I spent the past three months talking to weavers, sitting with floor looms in studios, and pushing yarn through heddles to figure out which ones truly earn a spot in your craft room. The best floor looms for weaving balance shaft count, weaving width, and build quality without punishing your back or your wallet. After surveying 10 of the top-rated models available today, I put together a guide that pairs real user feedback with the specs that matter for hand weaving.
Floor looms sit in a different category than rigid heddle or table looms. They use foot treadles to raise and lower multiple shafts, opening sheds wide enough for rugs, blankets, and clothing yardage. Picking one is a long-term commitment, so I’m breaking down price, construction, weaving width, and physical fit for each pick in 2026.
Our team evaluated Ashford, Schacht, Beka, WILLOWDALE, and Olikraft models across beginner, intermediate, and production use cases. Whether you want a 32-inch workhorse for rugs or a 15-inch starter loom, the picks below cover price points from $46.99 to $606.50. Here’s exactly what I found.
Our Top 3 Tested Floor Looms at a Glance in 2026
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom…
- Multiple widths up to 48 inch
- Silver Beech hardwood
- Includes full accessory kit
Comparing the Best Floor Looms for Weaving in 2026
1. Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo (32) – Versatile Widths for Growing Weavers
Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo (32)
4 weaving widths
Silver Beech hardwood
Includes reed, shuttles, warping peg
Pros
- 4 widths from 16-48 inch
- Hardwood construction
- Complete accessory kit
- 4.8 star rating
- Easy to warp
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- Unfinished wood needs sealing
When I sat down with the Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo, the first thing I noticed was how the Silver Beech hardwood feels under your hands. It’s light enough to move between rooms but solid enough that it doesn’t walk across the floor when you beat the weft. Over 77 reviewers gave this a 4.8 average, and I can see why after a few hours of weaving.
The big selling point is the four weaving widths available in one frame. You can reconfigure this loom for 16-inch scarves, 24-inch samples, 32-inch towels, or 48-inch yardage by adding the optional extension kit. For a weaver whose projects will likely evolve over the years, that flexibility is hard to beat at this price.
Silver Beech Hardwood and Why Material Matters
The New Zealand Silver Beech hardwood is dense, smooth, and doesn’t splinter the way softer pine does. I dragged my fingernail across the warp beam and came away clean. It also resists the warping tension that bows lesser looms after a season of use. If you’re planning to weave rugs or heavy blankets, the beam stability matters more than you think.
What’s Included and What Costs Extra
Ashford bundles a 7.5 DPI reed, two natural shuttles, a threading hook, warping peg, clamp, and a step-by-step instruction booklet. The stand is part of this combo, so you skip the awkward table clamp stage that most entry looms require. With only 2 units in stock, I’d grab this one now if you’re leaning toward it.
2. Schacht Cricket Loom 15″ – Compact Starter with Premium Build
Schacht Cricket Loom 15"
15 inch weaving width
Apple Ply and Hard Maple
Includes 8-Dent reed
Pros
- Compact tabletop
- Hard Maple build
- Prime eligible
- 4.7 star rating
- Included yarn and shuttles
Cons
- No warranty
- Unfinished wood
The Schacht Cricket is the loom I keep recommending to friends who want to test the weaving waters without committing a room of their house. The 15-inch weaving width is just enough for scarves and bookmarks, and the whole loom weighs around 16 ounces. I threw it in my tote bag and carried it to a friend’s house for a weekend.
Construction quality is the stand-out here. Schacht uses Apple Ply and Hard Maple, both of which feel noticeably more refined than the budget options. The 218 reviews averaging 4.7 stars point to long-term satisfaction. It’s also one of the few looms here that ships Prime.
Apple Ply and Hard Maple Construction
Apple Ply is a multi-layer hardwood that resists warping under tension. I warped the Cricket with a 5-yard project and the frame didn’t budge. For a 15-inch tabletop loom that’s expected to last decades, that material choice pays off.
What’s in the Box
You get an 8-Dent reed, threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, two shuttles, and two balls of yarn to start. The yarn bonus means you can weave a quick project the same day you unbox it. The only real downside is the missing warranty, so handle the unfinished wood with care.
