I bought a toy loom! Does it work?

[@univfinutdervbjiol3731]

I was smiling thru the entire video. It gave me a peek into your personality & I feel we are friends. Thank you - lets go have a cup of tea!😊

[@angieanderson6082]

This was my first loom! I loved it! I made mug rugs and pieces of fabric that I sewed together to make a pouch for my loom supplies. 😉 I’ve since gotten a Vintage 25” Erica loom…the extra weaving width is wonderful.

[@KellyCasanova]

That's wonderful that it lead on to bigger and better weaving for you! 😊

[@tracydally1]

I would like to see what happens when you warp it yourself and maybe with an appropriate size yarn for the 5 dent reed. I really think it's cute.

[@KellyCasanova]

It's definitely very cute ☺️

[@nalanihamby3710]

@@mrscwchino I agree! my 10.5 year old daughter and I were really hoping she would do that at the end of this video, she said "mom, it's clearly driving her crazy, why doesn't she stop and fix it first??"

[@jsmultron]

Loved this video. ❤️ What a fun idea! Please make a video of when you warp the loom yourself, I would love to see you do that. A couple of years ago, I found my old toy loom from when I was little and decided to try to learn how to weave. I managed to warp it by looking at one of your videos, and I found the weaving experience enjoyable enough to get a rigid heddle loom. And now I’m a weaver. 😊 I spent a LOT of time looking for videos describing how to warp and use a toy loom, and there really weren’t any. I’m sure there are other potential weavers out there who could benefit from a video with a professional weaver warping a toy loom.

[@heidiroukema2771]

I can see this loom as a good model to explain to kids (or any newcomer to weaving) how a big loom works❤

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes, true!

[@maggiepatterson7949]

I agree. Plus my RH only has one heddle...this loom shows the principle of multishaft looms, and how they are warped. So i think it is a good starter for kids. Could be used to make narrow bands...sort of like inkle looms?

[@KellyCasanova]

@@maggiepatterson7949 Yes, the only thing lacking for band weaving would be loom tension.

[@graceygal2664]

I remember my first ever "loom" It was 2 tennis rackets attached to a long table with a warp ran between It was surprisingly functional and got me hooked on weaving

[@KellyCasanova]

Wow! 😀

[@weavingrainbow9063]

How clever! How did you keep the tennis rackets attached to the table? Now I want to find a pair of tennis rackets and maybe make a hammock for the cats! 🤣

[@graceygal2664]

@@weavingrainbow9063 I just used plain tape lol it was a rather cheaply made "loom" but I still have 2 little patches I made on it

[@beth1979]

That's so cool and clever.

[@lumikkihusu7259]

Thanks for this. It's nice to know that even an experienced person with a brand new toy loom has exactly the same problems I've had with second hand ones! Around here these are available for around 5 euros in flea markets, which is basically free. (They often have the original warp still attached, and as uneven as ever...) I did have one when I was young. I eventually only kept the plastic heddle of that one for band weaving and scrapped the wood parts. I still have it! Thinking back, the fact that these always came pre-warped with that cotton, while it was good for children getting started, had one consequence that was maybe not so good: For almost two decades, when I'd think about weaving in any context, my default image for a warp, any warp, was the stiff cotton. That image was emphasized further by the fact that I'd seen grandma weaving carpets. But I really wish someone had had the foresight to explain to pre-teen me that there's a huge difference when the warp is wool. I would've liked to carry that knowledge into adulthood. I would've gotten into weaving sooner.

[@ksisu1324]

I bought this loom a few years back. I had to redo the warp and then wind on with stiff paper on the warp beam. Tension was greatly improved

[@KellyCasanova]

That's good to know, thanks!

[@lylymongeon]

Thank you for doing this review and also reserving final judgement until later. I bought one of these last year ($43 CAD) and a Sampleit ($255) both including shipping for Montreal Canada. The toy one is for my grand-daughters to get to play when visiting as they are intrigued with my interest in weaving. Also, although the tension on it is horrendous, it is nice to have as a starter, even if on’y to show where the strings should be going and how to set it up. Of course the back beam warp does not have tension paper, cardboards strips, etc in there so it’ll be crazy off. Had a bit of a moment with you watching you struggle with the crooked heddles and wonky strings, both our OCDs had a bit of a field day right there. But focusing on the intent of the unit, it is introductory. And for my price/budget, versus yr prices, well worth my $s.

