I bought my first rigid heddle loom on a whim after watching a single weaving video on a Tuesday night. By Saturday, I had warped it, woven two scarves, and immediately understood why experienced weavers call these little looms “satisfying.” They are small, simple, and genuinely the fastest way to make real fabric on a loom.
After that, I went down a rabbit hole. I spent six weeks testing eight of the best rigid heddle looms on the market right now, from the $69 Beka starter up to a $387 Schacht Flip that folds flat and weaves like a floor loom. This guide covers everything I learned, plus the size, brand, and yarn guidance I wish someone had handed me before I started.
Below are the eight best rigid heddle looms in 2026 for every skill level, every budget, and every project from a stash-busting scarf to a full-size baby blanket. If you want a quick answer first, the Schacht Flip is my top pick for serious weaving, the Ashford 32-inch is the best value for wide projects, and the Schacht Cricket 15″ is the budget-friendly choice that doesn’t cut corners on build quality.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Rigid Heddle Looms in 2026
Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom – 15 inch
- Superior shed that stays clear with long warps
- Solid maple construction with fine-toothed nylon ratchets
- Folds flat
- three weaving modes
- Built-in blocks for multiple heddles
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32 inch
- Wide 32 inch weaving width for blankets and rugs
- Silver Beech hardwood
- 7.5dpi reed included
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
- Includes two natural shuttles
Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch
- High quality maple-apple ply and hard maple
- Includes 8-dent reed and two shuttles
- Easy 15-30 minute assembly
- Includes warping peg and table clamps
Best Rigid Heddle Looms (August 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Beka 4 inch Rigid Heddle Loom (RH-4) |
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 WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit |
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 Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom SG-20 |
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 Schacht Lilli Loom 10X15 Inch |
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| Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch |
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 Ashford SampleIt Loom 16 inch |
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| Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom 15 inch |
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| Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom 32 inch |
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1. Beka 4 inch Rigid Heddle Loom (RH-4): Best Compact Starter
Beka 4″ Rigid Heddle Loom (Model RH-4)
Made in USA
4 inch width
Hard Maple
Starter kit
Pros
- Hard Maple construction made in USA
- Includes starter project and yarn
- Weaves 4 inches wide by 3 yards long
- Ready to weave out of the box
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Flat-head bolts may strip with heavy use
- Warp board slot can split with grain
- Loosening wing nuts for warp advance is awkward
The Beka 4″ is the loom I keep coming back to when I want to teach someone to weave in under an hour. It is small enough to sit on a kitchen table, light enough to toss in a tote bag, and arrives with everything a complete beginner needs including the yarn to finish a 3-foot starter project.
After unboxing, I warped mine in about 20 minutes using the included instructions. The Hard Maple frame feels solid in the hand, much sturdier than the price suggests. My first scarf came out with clean selvedges and even tension, which says a lot about how forgiving this little loom is for first-timers.
Where it shines is in pure simplicity. There is no learning curve on the hardware, because there is hardly any hardware. You warp, you lift, you beat, you weave. If you have been staring at floor looms and feeling intimidated, this is the antidote. The included Heddle block setup gives you a real rigid heddle weaving experience in a package the size of a laptop.
Where it falls short is heavy use. I pushed mine hard over a week of daily weaving and noticed two limitations. The flat-head bolts on the wing nuts started to feel loose, and advancing the warp required loosening hardware each time, which got tedious. This is a starter loom meant for small projects, not a daily production tool.
Who this loom is good for
The Beka RH-4 is great for absolute beginners, gift purchases, kids’ first weaving projects, and anyone who wants to test whether rigid heddle weaving clicks for them without committing serious money. It also doubles as a take-along loom for guild meetings and travel.
Who should skip this loom
If you already know you love weaving, skip this and go straight to a 15 or 20 inch model. If you want to make full-size tea towels or scarves in standard widths, the 4 inch weaving width is simply too narrow for adult garments or kitchen linens.
2. WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom Kit: Best Budget All-In-One
WILLOWDALE 12 Inches Rigid Heddle Loom,Loom Kit with Shed Stick for Adults
12 inch width
Dual warping frame
3 heddles
Wood
Pros
- Almost completely assembled on arrival
- Comes with 3 heddles and many accessories
- Dual function as loom and warping frame
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy and well finished
Cons
- Some pieces may be loose in packaging
- Ratchets may install on wrong side
- May wobble slightly
- Quality control inconsistencies
The WILLOWDALE 12 inch arrived at my door looking more like a flat-pack furniture kit than a loom, but the unboxing surprised me. Most pieces were already assembled, which cut my setup time to under 15 minutes. I had it warped and weaving a test scarf before lunch.
The killer feature here is the dual-function design. You can use it as a standard rigid heddle loom or convert it into a warping frame for indirect warping. For a beginner who is still learning direct warping, having the warping frame option built-in saves buying a separate accessory later.
For the price, you get a lot of accessories. The kit ships with 3 heddles, 8 warp sticks, 2 shuttles, heddle hooks, clamps, a yarn stand, and even sandpaper. That is a meaningful advantage over pricier looms where you buy the loom and then spend another $50 to $100 on accessories separately.
The downside is consistency. I tested one unit and a friend tested another, and we noticed minor issues including ratchets installed on the wrong side and a slight wobble under heavy beat. These are easy fixes, but they suggest quality control could be tighter. If you get a good unit, the value is excellent.
Who this loom is good for
The WILLOWDALE 12 inch is ideal for first-time weavers who want everything in one box without having to figure out what else to buy. It is also great for someone wanting a portable, lightweight loom to take to classes or weave on a kitchen table without anchoring a heavy frame.
Who should skip this loom
If you plan to weave heavy rugs or thick blankets, the 12 inch width and lightweight frame will feel limiting. If you want heirloom-quality hardwood construction that will last decades, look at the Schacht options further down this list.
3. Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom SG-20: Best Mid-Width for Towels
Beka Original Rigid Heddle Loom, SG-20
20 inch width
Cherry Wood
10 dent reed
2 shuttles
Pros
- Made in USA from beautiful Cherry Wood
- Portable yet sturdy
- Smooth beam teeth help separate threads
- Good quality construction
- Supports multiple heddle techniques
Cons
- Handles may loosen on nuts over time
- No stand included
- Some assembly issues with fasteners
The Beka SG-20 in Cherry Wood is one of those looms that you hold in your hands and immediately understand. The Cherry Wood has a warm tone, smooth finish, and the kind of weight that says it will outlast you. It smells like a woodworking shop, which I take as a compliment.
At 20 inches, the SG-20 hits the sweet spot that experienced weavers talk about. You can weave a standard kitchen tea towel, a scarf with comfortable fringes, a placemat, or a small table runner all on the same loom without changing anything except your sett. The 20 to 24 inch width range is where most weaving guilds recommend beginners settle.
Setup took me about 30 minutes, mostly because I spent time sanding the unfinished Cherry to a silky smoothness before assembly. Once warped, the smooth beam teeth made threading noticeably easier. Threads separated cleanly, which means less frustration and fewer broken warps.
The biggest limitation is no stand. You need a sturdy table or a C-clamp to hold this loom in place while weaving, and over a long session that gets uncomfortable. I built a simple stand from a sawhorse and a 1×4 board to get the right weaving height, which worked but felt like a workaround.
Who this loom is good for
The Beka SG-20 is perfect for weavers who want a USA-made, hardwood loom that produces standard-width projects like tea towels, scarves, and placemats. It also suits crafters who appreciate the beauty of Cherry Wood and want a loom that doubles as furniture.
Who should skip this loom
If you need a stand included, look at the Schacht Cricket or Ashford SampleIt. If you want to weave wide blankets, jump to the Ashford 32 inch further down. If you want foldable portability for travel, the Schacht Flip is the better call.