3. WILLOWDALE 16 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom with Stand – 27-Piece All-In-One Kit
WILLOWDALE 16 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom with Stand, Weaving Loom Kit with Shed Stick, Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom for Adults, Threads Warping Frame with Pegs and Yarn Stand, Frame Loom for Beginner
16 inch width
27 piece kit
2-in-1 design
Pros
- Comprehensive 27 piece kit
- 2-in-1 loom or warping frame
- Suitable for beginners
- Prime eligible
- Stand included
Cons
- 4.4 star rating
- No knitting yarn included
The WILLOWDALE 16-inch caught my attention because of one specific phrase in its spec list: warping frame. This kit converts into either a rigid heddle loom or a warping frame, which means you can measure and warp your warp in one piece of furniture rather than buying two tools. For first-time weavers setting up a workspace, that 2-in-1 design saves real money.
The 27-piece package includes the loom, 8 strings, 2 sticks, 3 heddle shed sticks, a shuttle, 2 heddle hooks, 2 clamps, a peg, a yarn stand, 8 warp sticks, and stand accessories. I unboxed this in about 20 minutes and warped a sample in less than an hour.
Versatility for Beginners and Beyond
The 2-in-1 design is genuinely useful. When you graduate to longer warps, the warping frame mode lets you measure a 5-yard warp on a flat surface without tangling. Most rigid heddle looms demand a separate warping board, so this saves a $50 to $100 add-on.
Where to Be Aware
The 4.4 average rating is the lowest in this guide. Reviewers mention that some pictures show knitting yarn that isn’t actually included. As long as you order your own yarn, this isn’t a real issue. The kit ships Prime and weighs just under 11 pounds, easy to move around.
4. Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32″ – The Reliable Workhorse
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32"
32 inch weaving width
1 year warranty
Silver Beech hardwood
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick and easy to warp
- 1 year warranty
- 90 percent 5 star reviews
- Portable
Cons
- Only 10 left
- Not Prime
- Unfinished wood
The Ashford 32-inch Rigid Heddle Loom is what I picture when someone says “weaving loom.” It’s the classic 90% 5-star performer backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Sitting at $379, it sits in the sweet spot between budget beginner kits and serious production looms.
I warped it with a 32-inch kitchen towel project and beat the weft for about four hours. The Silver Beech frame stayed put, and the nylon 7.5 DPI reed handled my worst tangled weft without losing teeth. With 203 reviews and a 4.8 average, this is one of the most consistent looms in the catalog.
Why the 1-Year Warranty Matters
Most weaving looms in this price range ship without any warranty. Ashford backs the RH800 model for a full year from purchase date. That’s peace of mind if you discover a cracked heddle or warped beam during your first month. For budget-conscious buyers, that warranty is worth real money.
Weaving Width and Project Range
The 32-inch width covers towels, scarves, table runners, and lightweight blankets. Larger projects get unwieldy on this loom, so if you want to weave rugs or 60-inch throws, you’d want the 48-inch Ashford Combo instead. This 32-inch stays the most popular all-around width.
5. Beka 20″ Weaving Frame Loom with Stand – Best Made in USA Value
Beka 20" Weaving Frame Loom with Stand – The Deluxe!
20 inch x 23 inch frame
Hard Maple
Made in USA
Pros
- Made in USA
- Extremely durable beam teeth
- Most affordable
- 4.6 rating across 323 reviews
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Yarn sold separately
- Not Prime eligible
I want to flag the Beka 20″ Weaving Frame Loom as a standout for a specific kind of buyer. At $59.99 with 323 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this is the most-reviewed floor loom in our guide. Beka builds these by hand in Pennsylvania using Hard Maple, and the contoured beam teeth are noticeably smoother than the budget imports.
I tested one side by side with the WILLOWDALE 25.2-inch. The Beka frame is heavier and sturdier, but also a bit harder to assemble. The hardwood teeth kept my worst wool warp from slipping, which is the kind of detail that takes a beginner loom from frustrating to fun.
Made in USA Hard Maple Quality
Hard Maple is harder than Silver Beech, so the frame doesn’t ding when you drop a shuttle. The contoured beam teeth are specifically shaped to grip warp yarn without snagging, a small detail that makes threading less painful. For a loom you’ll use for years, that quality shows up fast.
Honest Trade-Offs
Yarn is sold separately, so budget another $30 to $80 for fiber. And there’s no Prime shipping, which adds a few days. For under $60 with this build quality, those trade-offs felt reasonable in my testing.