[@KellyCasanova]

Interesting to hear your thoughts, thanks for sharing 😊

[@jocelynsmyth6604]

Hi Kelly, I know you were feeling a little down, so I just got home from an 11 hr workday, and your video is the first thing I'm watching while I relax and start my evening. Thanks for the great video as always 🩷

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Jocelyn, it was a fun video to film! 11 hours is a long workday, enjoy your rest time ❤️

[@DonnaScarpa]

I would love to see that loom rewarped and the reeds evened up. I purchased one for a boy who was very interested, I adjusted the reeds before using it. The warp on the one I got was adequate, the tension was almost enough but that was it, it could have used more. The boy was happy with it and made safe scarfs and accessories for his pets.

[@stephenrobb8759]

I bought one of these as a gift. Took as much apart as I could. Did some woodwork and re-did the warp,added warp separation sticks, wove a short section. Then, packed it back up Adding in a spool of warp yarn and assorted weaving tools. I was delighted to "play"with it. I hope the recipient enjoys it too.

[@stephenrobb8759]

I used pictures of this loom to build a slightly larger version to match a metal reed I purchased. My very first weaving... on my homebuilt table loom... was a cotton washcloth. I learned so much through the process !

[@KellyCasanova]

Cool! 😀

[@palmiraserra2283]

I really enjoyed this video seeing it also with the eyes of the girl (me) who would have loved to have one like that. Your reaction to details such as warp tension was lovely. If you have time give us a second part.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@anymoose6685]

I can’t wait for the part 2. This loom caught my eye for a moment thinking of an affordable way to try weaving. It looks like you could make finer heddles and replace the 5 dents with something finer if you wanted also. That advancing mechanism looks nice and sturdy and simple. I guess you’ll definitely be piecing many strips together before you got a usable piece of fabric. It could be a nice effect if you liked the pieces look.

[@anymoose6685]

I decided to make a backstrap loom for about the same amount in materials and get something a little wider and finer. I hope it goes well. ;)

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes, some woodworkers with the right tools might be able to make more heddles, probably the 3D printers out there could do it also (I don't know much about those though, I don't have one).

[@kayaknancy]

Over the years, I've tried most of the "children's looms". I bought one of these looms years ago for $5US from a thrift shop. Even though it's a 5 dent heddle as measured the holes in the reed are too small for fatter yarn and having to thread the heddles a bit of a pain. The Beka 10 inch loom is a better inexpensive solution. It comes with a 10 dent heddle with 8 dent and 12 dent heddles available quite cheaply. Also, there is a video on line showing how to warp the looms which is very helpful.

[@origamilady9960]

I use this loom with the 5-6 year old children I work with after they’ve had plenty of practice weaving on weaving boards, circular looms (pizza rounds) and peg looms. They love it :)

[@KellyCasanova]

Great! 😀

[@rheaskye3056]

I would like to see a video on how it functions with experienced warping instead of the factory warp. I'm waffling on purchasing the toy loom, it seems fun but if poor tools are going to make the experience much more difficult than it needs to be I'll wait for a better loom.

[@KellyCasanova]

Great, I'll try to do a follow up 😊

[@partyfiesta1557]

I bought this loom a couple of years ago and I like it a lot. I use it for long and narrow wall hangings with bits and bobs of yarn I have around my studio. Beating on a closed shed is key as you mentioned. Never had tension issues. Just wish we could use other rigid heddles and reeds say from Stoorstalka to make interesting patterns. Here in France it cost me less than €30 it was a steal

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I think it's good that it comes warped as you can start washing almost right away. Once a beginner has done the washing exercise, it will be easier to understand how to warp.

[@AuntieEm294]

I have an antique loom in the same style. I replaced string heddles (not rigid heddles) with texsolv heddles and found that I made the top & bottom bars for the heddles too short. The bars were broken and needed replacement. So, I got more wood & re-cut those, tied everything together, and I have a 20epi metal beater bar that came with it. I have not changed that out. My sett is more open than I would like, but it's usable. It's a sturdy beginner's table loom. Probably 150 years old.

[@tootired4268]

I honestly wish my sister had bought that loom for my niece. She bought a kid's tapestry loom (I've never done tapestry weaving but I know the gist) and then tried reading the instructions and panicked that she had no idea what she was doing. So in I go. I set both my nieces up with potholder looms to teach them basic weaving concepts and color basics while I put it together (not to mention they were guaranteed to finish a project in one sitting on a potholder loom). Told her I'd teach them how to use the tapestry loom the next time. A preset rigid heddle would've been so much quicker for me to get them going >_< even with the issues you ran into. I'm definitely an amateur,

[@KellyCasanova]

It's nice to know that your nieces have someone to help them out 😊

[@davemartin1534]

I know nothing about weaving. But it seems she needs an odd. Number of passes if she is going to tuck the loose extra in as one side is getting tight and the other is getting loser and lose r.

