A table loom enables multi shaft weaving without the space or financial investment that a floor loom requires.
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A table loom usually comes with four or more shafts. Four and eight shaft looms are the most common, but they can have more. Ashford, for example, manufacture a 16 shaft table loom!
Table looms are often favoured for their portability and affordability. They make a great loom to take along to workshops, or anywhere you want to take a multi shaft loom. Some will come with a handy carry bag and many will fold down to be even more space efficient. They are also often used for sampling, as you can test out your yarns or pattern before committing it to the floor loom.
Table looms come in a variety of sizes, meaning that if you only require one for sampling or you have a very small space to fit the loom, you could choose a 16 inch or lower weaving width. This size would also be suitable if you only wanted to weave narrower pieces like scarves.
The mode of operation for weaving on a table loom differs to other looms and makes it instantly recognisable. The shafts, rather than being operated by raising or lowering a heddle/reed (as in rigid heddle weaving) or being foot controlled (such as treadling on a floor loom) are raised by the manoeuvring of levers that sit at the front of the castle (the upright part of the loom) and are tied to the shafts underneath. These levers are very simple to operate and as lever 1 corresponds with shaft 1 and so on, it is visually simple – you are actually looking at the levers right in front of you, making it difficult to mix up and get the pattern wrong.
Table looms are also adaptable. In the last paragraph I explained that the levers are hand operated, however if you want more of a floor loom experience, you can purchase a stand along with treadles. The treadles are tied to the shafts in place of the levers, allowing you to lift the shafts by depressing treadles with your feet.
Some looms can be purchased as a four shaft and upgraded to an eight shaft later on. This is a terrific option for those who:
- Wish to start out on four shafts only OR
- Don’t wish to make the financial commitment of an eight shaft loom right away.
To weave on a table loom, you will need a few things apart from the tools that come standard with the loom:
*A table space to keep the loom on whilst weaving (unless you also purchase a stand, which is available separately). If weaving at a table, some weavers choose to stand. My back is no good for standing so I like to use an adjustable height office chair that I find comfortable.
*A warping board. A table loom is warped indirectly, so you make your warp on the board and transfer it to the loom.
*A raddle kit. This is necessary for spacing your warp before taking it to the loom. You can buy the raddle kit that fits your size of loom. Some weavers choose to make their own.
You can see a short overview of the Ashford 8 shaft, 32″ table loom here-
And you can see a demonstration of me using the loom here-
I have some exciting news regarding table looms too! I recently purchased the Ashford 16″ 8 shaft table loom to use for teaching. My husband and I made a two part video that shows you how to assemble it.
But that is not all! My primary purpose for buying this new loom is because I have had so many requests for a table loom class and I am happy to say that I’ve put together a very comprehensive class, Weaving on a Table Loom.
I hope this post has been useful to you, let me know in the comments if you have any questions or simply want to leave me a comment.
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!
This is really good news as I have ordered an Ashford 8 shaft loom. I still have so much to learn on the rigid heddle, but am keen to use a multi shaft loom too!
Kelly, Did you enjoy using your Ashford Table Loom, the 32″ one? I’m considering this one. I have two RHLs and have been learning a lot from your school lessons. I have wanted a multi-shaft loom and just don’t have room for a floor loom, besides the cost. I have look at your blog on this and also your videos. Plus your classes.
Yes Linda, I did enjoy it. I would like to still have it but don’t have the space. It is quite large and somewhat heavy, so take that into consideration. Also, if I had that size again I would strongly consider purchasing a stand.
Yes, I may get a stand, just not right away. I have a strong desk that would accommodate it, It also has wheels on it so I can move it, with a brake system for those wheels. I imagine with the width of this loom, I would use boat shuttles. Is that what you did?
Yes, I did use boat shuttles.
I could change my mind; however, I believe I’m going to save for a floor loom. I have about a fourth saved for one so maybe by the end of next year I’ll have the money. Right now I’ll work on my RHL’s. So much to learn there. Thank you for your input.
The great thing about having to wait and save for something you want is that it gives you so much time to research and consider. Then, by the time you can afford the loom, you can be confident in your decision. This is the way I’ve always done it 😊
Yes, Linda, I have a 32” Ashford Table Loom as well, and I love it. I have osteoporosis arthritis in my knees and ankles, so I cannot work with a foot run loom. The table loom is great and I agree with Kelly that a stand is essential.
Sorry for the double comment Kelly. Delete one as they’re both from me, Ute Futrell. Didn’t think the first had posted. Thank you!
That’s ok, I know it’s a bit confusing because I have to moderate each comment due to spammers 🙄
I very glad you do this course. I bought a 60 cm 8 shafts Ashford table loom last year. A week ago arrived my stand and the treadle kit. I found very difficult to use the levers and the treadles the shafts not rise smoothly, not going down, have to push by hand. So I just thought it was a mistake to by the treadle kit, or just I am too unsuccessful.