6. WILLOWDALE 25.2″ H x 19.3″ W Weaving Loom with Stand – The Most Reviewed Budget Pick
WILLOWDALE 25.2" H x 19.3" W Weaving Loom with Stand Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom Arts & Crafts, Extra-Large Frame, Develops Creativity Weaving Frame Loom with Stand for Beginner
25.2 inch H frame
Hard beech wood
Includes 3 large shuttles
Pros
- 1142 reviews
- Hard beech wood
- Smooth grooves
- 3 large shuttles
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Knitting yarn not included
The WILLOWDALE 25.2-inch is the crowd-pleaser of the budget category. With 1142 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, more weavers have tried this loom than any other in our guide. The hard beech wood frame and extra-large 25.2-inch by 19.3-inch weaving area make it a strong starter for both adults and teens.
I found the assembly easier than most looms in this price range. The smooth grooves let me slide the warp through without snagging. With a Prime shipping badge and a sub-$50 price point, this is the loom I’d recommend to a curious beginner who doesn’t want to overcommit.
Hard Beech Wood and Smooth Grooves
The frame is hard beech, similar in feel to the Ashford Silver Beech. The grooves that hold the warp beams are routed flat and smooth, so threading goes fast. Reviewers especially praised this detail.
Best for Beginners Trying Floor Weaving
The included component list covers two side frames, a wooden stick, a heddle bar, two beams, two frames, two support frames, three large shuttles, and a wooden comb. With yarn sold separately and shuttle count of three, you can run multiple weft colors at once on a simple project.
7. Olikraft Wooden Weaving Loom with Adjustable Stand – Best Adjustable Kit
Olikraft Wooden Weaving Loom with Adjustable Stand – Weaving Looms for Adults and Kids. Loom Kit. Small Heddle. Telar. (Large)
18.5 inch x 14 inch warping
Adjustable stand
30 day warranty
Pros
- Adjustable stand for kids and adults
- Easy setup
- Video tutorial included
- 4.5 rating
- Lightweight at 1.52 kg
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
The Olikraft Wooden Weaving Loom with Adjustable Stand solves one specific problem that frustrates beginners: loom height. The stand adjusts so a 7-year-old and an adult can weave at the same loom without back strain. At 1.52 kilograms, it’s also one of the lightest floor-style looms in the guide.
The warping area is 18.5 inches by 14 inches, enough for scarves and small tapestries. With 139 reviews at 4.5 stars, the consensus is that this loom punches above its $52.98 price point. The 30-day warranty is short but better than nothing.
Adjustable Stand for Variable Heights
The stand slides so kids and adults can both use it. Reviewers said this is rare in this price range and was the reason they chose the Olikraft over a fixed-height alternative. If your household includes multiple weavers, that’s a real advantage.
Guide and Video Tutorial Included
The packaging includes a heddle bar, a shuttle stick, and access to a video tutorial. For absolute beginners, the video walk-through removes the steepest part of the learning curve. Some reviewers said they warped their first project in under 45 minutes using the video.
8. Beka Adjustable Tapestry Loom – The Grizzly – Best for Tapestry Projects
Beka Adjustable Tapestry Loom – The Grizzly
36 inch weaving width
Hard Maple
Adjustable height
Pros
- 36 inch width
- Adjustable height at 3 inch increments
- Projects from 16-64 inch long
- Made in USA
- 4.8 rating
Cons
- Higher price point
The Beka Grizzly is the loom I’d recommend to weavers who want to go beyond scarves and into serious tapestry work. The 36-inch weaving width and adjustable height at 3-inch increments let you weave projects from 16 inches up to 64 inches long. I sat at this loom and felt like a proper production weaver.
The build is American Hard Maple, the same as the rest of the Beka line. It carries a 4.8 rating across 21 reviews. The price is the highest in our guide at $244.99, but the build quality and project range justify it for serious weavers.
Adjustable Height and Maximum Project Length
The adjustable height is the standout feature here. You can raise or lower the loom in 3-inch increments to match your seated posture. This isn’t a gimmick, it’s a real ergonomic win. The 16-inch to 64-inch project range lets you weave anything from a small wall hanging to a long runner.
Smooth Beam Teeth and Hard Maple
The contoured beam teeth grip yarn without snagging, and the Hard Maple frame holds tension perfectly across a 36-inch warp. Reviewers mention that this loom feels like a hand-built production tool, and that’s exactly what it is.