[@gaibutler3254]

This was fun, even with such a frustrating warp! I have seen these looms a few times and have wondered what they would be like for a young child. I'd be interested to see how it goes when warped well and with straight heddles. Very glad that your back is isn't as bad as it was, Kelly.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Gai, it's great to be on the move again, bed rest is ok for one or two days, but beyond that...

[@DarylVanHumbeck]

I actually bought one of these a year or so ago myself. I far prefer narrower scarves myself, so it's been working fairly well for me. Plus, mine appears to be straighter than yours showed up as. Unfortunately for me, the space it puts between the warp threads is too large to use Worsted-Weight (size 4? Often used with a 5.5mm crochet hook) yarn on the shuttle, so I've been using thicker yarn, and it makes a LOVELY striped effect with certain kinds of variegated yarns. However, that's not to say that it's without flaws. In my case, the pieces of wood that act as pawls for the front- and back-bars are actually loose enough to fall under gravity, so while it makes moving the work along easier, it only highlights just how coarse the gears on each bar really is. Plus, I'd like the top and bottom bars that the string holding the heddles run over to be just a little stiffer, so the heddles stay where I leave them. I'm supposed to be keeping a list somewhere of modification I want to make to it, so this is all I can think of right now. If you weren't capable or even interested in modifying an extremely simple loom like this one, I can't really recommend it. But if you can, it's a moderately good starting point.

[@KellyCasanova]

Daryl, thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊

[@melaniekuerschner8941]

My pre-warped set up wasn't as wonky as yours. When you warp it up yourself things advance much more easily.

[@KellyCasanova]

Good to know!

[@tm13tube]

I got one for my granddaughter. It is the loom she learned on. I was impressed how well it held warp tension. … wished I had it back. Nice for sampling, checking color decisions, making hot pads, coasters, bookmarks.

[@BMaysStock]

Hi Kelly, I was excited to see that you were going to demonstrate this toy loom. My 5 year old grandson might ask me to teach him, so I have thought about how I would do that. I did see the challenges, including the uneven warp, the off centered heddles, the less stable nature of the machine. I would like to see another demo showing what happens when you warp it yourself. I sure hope, for a parent who might not know as much as you do about warping, that there are solid instructions for that in the booklet. For myself, I feel as you do, that saving for the Samplet would be the better option. Teaching on the real tool helps children to learn respect for the tool and the process, and feel like they are learning a real life skill. Thanks for taking the time, and I look forward to seeing what you do with it for the next video! Hoping that you and your family are well, Barbara

[@KellyCasanova]

There are actually no warping instructions at all, I will have to remember to point that out if I do another video.

[@suzisaintjames]

I think you said this little loom makes fabric 6-inches wide. There's all sorts of bags you could make. A 6x12" piece of fabric would make a 6x4 clutch. (Fold 12" into thirds, sew the bottom third to the middle third on the two sides and the top third is the flap.) A 6x6 piece of fabric can make a 6x3 pencil pouch or a pouch for your makeup brushes. (Fold the fabric in half, stitch up the sides, insert a zipper and maybe a lining, easy, peasy) .... Glasses cases, cellphone wallets, small crossbody bags, camera cases, the list goes on and on. And that's single fabrics. Start sewing fabrics together and the sky's the limit! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@davemartin1534]

I know nothing about weaving but to me it seems that you need to use an odd numbers of passing. Tuck the cut strain on the side that is loose until the tightness match on both sides match in tightness. Then alternate tucking the loos stran from side to side. I think because of tucking the loose strain on just one side the left side strand keeps getting shorter and shorter. You might try my idea. Please forgive me because I don't know nothing about looms.

[@captaindutchlass]

I have a similar loom but with string heddles, so I can adjust the dpi. I took off the beater and beat with an inkle shuttle that’s been sharpened on one side. I’m currently weaving an overshot band on it in a rather fine yarn (pattern from “crazyshot”). I’m sorting out wonkiness issues as I go, so the next weave will be easier.

[@autumngerfen5746]

I was looking at this for a beginner rigid heddle, since it won’t cost a months paycheck lol glad to see someone testing it out

[@melsmith5833]

I really appreciate you spending your time and money, along with your experience. I had seen this loom many times and considered buying it, even though I admired the more expensive ones. I will definitely be waiting and saving up for the quality product. Thanks so much!