I am so happy to saw your post. Can’t wait to get learning from you.
Maria, my class won’t be using treadles, just the levers on the table loom. I hope it will still be helpful to you anyway.
Yes, definitely. Thank you
I am so looking forward to the table loom classes! I have had my 8 shaft table loom for a year and have yet to get a real project completed. There’s much that I want and need to learn but have no clue where to start Can’t wait! Thank you Kelly!
I’m getting lots of messages from people saying the same thing Ute! Now I’m really excited to think that the class could get a whole new wave of table loom weavers up and weaving 😄
I am very excited that you will be showing us about your new table loom.
I love reading your articles and watching your you tube videos. Because you explain things so calm and clearly, it gives me time to understand and absorb what you are discussing.
It sounds like you have been reading my mind.
I have been saving my money to purchase either a rigid heddle or table loom. I just can not decide which one would be the better choice. I am leaning toward a table loom.
I see a lot of patterns and articles about the rigid heddle looms but not very many on the table looms. Are there any good books out there just about table looms?
It seems to me that once you learn how to set up the table loom it would be so much easier to weave on as opposed to the rigid heddle looms. Also it sounds like the table loom has very good tension control.
Another question that I have is:
Let’s say you want to make really nice kitchen towels using a fine (like 8/2) thread on a table loom. Do you always use the same reed that comes on the table loom or do you need to purchase different size reeds that attach to the table loom like you do for the rigid heddle looms?
Thank you for all of your great advice.
Great questions Bonnie!
The first thing I have to say is that I can give advice and opinions, but I can’t decide for anyone which loom is best for them. There are a lot of factors to consider, and a table loom is quite a different thing to a rigid heddle loom. I did a video a few years ago comparing table looms and RHL’s but perhaps I should update and write a blog post specifically about that too – there is so much to say about the topic!
A table loom does have better tension control than a RHL but not as good tension as a floor loom. When you have woven on a floor loom, the tension on a table loom can be a little frustrating because you’re used to almost perfect tension!
Regarding the finer thread with the standard reed. You do not need to purchase more reeds unless you really want to, as when you are sleying (threading) the reed, you can thread in such a way as to increase the sett if you need to. For example, I often weave 8/2 towels on a twill structure at 20epi. With my 10 dent reed, I just put 2 ends in each dent instead of one and that gives me 20 ends per inch. I hope that’s not confusing!
Looks good. It took me 10 hours to put my 16 shaft table loom together
I’m not surprised! It’s quite a process 😁
Almost perfect timing as I just got my Ashford 24 inch 8 shaft loom too and just finished putting it together last night and now planning my first project! So I am looking forward to your video’s to help me with my transition from ridgid heddle to multishaft loom. I liked the pattern you were weaving in your demo video in the dark and light blue – what was that?
This is actually the pattern I’m going to use for the class, isn’t it beautiful? It’s a 4 shaft undulating twill ❤️
I hope it wont be a members only class as I was bought the same loom just after Christmas and would love a class that would help get over the fear….bought a lot of your classes so not much point in being a member D x
Deborah, it will be available for single purchase, so don’t worry 😀
Go girl lol thank you……and sorry but HURRY!!!!!!!
😂
Would love a class on table looms. Almost able to purchase a table loom and trying to decide how many shafts I should get. Looking forward to a class when available! Please let us know. Thanks in advance.
I’ll definitely let you all know 😊
My very own Ashford 8 shaft table loom is on its way to me now! I’m so excited to know that I will have you and your videos beside me as I take on this new adventure in weaving. I’m so grateful for your videos and for the encouragement, support and inspiration that they provide. I don’t think I would have come this far without your help. Thank you Kelly! You’re the best!
My very own 8 shaft Ashford table loom is on its way to me now.! I’m so excited to know that I will have you and your videos beside me as I take on this new adventure in weaving. I’m so grateful for your videos for the encouragement, support and inspiration that they provide. I don’t think I would have come this far without your help. Thank you Kelly! You’re the best!
Wow, congratulations, how very exciting for you!
Awesome I just purchased a Louet Jane 70 8 shaft Tableloom. Looking forward to seeing your tips. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
How are you liking the Jane, Laurie?
Congratulations, Kelly! One day I hope to have an Ashford table loom. For now, I am honing my skills on my Ashford rigid heddle. I’ll for sure watch your videos though!
Thanks Karin 😊
Wonderful!! I bought a laclerc four shaft table loom last year. My first project is still on it!
I need to just take the time to work on it, I have so much to learn. Love it.
You will get there Kathy 😉
Awesome as I have a table loom too and could use a few lessons, especially on warping as I always seem to have tension issues. Can’t wait!
Yay! 😊