by Cheryl Moreo
Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo
What is a rigid heddle loom? A rigid heddle loom is one of the best ways to start weaving. They are compact, portable, and easy to use. Not only can you do a plain weave on them, but with some manipulation, you can do complex weaves. You won’t get bored with a rigid heddle loom.
The loom gets its name from the heddle that holds both the up and down warp threads in slots and holes. This configuration creates a rigid heddle. This heddle functions to raise or lower the warp threads in a group. Those threads in the holes either raise or lower, and those in the slots don’t move. It also acts as the beater for pressing the yarns into place, creating fabric.
What Is A Rigid Heddle Loom?
What is a rigid heddle loom? It is a compact weaving machine. It is easy to set up, inexpensive (compared to the table and floor looms), and is for beginners and experienced weavers. In contrast, a table or floor loom has multiple harnesses with heddles, a separate reed for beating, and either foot pedals or levers for lifting the heddles. A rigid heddle loom has a fixed heddle that has both slots and holes that does all of the work. This fixed heddle gives the loom its name. If the loom didn’t have the rigid heddle, you would have to weave with a weaving needle and go under one thread and over the next across your weaving to get the same effect that lifting and lowering the heddle gives you.
The weaving is accomplished by lifting the heddle, throwing the shuttle, and then beating the yarn into place with the heddle.
The loom lets you effortlessly weave the same pattern, plain or tabby weave, as a floor or table loom. By using textured yarns, you can create beautiful scarves and towels.
But it doesn’t have to end there. Once you feel confident in your loom and weaving, you may want to explore more complex weaving techniques. For example, you can create many patterns by manipulating the warp with your fingers, a pick-up stick, or adding a second or third heddle.
What Kind of Things Can I Weave?
The rigid heddle loom is the equivalent of a two-harness floor or table loom.
Some of the items you can weave on a rigid heddle loom are:
- placemats
- dish towels
- scarves
- shawls
- fabric for clothing
- light-weight rugs
The skills and techniques you develop on a rigid heddle loom will facilitate your learning to weave on a table or a floor loom.
The spacing (called dent) of the slots and holes in the heddle determines the diameter of the yarn you can use for the warp in the loom. Depending on the loom brand, heddles come in various dent sizes. For example, Schacht has heddles available in 5, 8, 10, and 12 dents per inch.
If your rigid heddle loom can accommodate more heddles, you can turn your loom into a four-harness loom. Also, using two heddles will enable you to weave with finer yarns. Of course, both of these require that the heddles are the same dent, e.g., both 10 dents or whatever size you need.
What Kind of Patterns Are Possible?
Below are some of the patterns you can learn to weave:
- Plain Weave – The primary one thread up, one thread down weave. Next pass, the opposite threads are up and down. Plain weave is accomplished by lifting the heddle on one pass and pushing it down on the next pass of the shuttle.
- Finger-controlled Weaves – Add texture to your weaving such as loop pile, Danish medallions, lacelike leno, Brook’s Bouquet, or Spanish Lace.
- Pick-up Patterns – Using pick-up sticks, you insert them behind the heddle picking up (going under) the number of specified threads in your pattern. You can create warp or weft-faced designs.
- Two or More Heddles – You can turn your rigid heddle loom into a four-harness loom.
For detailed information on pattern weaving:
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The Weaver’s Idea Book by Jane Patrick
Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom by Syne Mitchell
How Do I Set the Loom Up So I Can Start Weaving?
The first step to weaving is putting the warp on the loom. The quickest and easiest warping method is called “the direct method.”
Liz Gipson, Yarnworker, has a quick overview of direct warping on her YouTube Channel.
What Tools Do I Need to Weave?
Today, most of the new rigid heddle looms come with a threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, and a shuttle. In addition, some companies include yarn, an extra shuttle, and maybe a pick-up stick. Essentially, everything you need to get started.
In addition, it won’t be long until you want to add more tools. So here is a list of nice-to-have tools.
- Stand: Stands are handy. If you don’t have a loom stand, you must prop the back against a table. Or, you can clamp it to a table and stand to weave. Trust me; a loom stand is a backsaver.
- Additional Rigid Heddles: Since the rigid heddle dictates the yarn size you can use for weaving, most weavers end up with different heddles. You can use almost any yarn for your weft yarn in your shuttle, but you need the appropriately sized heddle for the warp yarn you want to use. There are now variable reeds with interchangeable sections that allow you to alternative different sizes and textures of warp threads.
- Warping Board: Most of the time, you will probably use the direct method of warping your loom. But, sometimes, a warping board is the best method.
- Shuttles: Shuttles in various sizes are very helpful. As a rule, I prefer my shuttle to be as wide as the project I am weaving.
Why Would I Want One?
My first response is, “Because they are fun!” But, seriously, not only has weaving been proven to be therapeutic, but with a rigid heddle loom, you can use up your yarn weaving beautiful scarves or placemats. In addition, experienced table and floor loom weavers use a rigid heddle loom to check out how yarn colors look together or check the sett of the pattern. (Sett is the spacing of the warp threads in the heddle.)