[@KellyCasanova]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wjblake66]

I enjoyed watching and would like to see more. I would have loved this when I was a kid. I have a new table loom in the box waiting to be assembled. Guessing it's probably a bit more complicated than this one. 😅

[@KellyCasanova]

Ah, yes, just a bit more complicated. You have to warp it yourself too 😆 You will love it though!

[@clave26]

Thanks! I have one but have never used it. Can't wait to see how you warp it.

[@TLL65]

Yes I’d love to see any differences in weaving/tension after you’ve warped it yourself. 👍🏻💙❤️💛

[@KellyCasanova]

Great, thanks!

[@johnwilson1489]

It may be tiny but I really enjoy weaving on it. I have two of these that I weave on and am looking forward to getting a third

[@Afterhoursangel55]

Thank you for this video, I bought a similar machine in Feb, there was no video how to work it, I was new to this also. But I too had a tension problem, I used carboard to start it off also to seprate the warp. The problem I have is putting on new Warp, for some reason today I am perusing youtube and saw the next video i will watch, as in the begining of it you mentioned to watch this one, which is what I am doing now. I did manage to try different yarn, and different warp yarn also. I made a few coasters, tried inventing something which did not go well lol, us beginners sometime think we have it. So will continue this video then proceed to the next. I have tried 3 different ways to put new warp on and got fed up of all the tangling and proceeded to buying and knittng with round looms. Before Feb I had never loomed nor knitted, I tried needle knitting but found this to be hard on osteoarthritis hands, hence looms make it easier for me. Watching more of your videos might get me back on my loom machine you are showing here. I also tighten it from the back, it is that first roll of the wooden holder which is hardest, you are right sticking it sideways did not go well for me I try and roll that flat holder part onto the round one. My 1st few pieces were warped themself coming off, most likely a tension issue as i was new to this craft. I like the S hook trick. The yarn they preloaded the weave with is flimsy, if you get the propper weaving warp yarn it is better tension wise. I made scarfs with it but with my own warping thread. Coasters also are nice to weave on this. I am guessing if someone would like to make like a blanket they could do squares or rectangular pieces and sew together. I did also adjust the fix the yran attached to the blue pieces as they were a little crooked also. I think the prepping of the machine is hard at first but I did enjoy doing stuff on it. Just the warping part is so complicated for me looking forward to your other video. I really enjoyed making coasters with it.

[@riftlee]

My 11 year old has this exact loom and actually loves it. With a bit of patience, replacement apron rod and heddle strings, and of course re-warping, you can make nice little table runners and potholders and such. You can definitely be rougher than you were - my kiddo has snapped warps tensioning without any issue to the loom itself. It's pretty tough.

[@KellyCasanova]

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@ElaineTaylor-d8d]

I bought this very loom to use with my grand daughter so please please would love to see more. I’ve never used one before!

[@janetswitzer7029]

Yes, I would love to see what happens with a better warp.

[@punctuationprecise]

I recently got a very, very similar toy loom. It wasn't the same exact brand but it was incredibly similar - right down to the incredibly uneven tension on the warp

[@sophievanderbilt1325]

Excellent video thank you! My husband got this for me for fun since he knows I like learning new crafts. Your review was helpful. My warp is set up so much more evenly than yours. Like it moves so smoothly. I haven’t done much with it yet, but I think it will be ok as a start!

[@KellyCasanova]

I hope you enjoy it! 😀

[@cemam1950]

Loved the demo. Although I have plenty of looms, I'm always fascinated with trying a new one, if only a toy. I'd love to see how it works with proper warping, straightening the heddles, and maybe substituting dowels for the flat apron rods.

[@KellyCasanova]

Great!

[@theresefriedhaber8053]

This is super similar to the loom I have! I was found this video trying to find any demonstration of how to use mine, so this was really helpful haha

[@MC-kj8uy]

I have one of these. I had the same problem with the tension that you had. I ended up completely rewarping, and I added paper to separate the threads at the back (I just couldn't see how the tension would be even otherwise). That solved the problem *but* I have some experience with looms and knew what to do; a beginner will not, and that would make the process frustrating. I used scrap yarn for my first project just to get used to the loom but for the next project I used "regular" yarn (size 4 here in the US) and got a wearable scarf with that. The original warp looked like cotton rug warp. I can sort of see why the manufacturer chose it but I didn't like it. Anyway - I think this loom has possibilities but I'm not sure if someone with no weaving experience will be successful with it. I think it would help for people to watch some videos on how to warp a loom so they know how to deal with tension problems. They'll need that anyway if they want to keep using this loom.

