Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

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Lojan Inkle Loom Review plus a free inkle pattern!

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If you’ve been on the hunt for a reliable and well-designed inkle loom, let me introduce you to the Lojan Inkle Loom—a game-changer for weaving inkle bands! I’ve had the pleasure of weaving on this loom for a while now, and I have to say, it’s my new favourite Inkle Loom.

Let’s dive into what makes this loom so great!

What I Love About the Lojan Inkle Loom:

Sturdy Construction

One of the first things I noticed about this loom is just how well-built it is. The solid construction means I don’t have to worry about it wobbling or shifting while I warp or weave. The stabilising legs of the loom have rubber stoppers on each end, meaning the loom doesn’t slip when sitting on a table.

A clamp is included with the Inkle Loom but I have not found it necessary to use it.

Easy to put together

It’s no secret that I’m no genius when it comes to assembly. Let’s just say I’ve never shopped at Ikea and don’t intend to! 😆 Most of the time I need loom or weaving tool assembly work done, I get my husband onto the job, he is so methodical!

But I decided to have a go at putting together the Lojan Inkle Loom myself. Not only was it simple and straightforward, using the instruction book provided, but I even filmed an assembly video to make it easier for you. You can check that video out here:

Longer Pegs

This loom features longer pegs, which is fantastic for those who like to weave wider bands or use tablet weaving cards. You get more weaving space width-wise, which means less crowding of warp threads and more freedom with the size of your band.

The pegs all screw in, rather than glue in. This is brilliant for a couple of reasons:

  1. You can adjust the tension of the screws over time. This means you will never have loose or wobbly pegs.
  2. You can change the peg configuration of the loom. Remove pegs or add them where you want them and as you need them.
  3. The top peg is completely removed for tablet weaving, giving you more space to manipulate the tablets. Very smart!

Rubber Stoppers

It’s a small detail, but a really thoughtful one. The rubber stoppers on the pegs keep the warp threads secure, preventing any accidental slipping of the warp off the ends of the pegs. This is especially useful when warping and when weaving a wider band. The stoppers are removable if you need to do that.

Moveable Pegs for Different Configurations

As I mentioned, one of the standout features of this loom is its adjustable pegs. You can move them around to create different warping configurations, which gives you more flexibility in your projects. This is perfect for customizing your warp length and experimenting with different weaving setups.

Effortless Tensioning—Great for Those with Fine Motor Challenges

Tensioning the warp on this loom is almost effortless, making it a fantastic choice for weavers with arthritis or fine motor challenges. Personally, I love a drum tight tension for weaving inkle bands. Adjusting tension can sometimes be a struggle on other looms, but Lojan has designed this one to be smooth and easy to work with.

Great as a Lap Loom

If you prefer to weave on your lap instead of a table, you’ll love this loom! The Lojan Inkle Loom is lightweight yet sturdy, making it comfortable to hold on your lap while weaving. This is especially handy if you like to weave while sitting in a cozy chair.

I love to inkle weave in the evenings while seated in my comfy recliner. I place the loom between my legs and use the recliner part of the chair to prop the end of the loom on – it works beautifully.

If you would like to see me actually warping and weaving on this loom while reviewing it, check out this video:

If you like the look of the inkle band I’m weaving in the video, I’m offering a free download so that you can weave it too!

FREE INKLE BAND PATTERN CLICK HERE ⬇️

Free Inkle Band PatternDownload

The Lojan Inkle Loom has quickly become one of my favorite weaving tools. From its sturdy build to the thoughtful design details, this loom makes inkle weaving both fun and effortless. Whether you’re new to inkle weaving or an experienced weaver looking for a reliable loom, the Lojan inkle is absolutely worth considering!

Interested in owning a Lojan Inkle Loom? I am an authorised reseller for Australia, so please feel free to get in touch for more information. If you are in the US, you can purchase from The Woolery and also Revolution Fibers carry some Lojan products.

If you are located in another region, check the Lojan website for your nearest stockist 😉

Have you tried the Lojan Inkle Loom? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

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

October Inkle Challenge Gallery

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The October Inkle Challenge was a huge success with many participants weaving bands in a variety of styles and methods.

Some chose to follow my Inkle Weaving class patterns exactly, some used one of my free inkle patterns and others either designed their own or used other existing patterns. Several weavers used the Weaver’s Inkle Pattern Directory.

Each week of the challenge included a live video and a giveaway. In the first week, Annie Machale generously offered a copy of her book “In Celebration of Plain Weave”, the second week was a copy of my Inkle Bag Ebook and Pattern, and the third week was a free inkle pattern I designed just for the challenge group participants.

In the live videos I discussed a variety of inkle related topics, including tension, dealing with selvedge threads, and ways to use your finished bands.

I was so thrilled with the challenge participants, their enthusiasm and their wonderful bands. Most participants woven on their Inkle Loom while one or two chose to weave bands on a rigid heddle loom.

Everyone was able to work to their own level. Many were beginners, others had woven a couple of bands already and then there were some who chose to use additional techniques like tablet weaving, pick up and turned krokbragd.