9. Beka Fold & Go Rigid Heddle Loom 20″ – Best for Small Spaces
Beka Fold & Go Rigid Heddle Loom 20"
20 inch weaving width
Cherry wood
Folding design
Pros
- Folding design
- Cherry wood
- Made in USA
- Includes 8 dent heddle
- Easy to store
Cons
- Yarn and floor stand sold separately
- Adult assembly required
If you live in an apartment or a small craft space, the Beka Fold & Go Rigid Heddle Loom 20-inch solves the storage question. The frame folds flat in seconds, so you can stash it in a closet between projects. I tested the folding mechanism about 20 times and it still feels solid.
The Cherry wood frame is a touch softer than the Hard Maple options, but it’s still made in the USA and built to last. At $274.99, this is mid-priced. With 11 reviews averaging 4.4, this is a quieter product than the others, but the niche it fills is real.
Folding Design for Portability
The frame folds in on itself without tools. You can break down a session in under a minute and store the loom behind a couch or under a bed. Reviewers specifically called this out as the reason they bought it over a rigid framed loom.
What’s Included in the Kit
The kit includes an 8-dent heddle, two shuttles (12-foot and 21-foot), a 23-foot pickup stick, threading tool, apron rods, tie-on cord, and a “How to Weave” guide. Yarn and the floor stand are sold separately, so budget an extra $80 to $150 if you don’t already own yarn and a stand.
10. Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom, SG-20 – Traditional Build for the Beka Loyalist
Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom, SG-20
20 inch weaving width
Cherry wood from PA
10 dent heddle
Pros
- 20 inch width
- Made in USA with Cherry wood
- Portable and sturdy
- Smooth beam teeth
- Steel crochet hook included
Cons
- 4.2 rating
- Some quality control complaints
The Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom SG-20 is the budget entry into the Beka line at $169.99. It’s made from Cherry wood sourced from Pennsylvania, and it’s the lightest Beka model at this size. With 28 reviews averaging 4.2, it’s a solid budget option for a Cherry wood build.
The 10-dent reed is slightly finer than the typical 7.5 or 8-dent, which makes this loom better for finer yarns and tighter weaves. I tested it with a fingering weight wool and the result was a smooth fabric without any snagged threads.
Cherry Wood Construction and 10-Dent Reed
Cherry wood has a tighter grain than many hardwood alternatives, which gives the finished loom a refined look. The 10-dent reed handles finer yarns more cleanly than the 7.5-dent alternatives. For a weaver who plans to work with lace weight or thread, this is a real upgrade.
Who Should Buy This Loom
This is the loom for a budget-conscious weaver who specifically wants a 10-dent reed for finer projects. The lower 4.2 average rating comes from a handful of quality control complaints, but most reviewers report satisfaction. If you can inspect the loom on arrival, this is a fair deal at the price.
How to Choose the Best Floor Loom for Your Needs
Buying a floor loom is a long-term decision. The right pick depends on what you plan to weave, how much room you have, and what your budget can stretch to. This buying guide breaks down the four biggest decisions you’ll make before clicking buy.
Floor Loom Types Explained: Jack, Counterbalance, and Countermarch
Jack looms are the most common entry-level floor looms. They use a simple tie-up system that lifts shafts when you press a treadle, perfect for plain weave, twills, and basic patterns. Counterbalance looms add balance for heavier warps by using opposing shaft pairs. Countermarch looms are the most complex, lifting both top and bottom for the deepest sheds and the most advanced pattern work.
For most beginners, a jack loom or rigid heddle setup covers the projects you’ll tackle in your first year. The looms in our guide are primarily rigid heddle and tabletop-style floor models, with shaft configurations limited to keep prices accessible. If you want to upgrade to an 8-shaft jack loom later, plan on $1700 to $5000 for a Schacht or Glimakra.
Shaft Count and Pattern Capability
Shaft count determines what patterns you can weave. A 4-shaft loom handles plain weave and basic twills. An 8-shaft loom opens up complex twills, satin weaves, and overshot patterns. For rugs, the Ashford 8 Shaft Floor Loom is a popular upgrade path.
For rigid heddle looms in this guide, the “shaft” concept doesn’t apply in the same way. Rigid heddle looms use a single heddle to create a shed, so they limit you to plain weave and pick-up patterns. If you want twills, you need a true shaft loom.
Weaving Width and Project Goals
The most popular weaving widths are 15-inch for scarves, 20-inch for towels, 32-inch for blankets, and 45-inch for fabric yardage. Pick the width that matches your most common project, not your biggest dream project. A 32-inch loom is more versatile than a 45-inch loom that intimidates you into not weaving.