[@wildyarns1894]

Thanks Kelly. I appreciate the fact that you’ve done something for kids. Great video.

[@KellyCasanova]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@kaarigiella7938]

I would love to watch you warp the toy loom. Warping is tricky, I need to watch more warping videos.

[@johnwilson1489]

I have this loom in front of me right now! It's my smallest shaft loom and I love it! It keeps me occupied and I really enjoy it. I'm even thinking about getting another one.

[@KellyCasanova]

Wow, nice to hear you're enjoying it!

[@johnwilson1489]

Both of mine came well set up and squared. It was a bit awkward to get the brace screws in, but I got them in fairly easily

[@lynneclark5313]

Awesome video! I have wondered about the quality of the smaller loom myself. You have answered many questions I had about them. Thanks a lot. And YES - I would love to see part 2 of this loom.

[@sandymorrison1400]

Years ago I bought a Harrisville Easy Weaver. I have since added an additional heddle block and bought two more heddles. Of course they only make an 8 dent. I have woven a four-shaft twill strap for a weaving bag for my larger loom (and quite a few other items). I can only weave "grabby" yarns on this though, because the back and front beams have velcro to attach the warp. I bought the loom for $10 at a garage sale.

[@KellyCasanova]

Wow, that was a total bargain! 😯

[@SeriousFiber]

I got one of these for my niece, she LOVES it!! We have even re warped it once

[@KellyCasanova]

Great!

[@MC-kj8uy]

I have one of these. It's been a while but as I recall the tension on the warp was really uneven and I ended up rewarping it. It wasn't a problem for me but it wouldn't be good for a beginner. I also didn't really like that stuff, which looked like cotton carpet warp; it's too thin, and my first "project" - which was just using up scraps to get used to it - was completely weft-faced. The next warp was yarn and I made a nice scarf with it. I think it could be quite useful as long as someone can work within its limitations of width, warp length, and pattern (tabby). But for a complete beginner it might be a bit frustrating. My main suggestion would be, remove the warp it comes with and replace it with real yarn. That'll make for a more positive experience.

[@tinmanlover1994]

Very cool loom I want to try weaving and want to start by getting a "toy loom" this is way better the the other kid ones I've seen online it's like a real adult one l. Like it cause it's perfect for my dolls

[@sambabird7]

I think even for a child, it would be better to get a Sampleit or Cricket because the toy loom is so fiddley and difficult to use that it would give them a frustrating weaving experience. I know from teaching my 8 and 10 year old granddaughters on Crickets that I gave them for Christmas that they get frustrated if they can’t make some visible progress quickly. Although they love weaving, they don’t have the attention span and patience for spending a lot of time on the problem solving. They can direct warp and have woven a few scarves on their Crickets. It also helps that there are so many videos that they can access for those looms and there probably aren’t many if any for the toy loom…well, except yours! 😊Another thing is the one size heddles. If it’s a toy are any other sizes even available? That would limit your possibilities.

[@KellyCasanova]

I believe it's just one size with the heddles, what you get is what you get.

[@KakronaArtIdea]

So beautiful and great work with the best ideas ! My dearest friend. Thank you so much for sharing this content ❤❤❤😍😍😍👍👍👍

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Kelly, I git this Loom as a Christmas present. I actually am liking it. Its quie a nifty loom one you figure the tension of the warp out. I loosened it and add 2 small pieces of kitchen roll and that worked. My only gripe with it is, how did you come to have 3 balls of yarn besides what was already on the shuttles. They were all that I got with mine. Fortunately I have plenty of stash yarns that I can use. Happy Weaving Fibre Friend 🎉🐑🥰 Take care. Love and hugs Jen xx 💖💖🫂🫂🎄🎄

[@valerieprice1745]

This was a great video. Excellent advice. Fun to watch. :)

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@briangillis8788]

Well I thoroughly enjoyed this video; what your purpose for it was and how well you explained everything. I think I first became interested in weaving when I saw an old Roy Underhill episode that was about making a huge loom. I think it was for making a carpet. Anyway, I'm a woodworker and I would like to make a loom so I'm trying to get as familiar with them as I can, and I learned quite a lot just from your little experiment. Thanks so much! Love your accent, and your aversion to things being out of whack. 😻

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you! I have a new video coming out this week using this loom, so make sure you catch that one 😉

[@brendaalley425]

Fascinating. I think this might make a good mug rug loom. Is there enough room behind the shafts for a pickup stick?

