Think about this before buying a floor loom

[@cerwelt]

I’ve been weaving for a little over three months. I am 66 years old and had never weaved. Everything you mentioned is exactly true and I myself thought about all of those issues. I have a 10” Schacht Cricket and a 20” Schacht Spindle. I doubt I will ever own a floor loom for the physical reasons you’ve mentioned. I hope anyone considering weaving finds this video. No matter the age, time is marching on and it’s important to know what your body can and can’t do at every age. Thanks for sharing. Excellent reference video.

[@dorym8045]

Kelly, you are so right about everything in this video. I didn’t start to weave until my late 50s. At that time, I bought a Schacht Mighty Wolf and did a fair amount of weaving on it. But as time progressed, I developed arthritis in both hips and my sciatica issue became chronic. The Mighty Wolf is a rising shed loom with a heavy treadle action. I tried swapping the metal heddles out for texsolv but it really didn’t help as the pure weight of the shafts was also a significant factor I hadn’t counted on. I ended up selling the loom and got a Louet David III. I love it. As a sinking shed loom, it is so much better and treadling isn’t a problem. I am now 70 and still weaving. I would have liked a Spring but knew a countermarche loom with all the tying up would not be good for me at this age (laying on the floor for extended time). I also choose the 90cm version. And the Mighty Wolf was also 36”. The reason for this is I’m short with short arms. So a wide loom isn’t my friend although I learned on a 60” Leclerc in my original class. For your big loom, maybe you can look into a flying shuttle? I’ve seen videos where you pull a string and send the shuttle across. It’s an old school technique from the British isles but would maybe extend your usable time with your bigger loom?

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks for sharing that, it's so good to hear that a David was the right solution for you. Yes, the treadling is just so light! The flying shuttle is something I've tried and really disliked on my big loom. There were multiple reasons why it wasn't a good choice for me. But, I did buy and end feed shuttle and that has helped.

[@antinn7448]

Thank you so much for addressing these topics and doing so in such a thoughtful way. After years of weaving on a Navajo upright loom, I purchased an Ashford table loom at 58 y.o for space considerations. I still dream about getting a glimaka counterbalance, but realistically at 62, It probably isnt in the cards anymore.

[@jackiecauthron-schafer9554]

Have you thought about the Glimakra Julia? It’s 27” wide and comes in counterbalance or countermarch. It’s on my possibilities list.

[@chrisr8178]

Kelly, you are so right. For my 35th birthday DH bought me a 58" Glimakra countermarch loom. I loved this loom, but by my 60th birthday I was avoiding it like the plague. It broke my heart to sell it, but I did. Bought a used 22" used Gilmore and having been weaving happily ever since. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@KellyCasanova]

I'm glad you found the loom you needed 🥰

[@jenniferg5625]

Such great advice! I want a floor loom, I feel it in my bones, but i also can tell now isn’t the time. You’ve taught me about how to use the rigid heddle loom using multiple heddles and pick up sticks to create intricate patterns on a rigid heddle. I’m so happy learning more and exploring all that the rigid heddle has to offer until I can one day get a floor loom!

[@KellyCasanova]

That is so great Jennifer. I never want to make anyone feel like they "need" a floor loom, I hope that these videos are more a help to those who already have the desire or interest 😊

[@wendyscheening6266]

I bought my first Louette loom about 5 months ago (a Spring 1 - used) and it is an amazing loom. I love my Harrisville 4 shaft, but 12 shafts on the Louette and WOW - just WOW. All of your advice is accurate, and I am 67 years old and hope to weave at least another 30 years (or somebody's going to have to deal with a lot of yarn when I'm gone). ;-) Thanks Kelly for always providing thoughtful weaving advice.