If you ever thought you wanted to try weaving, you cannot go wrong with a rigid heddle loom. A rigid heddle loom is the most economical way to start weaving. Plus, they are quick and easy to warp and weave.
I have had a lot of fun weaving on the smaller 10 ” SampleIt and 10″ Cricket looms because they are quick and easy to warp. In addition, I own a Flip loom that I use to weave placemats and shawls.
I hope I have helped answer your question, “What is a Rigid Heddle Loom?” If you have more questions, please get in touch with me.
Rigid Heddle Loom Manufacturers
The Woolery sells all of these brands.
- Ashford
- Beka Inc.
- Glimarka
- Kromski
- Leclerc
- Schacht
More Posts on the Rigid Heddle Loom:
Weaving Looms-Which One Is Right for You?
Rigid Heddle Loom Comparison-Ashford and Schacht
My Favorite Rigid Heddle Loom Books
- Made in the USA!
- Made out of Hard Maple – Built to last a lifetime!
- Great Starter Loom!
- Comes with a started project & enough yarn for a 3-4 ft project – ready to weave out of the box!
- Weave projects up to 10″ wide x 3 yards long.
- Jumbo-sized loom made from a durable combination of plywood and beechwood with plastic components
- Present children with an authentic weaving experience
- Includes loom and 3 skeins of yarn
- Loom measures 13″L x 18″W x 8.7″H
- For ages 3 and up
- Rigid Heddle Weaving Loom 24 inch weaving width
- Made in the USA!
- Made out of Cherry wood! Very beautiful!
- Very portable! Very Sturdy!
- Has beam teeth that help to separate threads.
- Made in the USA
- Great Starter Loom
- Comes with a started project & enough yarn for a 3-4 ft project – ready to weave out of the box!
- Weave projects up to 4 wide x 3 yards long.
- Rigid Heddle Weaving Loom 20 inch weaving width
- Made in the USA!
- Made out of Cherry wood!
- Very portable! Very Sturdy!
- Has beam teeth that help to separate threads.
- Weaving Width 24 inches.
- This affordable rigid heddle loom is quick and easy to use. Quick and easy to assemble and warp. The rigid heddle is a great introduction to hand weaving but is also very versatile. Create beautiful and unique garments and homeware. Weave unique fabrics with color and texture. The loom can also make woven tapestries and wall hangings. Made from natural unfinished Beech hardwood, the loom is very strong and robust.
- Includes: One Reed 7.5dpi 24 inch, two 22 inch stick shuttle, two clamps, assemble guide, step by step instruction booklet, threading hook, warping peg and 2 clamps.
- Built in second heddle option. Built-in indirect warping option (Ashford Rigid Heddle warping pegs not included). Optional reeds not included: 2.5, 5, 10, 12.5 and 15 dpi.
- 1. Wooden weaving loom is based on the traditional weave ways to make weave more easily, perfect for making scarves and other interesting knitting.
- 2. Polish wooden material make it use comfortable and prevent kids from hurting. It is also suitable for beginners.
- 3. Metal screw regulator make it simple to change the frame and switch string from loose to tight.
- 4. Great weaving loom for kids to play, which will cultivate their interests, hand-eye coordination and manipulative ability,etc.
- 5. Frame Size: 9.9x 15.7x 1.3 Inches. Working width: about 7.9 Inches.
- Wooden Weaving Loom Kit:pure natural wood material, eco-friendly, no-toxic, durable and delicate. Package include: 1 weaving loom, 2 shuttle,1 heddle bar,1 wooden comb, 1 bundle of woolen yarn(color randomy), 1 instructions.Great for kids weaving beginner or sample loom.
- Great weaving loom for kids to play, which will cultivate their interests, hand-eye coordination and manipulative ability,etc.
- Metal screw regulator make it simple to change the frame and switch string from loose to tight.
- Polish wooden material make it use comfortable and prevent kids from hurting.Perfect for making tapestries and other interesting knitting.
- A Great GIFT — This is the great gift for kids and weaving beginners/hobbyist. Suitable for age 6 and over.
- Affordable and versatile.
- Quick and easy to warp and weave.
- Portable.
- Natural Unfinished New Zealand Beech Hardwood.
- Includes: Reed nylon 7.5dpi, 1-22 inch natural shuttle, 1-30 inch natural shuttle, step by step instruction booklet, threading hook, warping peg and clamp.
- Loom and Stand Combo
- Four weaving widths 16″, 24″, 32″, 48″
- Quick and easy to warp and weave
- Includes 7.5 DPI Reed, two natural shuttles, step by step instruction booklet, threading hook, warping peg and clamp
- Made from natural Silver Beech hardwood
Awesome article!
You are most welcome. I do think that rigid heddle looms are so much fun to weave on. This post is just the first of a series that I am writing about rigid heddle loom weaving. Have fun weaving on your loom!
Excellent article, Cheryl! I just recently got my 30″ Schacht RH loom back out again and am making towels for my daughter. This was a very concise explanation of the moving parts and ease of using rigid heddle looms. Thanks!