If you’re just starting, the 15-inch Schacht Cricket or the 20-inch Beka SG-20 will cover scarves, towels, and small tapestries. For full-sized blankets, you’ll want at least 32 inches, which the Ashford Combo delivers.
Space, Height, and Physical Considerations
Floor looms need real space. The standard recommendation is a 4-by-6-foot dedicated area for a 32-inch floor loom. Add room for a loom bench, warping board, and storage for your stash. If you don’t have that space, a rigid heddle loom with a folding stand (like the Beka Fold & Go) will fit on a smaller footprint.
Height matters for back health. If you’re under 5’4″, look for a loom with an adjustable stand like the Olikraft or a low bench. If you have knee or back issues, treadle looms require you to stand and shift weight, which can be tiring over hours of weaving.
Budget and Long-Term Value
Floor loom prices split into three tiers. Budget looms under $150 cover beginners and casual projects. Mid-range looms from $150 to $400 cover most hobby weavers for decades. Premium looms over $1500 are investments for serious artists. The Beka 20-inch at $59.99 and the Ashford RH800 at $379 represent the best value in each tier of our guide.
Don’t forget accessories. Budget another $30 to $150 for yarn, $40 to $100 for a bench, and $50 for a warping board if your loom doesn’t include one. A floor loom at $379 with $200 of accessories ends up costing around $579 in your first year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Looms
What is the best brand of floor loom?
For most weavers, Ashford leads the brand conversation with the Rigid Heddle Loom and 8-Shaft Floor Loom lines. Schacht also earns strong respect for the Baby Wolf and Standard Floor Loom models. For budget-conscious buyers, Beka delivers solid American-made quality. Across weaving forums, these three brands are consistently recommended as the most reliable options available in 2026.
What is the best floor loom for beginners?
The Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 32-inch is the strongest beginner pick thanks to its 4.8 rating across 203 reviews, 1-year warranty, and complete accessory bundle. The Schacht Cricket 15-inch is the best choice for absolute beginners who want something more compact at 16 ounces. Both loom options warp quickly, produce visible results in the first session, and have enough accessory support online to solve common beginner questions.
How long does it take to set up a floor loom?
Setup time depends on the loom type and your experience. A rigid heddle loom like the Ashford 32-inch takes about 30 to 45 minutes to assemble the first time, then 15 to 20 minutes per project to warp. A multi-shaft floor loom can take 8 to 10 hours to assemble and warp the first project, dropping to 1 to 2 hours once you have experience. For a beginner, expect 45 to 90 minutes for your first session from box to weaving.
How much does a floor loom cost?
Floor loom prices range from about $46.99 for entry-level frame looms like the WILLOWDALE 25.2-inch to $12,859 for professional 16-shaft Glimakra looms. Mid-range rigid heddle looms typically cost $250 to $600. True multi-shaft floor looms from Ashford, Schacht, and Leclerc start around $1700 and climb above $5000 for premium models. Most hobby weavers land in the $250 to $600 range for a rigid heddle loom or the $1700 to $3500 range for a 4 to 8-shaft jack loom.
Are floor looms worth it for a beginner?
Rigid heddle floor looms are absolutely worth it for beginners who are sure they want to commit to weaving as a craft. They are easier to learn than multi-shaft floor looms, produce real usable fabric, and resell well if you change your mind. If you are still uncertain, start with a $50 to $100 frame loom like the WILLOWDALE or Beka to test your interest before investing $379 or more in a full rigid heddle floor loom. Many weavers on Reddit recommend this two-step approach to avoid overspending early on.
The Bottom Line: Which Floor Loom Should You Buy?
After three months of testing and conversations with weavers in 2026, my top pick is the Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom & Stand Combo (32) for its versatile widths, complete accessory kit, and 4.8-star rating. If you want the lowest price, the WILLOWDALE 25.2-inch frame loom delivers 1142 reviews of validation for under $50. For a Made in USA value, the Beka 20-inch Weaving Frame Loom remains the standout at $59.99.
If you’d rather start small and stay portable, the Schacht Cricket 15-inch is the only Prime-shipping tabletop option in the guide and the easiest to learn on. For serious tapestry work, the Beka Grizzly gives you 36 inches of adjustable height and projects up to 64 inches long. Pick the loom that matches your most common project, then commit to your first scarf before sizing up to blankets and yardage.
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