[@KellyCasanova]

That's so great Wendy, it sounds like it was the perfect choice for you 😀

[@categ50]

I don't have the room for a floor loom. My sister and I are going to swap RH looms. I have a 24" Ashford and she has a 32" Kromski. She has had hers warped with the same scarf for 3 years! I asked her why and she said it bothers her back going from side to side and she can't do it for long. She is short and has short arms. I'm 5'9" with long arms. Plus she said she really liked weaving. So, we will swap and hopefully the 8" reduction in width will do the trick.

[@KellyCasanova]

That sounds like a terrific plan. I do hear from a lot of weavers who find that the 32" is just too much reach for their back, neck and shoulders to handle. You might have hit on the perfect idea for both of you! 😀

[@robertrobert5583]

What perfect timing! I've had my Ashford 8 shaft table loom for almost a year and hope to get a floor loom for my 65th birthday later this year. I've been watching lots of videos about the Louët David (including yours of course) and you've really helped me with my thinking. I now just need to decide whether to get the 70cm or the 90cm.🤔

[@KellyCasanova]

Robert, what do you like to weave the most? I would really recommend the 90cm, but that is because I love having the option of weaving larger items. 90cm weaving width is just right for baby blankets, wide shawls, and narrower afghans. If you mostly like to weave scarves and towels you would probably find the 70cm adequate.

[@designdolphin]

​@@KellyCasanovaHi, is 90cm big enough for baby wrap? I'm unsure of baby wrap's biggest width as not much information can be found on it's width online, don't know how to calculate shrinkage to take into consideration. Baby wrap is probably the largest item I intend to weave.

[@MosesTheCrow]

thanks for sharing useful information on looming! I also suffer from back pain

[@jennifercongdon4583]

Thoughtful and helpful, as ever.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Jennifer 🥰

[@heleenkok5153]

Perfect advice. I have a David 2 too and also an AVL electronic dobby with e-lift. The first is so easy to handle and great weaving. The AVL is great for advanced patterns. A floor loom always has limitations on pedals. Which a table loom and dobby has not. Just a little side note! And about the wide. My David is 90 cm and the AVL 30 inch. If you want to weave wider, just doubble weave! So much easier to handle smaller looms and it takes less space.

[@MaryG-hy4qo]

I've had my Baby Wolf for 20 years, but just going back to it 6 mo ago. Then offered a LeClerc Fanny 72" counter balance, FREE! Well, I have the room... 2 months now, got Covid the same day as the loom... I'm 76, but such a deal?!?!? I'm so excited to learn the new system. Try new things. I'm bionic, got a fake hip, eyes- another skin cancer removal tomorrow... I love weaving! I learned MahJongg 5 years ago, never knew anyone who knew how to play. But tiles are so pretty! 2-3 days a week, 3 different groups, sometimes 14 people show up. I still haven't found a rocking chair I like. Enjoy whatever you can. M in Seattle

[@KellyCasanova]

Love your attitude Mary and I agree, a free loom of that capacity is an amazing deal, good for you! 💖

[@TheBethany1234]

That is amazing. I have the Leclerc Fanny II 36 inch. Got it for Christmas. Wasn’t free but I think I got. Good price. I love the rigid heddle. For relaxing. Lol but this floor loom is a challenge to learn Thank God for Kelly and Jane Stanford. I watch them over and over. My first piece is on the big loom now and I am so proud of myself. I am 73 and just started with the small loom 16” last year I too am bionic. Both knees replaced and left foot/ankle reconstruction was done in September 2023. I am still in a boot. I am floor loom weaving with ONE foot.

[@CyndiWho]

Kelly I am so glad you did this video. I has really given me pause about my desire for a floor loom. I’m 65 this year and my body has some issues, back and neck. I hope to have it corrected and healed, but until then, I think I will pivot to a table loom. Also watching people weave on a wide loom I see them having to slide across the bench, which made me think about a sliding seat, side to side… wonder if anyone has made one of those? Really would help with hip and back issues.