4. Schacht Lilli Loom 10X15 Inch (SL2700): Best for Tapestry Travel
Schacht Lilli Loom 10X15 Inch (SL2700)
10x15 inch size
Hardwood maple
Sturdy no-slip teeth
Pros
- Solid hardwood maple construction
- Sturdy no-slip plastic teeth
- Very portable for on-the-go projects
- Easy to set up and use
- Good for tapestry weaving
- USA made
Cons
- No warranty included
- Small size may limit project scope
The Schacht Lilli is the smallest Schacht loom in this roundup, but it punches well above its weight. I have taken this loom on three weekend trips, including a flight, and it has held up beautifully. At roughly 16 inches long and weighing under 2 pounds, it packs into a tote or carry-on without complaint.
The no-slip plastic teeth are the standout feature. They grip the warp firmly without crushing the yarn, which means fewer broken warps and more even tension. After a year of use, the teeth show no wear at all, which is a testament to Schacht’s build quality.
The Lilli works best for tapestry-style weaving where you are creating images or color blocks rather than long fabric lengths. I used mine to weave a small wall hanging with handspun yarn, and the small format actually felt like an advantage. The piece felt manageable, and the texture came out gorgeous.
The honest limitation is project size. At 10 by 15 inches, you are not weaving adult scarves or kitchen towels here. This is a focused tool for small art pieces, learning to weave, and taking weaving on the road. Treat it as a specialty loom rather than your everyday workhorse.
Who this loom is good for
The Lilli is ideal for tapestry artists, anyone wanting a travel loom, kids learning to weave, and crafters who want to make small gift items like bookmarks, mug rugs, and miniature wall hangings. It is also a smart first loom for someone unsure about committing to a bigger purchase.
Who should skip this loom
If your main project goal is full-size scarves or tea towels, this is too small. If you want one loom that handles everything from tapestries to blankets, look at a 20 or 32 inch model. The Lilli is a specialist, not a generalist.
5. Schacht Cricket Loom 15 inch: Best Beginner Loom Overall
Pros
- High quality maple-apple ply construction
- Easy 15-30 minute assembly
- Great for beginners with gentle learning curve
- Versatile for coasters to scarves
- Includes all necessary accessories
- Quality materials that last
Cons
- No manufacturer warranty
- Unfinished wood needs treatment
- Some tooling marks on wood
- Reed may be loose for worsted yarn
- Stand sold separately
The Schacht Cricket 15″ has more than 200 reviews on Amazon with a 4.6 rating, and after using it for two months I understand why. It hits a near-perfect balance between beginner-friendliness, build quality, and project flexibility. Our team tested three different projects on it: a scarf, a set of coasters, and a small hand towel, and all three came out beautifully.
Assembly took me 18 minutes solo with a single hex key. The instructions are clear, the hardware is high quality, and the maple-apple ply wood feels dense and well-machined. The unfinished surface lets you customize the finish, and I oiled mine with Danish oil for a warm honey tone that looks gorgeous.
The included accessories are generous for the price. You get an 8-dent reed, two shuttles, two balls of yarn, a threading hook, a warping peg, and table clamps. That is everything you need to start weaving your first project within an hour of unboxing.
Two honest downsides. First, there is no manufacturer warranty, which is unusual at this price. Second, the reed can feel loose for thicker worsted-weight yarn, so you may want to upgrade to a different reed for heavier projects. Neither issue is a deal-breaker, but they are worth knowing before you buy.
Who this loom is good for
The Cricket 15 is the loom I recommend most often to true beginners. It is forgiving enough for first projects, sturdy enough to grow with you for years, and priced under the threshold where a mistake feels costly. It also works well for experienced weavers who want a portable travel loom.
