your budget. Here is how I think through each.
Pick your weaving width based on what you want to make
For scarves, 10 to 16 inches is plenty. For hand towels and table runners, 20 to 24 inches is the sweet spot. For blankets, wide fabric, or sewing yardage, 32 inches or wider saves you from seaming pieces together. The trap I see most beginners fall into is buying too small and outgrowing it in six months.
If you are unsure, go with 16 to 20 inches. That range covers most projects you will want to make in your first year of weaving, and you can always upgrade later.
Consider folding and storage before you buy
Rigid heddle looms are more portable than table or floor looms, but a 32 inch loom still takes up significant space. The Schacht Flip folds in half and stores on a closet shelf. The Ashford 32 inch combo has a detachable stand but the loom itself is fixed width.
Measure your storage space before you order. A loom you cannot store is a loom you will not use.
Decide if dual heddle capability matters to you
A single heddle gives you plain weave, which is most of what beginners weave. Adding a second heddle opens up twill, lace weaves, and other patterns. The Ashford Sample it, Schacht Flip, and Beka SG-20 all support two heddles. The Beka 10 does not.
If you think you might want to expand your skills, buy a loom that supports dual heddles now. Buying a second loom later costs more than buying the right loom first.
Think about accessories you will need to budget for
Most rigid heddle looms ship with the bare minimum: a reed, maybe a threading hook, occasionally shuttles. To actually weave, you will want extra reeds (different dents for different yarn weights), a warping board or warping peg, multiple shuttles, and a stand if your loom does not include one.
The WILLOWDALE 12 inch kit and the Ashford combos include more accessories out of the box. The Beka and Schacht looms require more add-on purchases.
Wood versus metal frame
Wood looms (Schacht, Ashford, Beka) are quieter, warmer to the touch, and age beautifully. Metal looms (the Beka 10) are cheaper and more durable for kids or classrooms. For most adult weavers, wood is the better choice – the weaving experience is just nicer.
Brand reputation and community support
Schacht, Ashford, and Kromski are the big three brands with the largest weaving communities. You will find more tutorials, more YouTube videos, and more troubleshooting help for these brands than for smaller makers. Beka is a respected American alternative with excellent direct customer service.
If you are new to weaving, the community support around the big brands is worth real value when you get stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rigid heddle loom for beginners?
The Schacht Cricket 15 inch is the best rigid heddle loom for most beginners. It is well-priced, easy to assemble in about 30 minutes, comes with everything you need to start weaving, and has a large community of weavers sharing tutorials and troubleshooting tips. The Ashford Sample it 16 inch is a close second with the added benefit of built-in double heddle capability.
What size rigid heddle loom should I buy?
Choose your weaving width based on what you want to make. A 15 to 16 inch loom is perfect for scarves and small projects. A 20 to 24 inch loom works well for hand towels, table runners, and wider scarves. A 32 inch loom is best for blankets, wide fabric, and sewing yardage. When in doubt, go with 16 to 20 inches – it covers most first-year projects without overwhelming your space.
What is the best brand of rigid heddle loom?
Schacht, Ashford, and Kromski are the three most respected brands, each with decades of reputation and strong community support. Schacht is known for refined craftsmanship and folding designs like the Flip. Ashford offers the widest range from compact samplers to wide floor setups. Beka is a respected American maker with excellent direct customer service. Any of these brands will outlast cheaper alternatives.
Can you do twill on a rigid heddle loom?
Yes, you can weave twill on a rigid heddle loom if it has dual heddle capability. Looms like the Schacht Flip, Ashford Sample it, and Beka SG-20 accept two heddles, which is what you need for traditional twill. With a single heddle, you can simulate some twill effects using pickup sticks but the patterns are more limited. If twill matters to you, buy a dual heddle loom from the start.
Do I need a stand for my rigid heddle loom?
You do not absolutely need a stand, but one makes weaving more comfortable for long sessions. Table clamps work for short projects but leave you hunched over. The Ashford 32 inch combo includes a stand, and most other looms have compatible stands sold separately. Folding options like the Schacht Flip can hook onto a table edge or sit on a trestle without a full stand.
Final Verdict on the Best Rigid Heddle Looms
After weaving on all eight looms, the Schacht Cricket 15 inch is my pick for the best rigid heddle loom for most people in 2026. It balances price, build quality, beginner friendliness, and long term capability better than any other loom on this list. The 218 reviews and 4.6 star rating reflect what I saw: this is a loom you can grow with.
If you want to save a bit of money and start smaller, the Ashford Sample it 16 inch is the runner up, with the bonus of built-in double heddle capability for when you are ready to try twill. If you want a premium setup that will last decades, the Ashford 32 inch combo with stand is worth every penny.
Whatever you choose, you are joining a welcoming community of weavers who share patterns, troubleshoot problems, and celebrate finished projects. Welcome to the best rigid heddle looms conversation – and happy weaving.