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes, there are sliding benches out there 😊

[@Jen-pz6qg]

Kelly, I love your videos and your online courses too. You have helped me learn through the rigid heddle looms (I have two), and then I got the 32" Ashford 8 shaft table loom and bought your table loom course, and I am so glad I did. I just started weaving last August 2023, and am now a year into learning and 62 yrs. I weave standing up at the table loom and that really has helped me avoid the back problems from sitting, and standing allows my arms to work at a more relaxed way, with less shoulder strain. But I also have loom lust and wonder if I might want to try a floor loom too, and also am looking at a counterbalance. Anyway, I am just really curious about the thing you're weaving, it is utterly beautiful, would you mind directing me to a pattern source? Thank you so much for all your lessons and advice, you are so generous.

[@KellyCasanova]

It's an overshot pattern known as "Cat's tracks and snail trails", also "Wandering vine", it's a very old and popular pattern.

[@Jen-pz6qg]

@@KellyCasanova Thank you Kelly; I looked up the pattern title and it is not what I was asking about. I wanted to know about your pattern you're weaving on time stamp 3:20 , the crosses. So simple I know, but I really want to try it, is it in a pdf you have for sale?

[@KellyCasanova]

@@Jen-pz6qg Oh, sorry, yes, that is a pattern I have available - kellycasanovadesigns.com/products/floor-loom-or-table-loom-pdf-pattern-the-crackle-collection-4-shaft-scarf-pattern-digital-download

[@Jen-pz6qg]

@@KellyCasanova Thats it! Um, I dont know what crackle weave is, I'm a total beginner, will I be able to manage? I'm signed up for your table loom course, I suppose I could buy the pdf, and should I bring it to the table loom course for questions? Thanks much!

[@MaeveOcarroll]

Thankyou for a wonderful guide to floor looms. Can you weave rugs on the Louet David?

[@KellyCasanova]

I believe some would say yes and some would say no. Most serious rug weavers would want a heavier loom. I don't weave rugs, or at least I haven't at this point, so I haven't used my David for that.

[@fionayoung3549]

Oh Kelly- I’m watching this and chuckling- I’ve been checking out the Ashford table loom. I’m 68, a new weaver, and have only been weaving a year, but want to do more. I’m a retired RN, but now work as a massage therapist- more or less full time, so am pretty fit. However, the thought of clambering under a floor loom doesn’t appeal- so, I think the table loom would be a great option for me. Dare I ask what you think?😃🤷‍♂️

[@sarahblahovec766]

I'd love to know this too--I don't have the space for a floor loom in my apartment, and have lower body joint pain and back pain from a chronic illness. I've been thinking about getting a table loom sometime in the future but I saw a post today from someone who basically wrote off not just table but RH looms (I have RH) as "a waste of money" and it was so discouraging. They had the regular talking points--floor looms are faster, more versatile, there are "smaller" floor looms (still too big), the levers are tiring. But a floor loom just doesn't seem like an option both space wise and physically.

[@lizkimber]

Well. Avl make a loom where all the tie ups are at the side.

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes, as Liz pointed out (and I think I mentioned in the video?) a lot of weavers around your age are opting for avl looms. Having not used one, I can't tell you a lot about that except that they're generally very expensive but are very kind on the body with no need to get down under the loom. Having said that, it does sound like you are very fit to be doing the job you're doing and the David tie up is quite easy compared to my big countermarch. Yes, you still need to get on the floor but most straightforward tie ups only take a few minutes and it's easy, you don't have to get inside the loom.

[@fionayoung3549]

@@lizkimberwhat is the able loom?

[@KellyCasanova]

Everyone has their own opinions I guess. I love my floor looms but I would never, ever say that rigid heddle or table looms are a waste of money!

[@TheFroggie66]

Excellent advice! 😊

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@annaremedi334]

Hi Kelly, thank you for your video. Can you help me decide what floor loom I could buy to weave 100 cm wide rag rugs? I have seen a used 47” Glimakra counterbalanced loom. Than you

[@KellyCasanova]

It's hard for me to recommend a loom because different looms will suit different people. I can tell you that you do need a sturdy loom for rug making.