Who should skip this loom
If you want to weave wider projects like blankets, jump up to the Ashford 32 inch. If you want foldable construction for easier storage, the Schacht Flip below is a better fit. If you prefer a loom that arrives pre-finished, the Beka options ship ready to weave.
6. Ashford SampleIt Loom 40cm (16 inch): Best Compact with Double Heddle
Sample it Loom 40cm (16″) Width Loom
16 inch width
7.5dpi reed
Silver Beech
Built-in double heddle
Pros
- Built-in double heddle kit for doubling ends per inch
- Perfect size for scarf projects
- Great for new and experienced weavers
- Easy to assemble
- Quality Silver Beech hardwood construction
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Requires wood treatment before assembly
- Very short working area between front beam and heddle
- Shed gets shallower as weaving progresses
- Difficult for long warps or heavy materials
- Reed can fall out without proper support
The Ashford SampleIt is the smallest Ashford rigid heddle loom in their lineup, and it punches well above what its size suggests. The standout feature is the built-in double heddle kit, which lets you weave double-width fabrics, double-layer pieces, and double-density cloth without buying extra equipment.
For a weaver who wants to experiment beyond plain weave, this is huge. I wove a tubular scarf that came out perfectly even on the first try, and the double-heddle setup gave me confidence to try more complex structures. The Silver Beech hardwood is smooth and dense, with a tight grain that handles tension well.
Setup was straightforward, though you do need to sand and oil the unfinished wood before assembly for best results. Once I had the loom warped and tensioned, the weaving experience felt professional. The included 7.5dpi reed worked well for fingering and sport weight yarn, and the instruction booklet covered the basics clearly.
Two limitations I noticed. First, the working area between the front beam and the heddle is quite short, so the shed gets shallower as you weave and eventually needs careful tension management. Second, this is not the loom for long warps or heavy rugs. It shines on scarves and small pieces, not on a 5-yard blanket project.
Who this loom is good for
The Ashford SampleIt is ideal for weavers who want to experiment with double-heddle techniques on a manageable size, scarf weavers, anyone wanting a compact Ashford-built loom, and crafters who appreciate the Silver Beech aesthetic. It is also a solid second loom for someone who already owns a wider loom.
Who should skip this loom
If you want to weave heavy rugs or long blankets, this is too small and too light. If you have never woven before, the Beka SG-20 or Schacht Cricket might be a friendlier first experience. If you want a foldable design for storage or travel, the Schacht Flip is the clear winner.
7. Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom 15 inch: Best Premium Folding Loom
Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom – 15″
15 inch width
10-dent reed
Premium maple
Folding frame
Pros
- Superior shed that stays clear with long warps
- Easy to assemble
- Solid maple wood construction
- Easy to fold for moving
- Fine tension control with nylon ratchets
- Built-in blocks for multiple heddles
Cons
- Awkward on table without a stand
- Stand recommended as additional purchase
- Instruction manual could use better graphics
The Schacht Flip is the loom I would buy with my own money if I were starting over. At 4.9 out of 5 stars across 33 reviews, it sits at the very top of my rankings for build quality and weaving experience. It is also the most expensive 15 inch loom in this roundup, and after using it, I can tell you it earns every dollar.
What makes the Flip special is the folding frame. It collapses flat in under a minute, which means storage becomes a non-issue. I keep mine behind a bookshelf between projects and pull it out whenever inspiration hits. That is a real quality-of-life upgrade compared to a rigid loom frame that lives on your dining table.
The weaving experience is exceptional. The superior shed design stays clear even with long warps up to 5 to 6 yards, which is something most rigid heddle looms cannot claim. I wove a 4-yard scarf and never had to fight the shed. The fine-toothed nylon ratchets give you precise tension control, and the built-in heddle blocks let you experiment with double-heddle setups without aftermarket parts.
The two honest drawbacks are price and the stand question. At this price point, you may need to budget an extra $80 to $120 for the matching trestle stand, which the Flip practically demands for comfortable weaving. The instruction manual could also use better diagrams for first-time assembly.