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes, there is, that is something else I will try on my next warp too 😉

[@VangoghsDoggo]

My friend had one of these when I was young. They used string heddles instead of the plastic. The tension was the same. They just put a warp on for kids to use. What I can tell you is we cranked that thing so tight until one of the warp beams cracked in the center. It was so tight it sounded like guitar strings in the middle, but the edges were still loose. Her Dad glued it back together and her mother took it to someone who wove rugs and had a new warp wound on. My friend wove a scarf on it. The string heddles were bountiful and the dent was much finer. It wasn't easy for kids to use, it was more like a real loom back then.

[@KellyCasanova]

Wow, that's interesting!

[@robinboserup478]

Yes I would like to see you dress the loom, than you’ll be able to get even tension. Thank you so much for all your work!❤

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Robin 😊

[@diannadarling699]

I have a little “purse” for my cell phone made from a woven strip about 14 inches long (by ~ 5”)… it’s folded back on itself by 6” with a 2” flap with braided tassels… the shoulder strap is a long braided bunches of strands of yarn which are stitched along the edges of the bag… similar colors and very tightly woven with an interesting structure to make it very stiff… That small loom is 42 US dollars today on zon… Cheers Edit: I see from the utoobs that the weaving style of my little purse is probably Krokbragd… it has a fairly dense ribbed pattern

[@lunasmum6869]

What a dear little loom! I always find it curious how these things are described and what people actually think they do. I am a weaver, spinner and knitter and have been for many years. I liketo take a handicraft to any appointments where I am sure I will have a long wait. Mostly spinning with my spindle rather than my wheel! The misconceptions as to what I am doing with my spindle are varied. Ranging from spinning (only one lady actually said this!), weaving, knitting and that it was some sort of game!! Why are people so scared to actually come and ask me? I am now unable to tie up the treadles on my floor loom due to disability 😟 so will have to sell it reluctantly but I will still have my 8 shaft table loom 🙂 Thanks for showing us this little loom.

[@KellyCasanova]

I'm surprised that people would avoid asking you about what you're doing, I guess we Aussies are a bit more blunt. I always comment if someone is making something in public, it's a great conversation starter and so interesting besides 😊

[@lunasmum6869]

@@KellyCasanova Yes, it would be lovely if people would ask instead of staring at me but maybe they feel they don't want to disturb me or are just shy.

[@neilstephen6761]

Thank you for sharing. I purchased one of these looms.

[@KellyCasanova]

You will enjoy my next video coming out soon, it's all about making a fun, large project on this little loom 😊

[@BarbaraLaGrone]

Hi Kelly, that is a cute loom, and I would think any child, with supervision, should have an enjoyable introduction to weaving without a large cash outlay....glad you are feeling well enough to do this video!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Barbara 😊

[@melaniekuerschner8941]

I've got one too! Isn't it adorable. And very usable, I think.

[@KellyCasanova]

Maybe you can tell me then - does the tension improve when you warp it yourself? 😊

[@melaniekuerschner8941]

@@KellyCasanova Yes, the tension was much better when I warped it myself.

[@susisippan4844]

Thank you fornthis video! I bought this loom for me, last winter. A bigger rigid heddle loom is here 4 times more money, and I must spend the money for the vet... So, only this little one, to learn more weaving technik, until I have money again. I am an inkle loom, backstrap (rare) and pin loom weaver. I has a small rigid heddle from my backstrap weaving start, that fits perfect in the space, and I cange it for weaving. I do not like the beater! Perhaps, the ashford vari-dent hedles can work, and with texolv heddels and a frame, I can work also. I found some cheap rigid heddle in ebay... But, a 3d printer will be perfect.

[@f.floraxiao2313]

This was actually my first loom a few years ago! I bought it new for $27 (US) including shipping, before tax. I got a SampleIt soon after for $200 (US) including shipping, before tax. The tension on the warp I received was not nearly as bad and the price difference at the time was worth it to me. My SampleIt has since moved on to a different weaver and my LaVieVert has been disassembled for parts--I'll be using the same construction with a finer reed, string heddles, and better pawls/ratchets to put it back together. I plan to use mine to make small handspun swatches to reduce loom waste but still have access to setts my rigid heddle loom doesn't support. I'd be interested to see what you think after you've fixed the things that were bothering you. If you're taking off the heddles anyway, I wonder if you'd enjoy it more with string heddles and two ends per dent.

