Getting Started with Weaving: What Equipment Do You Really Need?

Would you like to learn how to weave, but aren't quite sure what equipment you actually need to get started?

Good news: you don't need a large collection of tools and accessories to weave your first projects. What you really need will depend primarily on the type of loom you choose and the projects you would like to make.

Before filling your weaving space with accessories, let's start with the essentials.

1. Start by choosing your loom

The equipment you need to get started depends first on the type of loom you will be using.

For weaving cloth, two loom families are particularly common: the rigid heddle loom, which is accessible and requires relatively little additional equipment, and the shaft loom, whether a table or floor loom, which allows you to explore a wider range of weave structures and generally requires more equipment to prepare the warp and dress the loom.

Still deciding between the two? We have a complete guide comparing their differences and advantages, along with the factors to consider based on your space, budget, and the projects you would like to weave.

Rigid heddle or shaft loom: which should you choose?

2. What do you need with a rigid heddle loom?

For your first projects, the list is fairly short.

In addition to the loom, you will mainly need:

• a rigid heddle suitable for the yarn you are using;
• one or more shuttles;
• a threading hook;
• yarn for warp and weft;
• the equipment needed to prepare your warp.

Depending on the loom model, several of these items may already be included. Some rigid heddle looms also allow you to use the loom itself to prepare the warp.

With this basic setup, you can start weaving. Additional accessories can be added later as you explore new techniques and projects.

3. What do you need with a shaft loom?

With a shaft loom, you will also need equipment to prepare the warp and dress the loom.

For indirect warping, you will generally need:

• a warping board or warping mill;
• lease sticks;
• warp packing paper or warp sticks;
• a raddle;
• a threading or sleying hook;
• a shuttle suited to your project.

If you use a boat shuttle, a bobbin winder will allow you to prepare the bobbins used for the weft.

What about sectional warping?

Sectional warping is another way to prepare and beam a warp. It requires different equipment, including a spool rack and a tension box.

For someone who is just discovering weaving, there is no need to begin with this method. Your choice will depend on your loom, the types of warps you prepare, and the way you prefer to work.

4. What about yarn?

A loom alone is obviously not enough: you also need to choose yarns that are suitable for your project.

Warp yarn must be able to withstand the tension and abrasion involved in weaving. Fibre, yarn size, yarn construction, and sett will also have an important influence on the finished cloth.

For a beginner, a well-designed pattern or kit can make this step much easier: the yarns, sett, and quantities required for the project have already been determined.

As you gain experience, you can gradually learn to choose your own yarns and adjust the sett according to the type of fabric you want to create.

5. What you don't need to buy right away

There are countless weaving accessories available, but you don't need to own all of them to get started.

Depending on your loom and your projects, you may eventually want to add:

• additional shuttles;
• additional reeds or rigid heddles;
• additional heddles;
• a weaving bench or loom stand;
• a yarn swift for yarn sold in skeins;
• a fringe twister;
• weights;
• specialized equipment for particular techniques.

Wait until you know why you need an accessory before buying it.

An accessory becomes truly useful when it solves a specific need in the way you weave or in the projects you want to make.

6. What should you choose for your first project?

For a first project, it is usually best to choose something simple enough that you can concentrate on learning the essential skills without adding unnecessary complications.

A scarf, towel, or another small rectangular project generally allows you to focus on the fundamentals: preparing the warp, dressing the loom, achieving even tension, passing the weft, and watching the cloth develop.

A kit can also be a good way to begin because the yarn, quantities, and pattern have already been selected to work together.

7. Most importantly: learn how to use your loom

The best loom and every accessory available are no substitute for understanding the basic weaving skills.

Learning how to prepare a warp correctly, dress your loom, adjust the tension, and understand what is happening as you weave will allow you to become much more independent in your future projects.

At Tisse et File, you can learn in person or online and continue developing your skills with our weaving guides, articles, and resources.

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Keep learning

If you're just getting started and aren't sure which direction to take, we've gathered several resources to help you choose your loom, find a first project, and gradually develop your weaving skills.

Where to start Explore all weaving looms Explore weaving projects

Frequently asked questions

What type of loom is best for a beginner?
A rigid heddle loom is often an excellent place to start because it is approachable, relatively quick to warp, and requires little additional equipment. A shaft loom can also be a good first loom if you want to explore a wider range of weave structures from the beginning.

Do I need to buy all my weaving accessories when I buy my loom?
No. Start with the equipment you need to prepare, dress, and weave your first projects. You can add accessories later according to your loom, the way you work, and the techniques you want to explore.

Do I need to choose my own yarns for my first project?
Not necessarily. A detailed pattern or weaving kit can simplify your first projects because the yarns, sett, and required quantities have already been determined.