Which Size Inkle Loom Should You Choose? A Guide for Beginners & Beyond

Inkle loom weaving has seen a huge surge in popularity recently—and it’s easy to see why. Inkle looms are affordable, compact, and incredibly fun to use. Whether you’re just starting out on your weaving journey or adding to your existing skills, an inkle loom is a fantastic tool to have in your weaving studio.

But if you’re new to inkle weaving, one of the first questions you might have is:
Which size inkle loom is right for me?

Not all inkle looms are the same size, and the differences can impact what kind of bands you can weave, how portable your loom is, and how much it costs. In this post, I’ll compare some popular inkle loom options (some of which are in my personal collection 😉) —including the Ashford Inklette, the full-size Ashford Inkle Loom, and the beautifully made Lojan Inkle Loom, and Inkeltje which I proudly resell here in Australia.

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure policy.

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What Is an Inkle Loom?

An inkle loom is a simple two-shaft loom designed for weaving warp-faced bands—meaning the warp threads are what you see most in the finished band. All of the color work also appears in the warp, the weft is an unchanging color. You can weave narrow belts, key fobs, guitar straps, decorative trims, and more.

Best of all? Inkle looms are:

• Portable – Weave anywhere!
• Affordable – Great for beginners
• Versatile – From plain weave to Baltic pickup, tubular weaving and even krokbragd!

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Inkle Loom Size Comparison

Let’s look at three popular inkle loom options and how they differ:

1. Ashford Inkle Loom (Full Size)

• Max warp length: 110″ (280 cm)
• Max warp width: 3″ (7.5 cm)*
• Best for: Weavers who want to make longer or slightly wider bands and don’t need to travel with their loom

*Note: Since bands are warp-faced, the finished width is often about half the warped width.

2. Ashford Inklette (Small Size)

• Max warp length: 70″ (180 cm)
• Max warp width: 2″ (5 cm)
• Best for: Beginners, travelers, or those who want a budget-friendly loom

The Inklette is ultra-portable—you can toss it in a tote bag and take it with you. However, the trade-off is its smaller band length, which may limit your project size.

3. Lojan Inkle Loom (Now Available in Australia!)

I’m excited to now offer the Lojan Inkle Loom—a handcrafted hardwood loom designed for serious inkle weaving. It’s beautifully constructed and sits comfortably on a tabletop, making warping and weaving a breeze.

• Max warp length: Approx. 96″ (245 cm)
• Max warp width: Around 3″ (7.5 cm)
• Best for: Weavers who want a high-quality, long-lasting loom with a smooth weaving experience
• Available in a smaller size (Inkeltje)
• Where to buy: I’m a proud Lojan inkle loom reseller in Australia – email me to find out more!

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How to Choose the Right Size Inkle Loom

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

• What kind of bands do I want to weave?
  If you plan to make longer straps or experiment with pickup techniques, a full-size loom like the Ashford or Lojan may be best. For shorter projects, learning the basics, or super portability, the Inklette or Inkeltje is a great start.
• Do I want to weave on the go?
  Portability matters! The Inklette and Inkeltje are light and small, while the Lojan and full-size Ashford are better suited to home use or to pop in the car rather than into a bag for train or bus travel.
• What’s my budget?
  If you’re dipping your toe into inkle weaving, a smaller loom might be more affordable. But if you’re committed, investing in a larger or higher-end loom could be worth it in the long run.

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Still Unsure? Start with These Resources

If you want to learn more about inkle weaving before choosing your loom, check out these helpful links:

• 👉 7 Tips for Inkle Weaving (+ Free Pattern)
• 👉 How to Weave on an Inkle Loom – Beginner’s Tutorial
• 👉 Join My Comprehensive Inkle Weaving Course – Learn plain weave, tubular weaving, and Baltic pickup from start to finish!

Where to Buy Inkle Looms in Australia

• 🧵 Ashford Inkle Looms: Available from The Thread Collective 
• 🧶 Lojan Inkle Looms: Available directly from me—shoot me an email

Where to Buy Inkle Looms in the USA

• 🧵 Ashford Inkle Looms: Available from the Woolery
• 🧶 Lojan Inkle Looms: Available from Revolution Fibers

Choosing the right inkle loom size depends on your project goals, lifestyle, and intentions for the finished band. Whether you go with a petite Inklette or a beautiful Lojan, you will love the process of inkle weaving!

Until next time…

Happy (inkle) Weaving!