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Fun. I have thought of getting one for sampling.

[@shigellashigella]

Hello! It was a fun to compare my own experience with similar toy looms (brands Miki and Brico) and on something I call "Ruskis", slightly bigger loom made in Soviet union. I get mine from the recycling center (they cost around 10 euro). I would say that all of Miki's and Brico's I saw had exactly the same issue which you pointed - heddles are not even, whole "weaving machine is a bit wobbly and slanted. I should tease my friend, who is physics teacher to calculate forces, because it seems to be common problem, related to the construction. Out of these three "Ruskis" is the best - weaving width is ~38 cm, warp has 8 threads per inch, thanks to the metal strings. It has one shortcoming - really short weaving space - you need to roll the warp every 10 cm. I have also few pieces of stranger constructions - for example toy loom with proper strings, one where the heddle is single, on and sort of the lever - you need to figure out how to move it up and down and back and forth, because it works as a beater as well. All of then often need a bit of woodwork (with Soviet era stuff the most, simply because they are old and often kept in the cellar or shed, so they are a bit deformed, screws need to replaced. New toys sometimes require a bit of sanding, which annoys me a lot - they should be safe.

[@KellyCasanova]

Very interesting!

[@martyparry7000]

Enjoyed seeing this video. Congratulation to the winner, weaving is such a pleasure (most of the time).

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Marty 😊

[@jacalynbledsoe3717]

Kelly, I love this video and you! I was looking at getting this loom to use teaching the homeschoolers at my church. Your are just as picky about the warp as I am..you gave me a good laugh. Thank you for posting this. I was blessed by being given an Easy Weaver by Harrisville. Although it isn't very wide but wide enough for a scarf. One of my homeschoolers is using it and doing a great job. Yes, I would love a follow-up video.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Jacalyn 😀

[@sbellful]

Ah! My older sister got one of these for Christmas 60 years ago! Made by the Ideal Toy Company, advertised quite heavily back then. Unfortunately, no one in our family were weavers, and although my dad assembled it for her, I don’t think it was ever used.

[@KellyCasanova]

Wow, they've been around a long time then!

[@soilgrasswaterair]

I had one of these as a child, and it gave me so much joy in my childhood. I found one in beautiful condition at a second hand store, and I want to set it up with thread for a friend’s child who is an avid knitter and DIY person at 8 years of age. Thank you for this video, because I couldn’t remember how to fix the thread and fogured my friend would like it me if I fixed that than if they had to fix that while doing all the other parenting stuff😅 / Scandinavian

[@KellyCasanova]

That is such a lovely gesture, she will have a lot of fun with it!

[@beckyshook3526]

it would be fun to decorate with it in your weaving studio

[@jirup]

Definitely interested in seeing the toy loom warped up by a pro. I was 'toying' with the idea that one of these might make an adequate colour sampler. Or maybe, I should wait until I see a secondhand SampleIt.

[@KellyCasanova]

If you ever see a secondhand Sampleit for a good deal, jump on it!

[@jirup]

@@KellyCasanova I have seen a few good deals on SampleIt's. The problem has been that I'm not the first one to see them.

[@brittfox9038]

I have this exact little loom (purchased Amazon $35), as well as a 24 inch Kromski Harp and a 36 inch Kessinich Floor Jack. I have never been able to come up with anything to make on the toy loom. Looking forward to seeing if you have any ideas of things to make with it. BTW a Sampleit is about $185 in US.

[@marionbartley214]

Hello this is the first time I've seen looming. The process is interesting, I think I would like to watch more of your videos to see the creation part of it. And what your and result is going to be.Thank for posting this video.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks!

[@amandahattingh1189]

Please givd us more info about this toy loom, I enjoyed this video.

[@sonjanordahl3158]

I would love to see you do your own warp on that.

[@AvaLopez-Carter]

Hello I want to thank you for making this video. I bought this but had no idea how to set-up the thing or how to change the thread on the thing so THANK YOU for doing this. Only 1 thing I can't figure out what space you pass the needle through.

[@KellyCasanova]

Sorry, which part are you referring to in regards to the needle? 🤔

[@kcbryant6546]

I was curious about toy looms like this. It would be nice to see how it would be if you warped it with thicker yarn

[@lindahill7315]

I got one a few years ago. It does work

[@natalieschumacher4729]

I liked this video. I like to see comparisons of different looms

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Natalie 😀

[@amberhartzog9851]

Thank you ,I almost bought this looming machine.