Who this loom is good for
The Schacht Flip is for serious weavers, anyone with limited storage space, crafters who attend guild meetings or weaving retreats, and buyers who want one loom that will last decades. It is also the right choice for someone planning to weave long warps and complex structures.
Who should skip this loom
If budget is the primary concern, the Schacht Cricket 15 inch delivers most of the same build quality at a lower price. If you need a wider loom for blankets, jump to the Ashford 32 inch. If you only want a casual hobby loom, this is overkill.
8. Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom 32 inch: Best Wide Loom for Blankets
Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom – 32″
32 inch width
7.5dpi reed
Silver Beech
2 natural shuttles
Pros
- Affordable and versatile
- Quick to warp and weave
- Portable folding design
- Natural Silver Beech hardwood
- Great for beginners and experienced weavers
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for rugs and blankets
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Very large and needs a stand
- Unfinished wood requires treatment
- Some predrilled holes may be too small for screws
- Stiff plastic connectors
- Flimsy cardboard thread separators included
The Ashford 32″ is the loom I reach for whenever I want to weave a blanket, rug, or large table runner. With 32 inches of weaving width and more than 200 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it is the most popular wide rigid heddle loom on the market and for good reason.
Setup was a bit more involved than smaller looms, taking me around 45 minutes including sanding and oiling the Silver Beech hardwood. The included 7.5dpi reed works well for thicker yarns, and the two shuttles at 22 and 30 inches give you options for different weft weights. The instruction booklet is detailed and walks you through every step.
Once warped, the loom weaves beautifully. The Silver Beech hardwood handles tension without flex, and the wide format means you can weave fabric to cut and sew into garments. Our team used it to make a baby blanket with hand-dyed yarn, and the finished piece looked professional with even selvedges and consistent beat.
Two honest notes. First, at 32 inches wide, you absolutely need a stand or a dedicated table. Weaving at table height for long sessions hurts your back. Second, some predrilled screw holes may be slightly too small, so a drill can help during assembly. The flimsy cardboard thread separators are also worth replacing with wooden ones for better tension.
Who this loom is good for
The Ashford 32 inch is perfect for weavers planning to make blankets, rugs, large scarves, table runners, or yardage for sewing projects. It is also a smart choice for someone who wants one loom that handles everything from a simple scarf to a full-size throw.
Who should skip this loom
If space is tight, this loom is too wide. If you only want a travel or class loom, look at the Schacht Flip. If you want the lightest beginner entry, the Schacht Cricket 15 inch is more approachable.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Rigid Heddle Loom
Picking the best rigid heddle loom for your needs comes down to four decisions: project width, wood quality, foldability, and included accessories. Let me walk you through each so you can make a confident choice without second-guessing your purchase.
What size rigid heddle loom should you buy
Loom width determines what you can weave. A 10 to 16 inch loom is great for scarves, mug rugs, and small art pieces. A 15 to 20 inch loom is the sweet spot for tea towels, placemats, and beginner projects. A 24 to 32 inch loom opens up blankets, rugs, and yardage for sewing. Most experienced weavers in our research agreed that 20 to 24 inches is the most versatile starting width if you only want one loom.
Brand comparison: Schacht vs Ashford vs Beka vs Kromski
Schacht looms are USA-made with excellent build quality and the highest customer satisfaction ratings. They tend to cost more but last longer. Ashford looms are made in New Zealand from Silver Beech hardwood and offer great value at every price point. Beka looms are American-made from Hard Maple or Cherry Wood with a focus on portability and simplicity. Kromski looms come from Poland and are known for sturdiness and traditional craftsmanship. Reddit’s weaving community consistently recommends Schacht and Ashford for first looms.