It was also extremely rewarding to see newbie inkle weavers gain confidence and dramatically improve their woven bands by seeking feedback through the group and implementing suggestions. That is what it’s all about!

The bands you see in this gallery are only some of the beautiful bands that were woven during the challenge. Many members (myself included!) wove multiple bands over the space of the month.

*This post may contain affiliate links. For further information, please see my disclosure policy.

A huge thank you to all participants for making this challenge such an exciting success.

Now that the October Inkle Challenge has finished, I have been challenged to create another challenge! 😆

What a great idea, I’ll have to get my thinking cap on and see what happens!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Tablet Weaving for Beginners: Essential Tools and Set Up Guide

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Tablet weaving is a fascinating and versatile technique that lets you create strong, decorative bands with intricate patterns. Whether you’re a complete beginner or transitioning from another type of weaving, this guide will walk you through everything you need to start tablet weaving—including must-have tools, setup tips, and beginner-friendly advice!

What is Tablet Weaving?

Tablet weaving (also called card weaving) is an ancient technique that produces narrow, sturdy bands with often complex and intricate patterns. Unlike rigid heddle or frame looms, it uses typically square tablets or cards (other shapes are also sometimes used) with holes to manipulate warp threads, creating unique designs.

This method has been used for centuries across different cultures, and it remains a favorite among modern weavers for its portability and creative potential.

Let’s go through what you need to get started with tablet weaving.

Essential Supplies for Tablet Weaving

To get started with tablet weaving, you need just a few tools and materials:

1. Weaving Cards (Tablets)

  • You can buy commercially made weaving cards or create your own from playing cards or cardboard.
  • Most tablets are square with four holes, however different shapes and hole arrangements may be used for various techniques.

2. Warp Yarn

  • Choose strong, smooth yarn that resists fraying—cotton, wool, or linen are excellent options. 8/2 cotton is one of my go to yarns for tablet weaving.
  • A contrasting color pattern helps make designs more visible for beginners.

3. Weaving Surface or Loom

  • Tablet weaving can be done without a loom by anchoring warp threads to a stable object, such as a table leg or belt.
  • However, using an inkle loom or backstrap setup can make the process more controlled and ergonomic.

4. Shuttle

  • A small, flat belt shuttle with a bevelled edge is used to pass the weft thread through the warp and help maintain even tension. If you have an Inkle Loom, normally you will receive a belt shuttle with the loom purchase.

5. Tensioning System

  • Good tension control is crucial! Again, the Inkle Loom is an excellent tool for weaving bands and can achieve a high tension.

How to Set Up for Tablet Weaving

  1. Prepare Your Warp Threads – Cut yarn to the desired length, ensuring even tension.
  2. Thread the Tablets – Pass warp threads through the holes in each card according to your pattern.
  3. Arrange the Tablets – Stack them in the correct order with an even distribution of tension.
  4. Anchor the Warp – Secure one end to a fixed object and the other to a belt or loom.
  5. Start Weaving! – Rotate the tablets in a sequence to create your pattern, passing the shuttle through after each turn.

For more detailed instructions specific to an Inkle Loom, keep reading ⤵️

I have a free printable checklist for you to download and use. You can tick the set up steps as you go, ensuring you don’t miss anything important!

Checklist for setting up your inkle loom for tablet weavingDownload

Tips for Beginner Tablet Weavers

Find The Warping Style that Best Suits You – Yes, there is more than one way to warp and thread your tablets. My online tablet weaving course shows you two methods that work really well.

Practice Turning Direction – Some patterns require alternating forward and backward turns to achieve the correct design.

Start with a Simple Pattern – A basic forward-turning design helps you learn the technique without frustration. There are many exciting options for weaving with cards, but starting simply is the way to go.

Maintain Even Tension – This prevents distortions and ensures a uniform band width.

Use High-Contrast Colors – They make it easier to see how the pattern is forming.

TABLET WEAVING FURTHER RESOURCES

My Tablet Weaving on an Inkle Loom course is the perfect learning tool. With step by step instructions and over 4.3 hours of video content, multiple printable PDF’s and links to additional resources, you will be weaving beautiful bands in no time.

I also recommend the book Card Weaving by Candace Crockett if you’re just starting out.

If you’re looking for an Inkle Loom to purchase, I recommend the Lojan Inkle Loom. Not only is it easy to use, it also has extra options for tablet weaving, like a tablet weaving board, cardboard tablets and the ability to re-configure pegs specifically for card weaving!

If you are in Australia I am a reseller for Lojan products here. Please contact me with enquiries. If you’re in the US, you can find Lojan inkle looms and tools here. Find locations for other resellers on the Lojan website.

You can check out my assembly video and Lojan Inkle Loom review here (as well as nab yourself a free inkle pattern! 😉)

Only just starting out on an Inkle Loom? It’s best to get to know your loom by completing some plain weave bands before attempting tablet weaving. Check out my Inkle Resources Page for heaps of free and some paid resources.

I hope this post was helpful to you, if you have any comments or questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

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

*Updated 3/4/2025

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

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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.

Image from Ashford

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!
Image from Ashford

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!
Lojan Inkle Loom

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.

Still Unsure? Start with These Resources

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

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

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!