[@KellyCasanova]

Make sure you watch my other videos on this loom too, I've been using it a lot and I have a follow up video plus a new one coming out this week.

[@mendyviola]

The most affordable loom is a backstrap loom. It’s literally a few sticks and a shuttle. However, the setup is quite complicated. This loom seems to be a good introductory one for kids. It takes out the complicated setups and introduces them to the mechanics. It would obviously need a weave-educated parent to help.

[@KellyCasanova]

Agreed!

[@lynette.]

Would be interested to see you warp and correct the imbalances. This was fun to watch. Thank you.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Lynette!

[@cometkatt]

ive picked up two of these at thrift shops. i would like to use them for demonstration purposes but havent as yet because they are so flimsy! I would be REALLY interested in any suggestions to make the little beasties stronger? better? our budget is limited so would like to actually use them if we can - thanks and i do hope you do a 2nd video on it

[@categ50]

I want to get my granddaughters a loom for Christmas, but I think after seeing this a Samplelt would be better. More $$ but a better piece of equipment. 😉

[@BarbaraLaGrone]

Forgot to ask...the beautiful wrap that you are wearing in this video reminds me of an oversize Mobius cowl, or is it a long scarf that you have wrapped around the back? So pretty!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you! It's actually a triangle shawl, I made it on my knitting machine using 3 strands of different coloured merino 😍

[@BarbaraLaGrone]

@@KellyCasanova looks like I will have to dust off my knitting machine and get going...thanks!

[@KellyCasanova]

@@BarbaraLaGrone Oh yes, you should!

[@jirup]

@@KellyCasanova What knitter do you have Kelly? When I was a teenager, Mum had a Brother KH881. Gosh I miss that machine now that my hands don't like to knit.

[@KellyCasanova]

@@jirup I have a Singer 323 😊

[@learnwithlillian8509]

I adore your woven cover up. Fun video!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@maggiepatterson7949]

The heddles have extra holes. I wonder if putting tge strings through them some way might prevent the wonkiness?

[@rinatail7248]

I want to see a second video on this!

[@KellyCasanova]

Great, thanks!

[@emilytravis1696]

I'd agree that for the price of this loom you'd be better saving up for a rigid heddle instead! AU$100 seems like an expensive price for a child's toy to me... I'm curious about how long the warp is that's already on it and whether there's instructions for putting a new warp on? If you don't already know how to warp a loom would you just give up and the loom sits unused after the first warp is finished? I'd be curious to know when you warp it whether you can direct warp it or if that's more trouble than it's worth because having to buy or make a warping board for a kids loom seems like a lot... Did the loom come with a threading hook at all? I've seen similar 2-shaft table looms before with string heddles, and my impression is that they have a lot of the drawbacks of both a shaft loom and a rigid heddle without the advantages of either. I always feel like the biggest advantage of a rigid heddle is the direct warping, but if you have separate reed and heddles there's so much more sleying & threading to do. It's limited to 2 shaft plainweave even more so than a rigid heddle, because you can't put pick-up sticks behind the heddles, or add another heddle in, and the reed looks like it's stuck in the beater so you can't swap setts (plus the heddles are also stuck at the same spacing).

[@KellyCasanova]

I don't actually know the length of warp but can measure it once it's off. No, there are no warping instructions included. I would like to try direct warping it, I think that would be most simple (for me anyway). The only equipment that came with the loom is what I showed in the video. And I agree, $100AUD is a lot for a toy and while the quality is ok, it's got nothing on the sturdiness of a RH loom.

[@ephemerabluetit335]

I've always wanted to do that!!! Thx

[@deborahcherry1735]

Would love to see when you have warped it yourself

[@lindabedell6397]

Enjoyed the video. I have seen this online and often wondered about it. With the two heddles is it considered simple weave or twill weave? I really want to do twill weave and have been unsuccessful thus far. Will keep watching video for that but in the mean time, would this be easier to learn on? Look forward to a follow-up!

[@KellyCasanova]

It just has the 2 shafts so just plain weave. I'm going to experiment more with it to see what else I can achieve, but for most twills you need 4 shafts, there is also a 3 shaft twill that is more limited.

[@lindabedell6397]

@@KellyCasanova Thank you! Just love learning to weave with you!

[@irenemirayes4788]

Please show putting on warp threads.

[@bkvdpw]

Part of the problem with getting a pre-loaded loom and no instructions: "Some settling of contents may occur during shipment." :)