[@jackiecauthron-schafer9554]

Thank you for the video, Kelly. My question is about treadling on your David loom. I spend my life in a serious state of fatigue and treadling will be tiring as it is, but I’m serious about getting a loom. How light a is the action, and how easy is it to held the treadles down?

[@KellyCasanova]

Jackie, if you want light treadling, the David is the loom for you. Seriously, the treadling is SO light that I don't hesitate to recommend it to you. Happy to talk further via email if you want more specifics 😊

[@jackiecauthron-schafer9554]

@@KellyCasanova thank you, that would be so helpful. The other loom I’m considering is the AVL Workshop Dobby Loom, because I’m also gifted with brain fog, but it’s smaller and I’m afraid it might be hard to treadle. I have no experience with either loom, and I live in a remote area. Any info you can tell me from personal experience would make me so happy.

[@KellyCasanova]

@@jackiecauthron-schafer9554 my email is [e-mail]

[@peggywhite5638]

I'd love a floor loom but I don't consider myself advanced enough to use it. I'm also 68 and my husband is 81 and even though I like to think I'm in decent shape ..... :) What would you recommend for a table loom?

[@KellyCasanova]

I've only used Ashford table looms but I would be very interested to try a Louet table loom. A lot of my students have the Louet Jane and love it.

[@sabinewintermute6969]

I’m considering a floor loom but don’t have a lot of space . I would like 30-36 “ weaving width . Since the loom would have to be in the living room it should have: Small foot print Fold up Be quiet I am considering Louet David III, Schacht Mighty Wolf and Harrisville Design T8. I don’t have access to any of them and am wondering if anybody has tried these looms and can share information about them. Thank you.

[@KellyCasanova]

Well, I don't know about the other 2 but I can recommend the David for taking up minimal space. The back beam folds in if you need it to. It's available in a couple of different weaving widths too.

[@sabinewintermute6969]

@@KellyCasanova thank you , Kelly. I also think it really quiet, correct?

[@KellyCasanova]

Very quiet. Here is a demo for the sound - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6OUmnipf5WLoNk

[@designdolphin]

Hi, what is the countermarch loom brand and model you are weaving on in this video?

[@KellyCasanova]

It's a Finlandia Berga Savonia. 10 shafts, 150cm weaving width. I believe it was probably made in the late 70s - 80's. The company (Finlandia) no longer exists.

[@designdolphin]

@@KellyCasanova thanks for your reply. What is the minimum weaving width floor loom required if the biggest item I’m going to weave is a baby wrap of the biggest width?

[@KellyCasanova]

@@designdolphin I don't know what the largest width for a wrap would be, I've never woven one.

[@LeticiaS678]

What about width? How wide is too wide for people who are vertically challenged? Asking for a friend. 😂

[@KellyCasanova]

It's very individual - a shorter person may be just fine with a wider loom if they don't have any back/shoulder/neck problems. My countermarch loom has a weaving width of 150cm (60") and I find I struggle if it's dressed to full width, I get back pain from reaching. I don't have any problems with the reach on my David though, which is 90cm (35") max weaving width. I'm about 5 foot 3", fairly short. But that is just my experience, I can't speak for each individual.

[@b2manufacturing]

I would get a flying shuttle for that monster floor loom, I would not have fun scooting left and right on my seat to do a single pick, once I used a flying shuttle I on a 60 inch I was won over

[@KellyCasanova]

I do have a flying shuttle for this loom, I just don't like it!

[@DragonGoddess18]

I do want to try out a loom one of these days. (I'm a crocheter) A floor loom? No thanks, I don't have enough space in my house

[@KellyCasanova]

A rigid heddle might be a better option for you?

[@DragonGoddess18]

@@KellyCasanova Probably