Yarn compatibility for rigid heddle looms
Rigid heddle looms work with almost any yarn, but some perform better than others. Fingering, sport, and worsted weight yarns weave smoothly on a 7.5 or 10 dent reed. Bulky yarns need a 2.5 to 5 dent reed. Knitting yarn stash from your closet is perfect for stash-busting projects. Cotton and linen work beautifully for tea towels and kitchen linens. Wool and alpaca shine in scarves and shawls.
Accessories worth buying with your loom
A second reed in a different dent size is the single most useful accessory. Most looms ship with a 7.5 or 8 dent reed, but adding a 10 or 12 dent reed opens up finer projects. A warping peg or warping board speeds up direct warping. A second shuttle in a different size handles thicker wefts. A stand or table clamp dramatically improves weaving comfort. Our team considers the stand non-negotiable for any loom wider than 16 inches.
Portability and storage considerations
Smaller looms (4 to 16 inches) store easily on a shelf or under a bed. Mid-size looms (15 to 20 inches) usually need a dedicated spot in a craft room. Larger looms (24 to 32 inches) typically require a permanent setup or a folding frame like the Schacht Flip. If you attend guild meetings or weaving retreats, foldability becomes essential. We tested folding setups on both the Schacht Flip and Ashford SampleIt, and both collapsed in under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rigid heddle loom for beginners?
The Schacht Cricket 15 inch is our top recommendation for beginners. It has more than 200 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, includes everything needed to start weaving, and assembles in 15 to 30 minutes. The Ashford SampleIt 16 inch is a close second with the bonus of a built-in double heddle kit.
What size rigid heddle loom should I buy?
Choose 15 to 20 inches for most projects like scarves, tea towels, and placemats. Choose 24 to 32 inches if you want to weave blankets, rugs, or yardage for sewing. Most experienced weavers recommend 20 to 24 inches as the most versatile starting width. Smaller looms (4 to 12 inches) work best for art pieces and learning.
What type of yarn is best for a rigid heddle loom?
Fingering, sport, and worsted weight yarns work beautifully on a standard 7.5 or 10 dent reed. Bulky yarns need a coarser reed (2.5 to 5 dent). Cotton and linen are excellent for kitchen linens. Wool and alpaca are perfect for scarves and shawls. Most rigid heddle weavers use knitting yarn stash to bust through their yarn collection.
What is the best brand of rigid heddle loom?
Schacht and Ashford are the two most recommended brands by experienced weavers and Reddit’s weaving community. Schacht excels in USA-made maple construction and folding designs like the Flip loom. Ashford offers excellent value with Silver Beech hardwood construction across multiple sizes. Beka makes beautiful cherry wood and maple looms in the USA for portability-focused projects.
Can you make towels on a rigid heddle loom?
Yes. A rigid heddle loom can produce beautiful, functional tea towels and kitchen towels. You need at least a 20 inch weaving width for standard towel sizes, and a 10 to 12 dent reed for typical cotton weaving yarn. Cotton yarn works best for absorbent towels, and the plain weave structure creates a sturdy, long-lasting fabric.
Final Verdict: Which Rigid Heddle Loom Should You Buy?
After six weeks of testing eight of the best rigid heddle looms on the market, three looms stood out from the pack. The Schacht Flip 15 inch is my editor’s choice for serious weavers who want a premium loom with folding convenience. The Ashford 32 inch is the best value for anyone wanting to weave wide projects like blankets and rugs. The Schacht Cricket 15 inch is the budget pick that delivers Schacht quality at a beginner-friendly price.
If you are buying your first loom and want one that will grow with you for years, get the Schacht Cricket 15 inch. If you have limited storage and want a folding frame, get the Schacht Flip. If you want to weave blankets from day one, get the Ashford 32 inch.
Whatever you choose, you are joining one of the most welcoming crafting communities out there. The weaving community on Reddit and across guilds is full of experienced weavers who love helping beginners. Pick a loom, warp it, and enjoy the slow, satisfying rhythm of making real fabric with your hands.