Mirrix Big Sister 16" Tapestry and Bead Loom
Large enough for substantial projects while remaining compact enough to transport and store easily, the Mirrix Big Sister 16" Loom offers an excellent balance between weaving capacity and portability.
With a maximum weaving width of 13" (33 cm) and a weaving length of up to 36" (91 cm) with continuous warping, it can be used for tapestry, bead weaving and projects combining fibre and beads, while providing the strong, adjustable warp tension Mirrix looms are known for.
You can choose the configuration that best suits the way you weave: without a shedding device, with a shedding device, or with a shedding device and 200 Texsolv heddles.
At a glance
✔ Weaving width: up to 13" (33 cm)
✔ Up to 36" (91 cm) weaving length with continuous warping without the shedding device
✔ Up to 32" (81 cm) with the shedding device
✔ Designed for tapestry and bead weaving
✔ Excellent adjustable warp tension
✔ Two fold-out legs for tabletop weaving
✔ Shedding device available as an option
✔ Three configurations available
✔ Only 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) without the shedding device
Why choose the Big Sister?
The Big Sister occupies a particularly interesting place in the Mirrix range. It offers considerably more working space than the Little Guy while remaining compact enough to transport, store easily or use in a relatively small weaving space.
With a maximum weaving width of 13", it gives you enough room to explore larger tapestries, weave several smaller pieces on the same warp or create wider bead-weaving projects.
It is Mirrix's most popular Classic Series loom: a size that is approachable for someone just getting started while offering enough possibilities to support a much more advanced weaving practice.
What can you make?
- tapestries;
- woven wall pieces;
- samples and textile studies;
- bead weaving;
- beaded bracelets and jewelry;
- pieces combining fibre and beads;
- multiple small pieces on the same warp;
- experimental textile projects.
Three ways to configure your Big Sister
Without a shedding device
The simplest and lightest configuration is suitable for tapestry with a manually created shed as well as for bead weaving.
This version includes a 14-dent warp coil, particularly suitable for size 11/0 seed beads. For size 11/0 Delica beads, an 18-dent warp coil is recommended and can be purchased separately.
With a shedding device
Used with heddles, the Mirrix shedding device separates alternating groups of warp threads to quickly create the shed needed to pass the weft through the warp.
This configuration also includes four warp coils in different setts: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch.
With a shedding device + 200 Texsolv heddles
This configuration includes everything supplied with the shedding-device version, plus two rolls of 100 Texsolv heddles, for a total of 200 reusable heddles.
If you plan to use the shedding device and do not already own compatible heddles, this is the option we recommend.
The heddles can be reused from project to project. Depending on the width and sett of your project and the weaving technique you use, more than 200 heddles may sometimes be required.
Do you need a shedding device?
No. The Big Sister can be used perfectly well without one.
For tapestry weaving, however, the shedding device can make weaving more efficient by alternately separating groups of warp threads. Heddles attached to the device create an opening that makes it easier to pass the weft through the warp.
Choosing a Big Sister with a shedding device does not mean you have to use it for every project. When warping your loom, you can choose whether or not to incorporate the shedding device depending on your project and weaving technique.
Big Sister or Little Guy?
The choice mainly depends on how much weaving width you need and how important maximum portability is to you.
- 12" Little Guy: up to 9" (23 cm) of weaving width. Extremely compact and small enough to use on your lap.
- 16" Big Sister: up to 13" (33 cm) of weaving width. It provides more room for tapestry and bead-weaving projects while remaining highly portable.
If you are deciding between the two and the additional four inches of weaving width could be useful for your projects, the Big Sister offers an excellent balance between working space and overall size.
Excellent warp tension
Like the other looms in the Mirrix Classic Series, the Big Sister is designed to provide strong and precisely adjustable warp tension.
This is particularly valuable for tapestry and bead weaving, where a stable and even warp contributes directly to the quality and consistency of the finished work.
The top and bottom beams are made of anodized aluminum, the sidebars are made of steel and copper, and the wooden clips are made of maple.
Setup and weaving position
The Big Sister has two fold-out legs that allow it to stand upright on a table without requiring a separate stand.
For a dedicated setup or a different working position, it can also be used with the compatible Mirrix Harvey Stand.
What's included
Without a shedding device
- Mirrix Big Sister 16" Loom
- 1 warp coil – 14 dents per inch
- 2 wooden clips
- warping bar
- warp coil bar
- instructions
With a shedding device
- Mirrix Big Sister 16" Loom
- shedding device and handle
- 4 warp coils: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch
- 2 wooden clips
- warping bar
- warp coil bar
- wrench
- Allen wrench
- instructions
With a shedding device + 200 Texsolv heddles
Includes everything supplied with the shedding-device configuration, plus two rolls of 100 Texsolv heddles, for a total of 200 heddles.
Availability
Some Mirrix looms and accessories are available immediately from stock at Tisse et File, while others can be ordered for you.
For items that are not currently in stock, please allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for them to become available at Tisse et File.
Technical specifications
- Brand: Mirrix
- Model: Big Sister
- Loom width: 16" (40.6 cm)
- Maximum weaving width: 13" (33 cm)
- Maximum weaving length without the shedding device: 36" (91 cm) with continuous warping
- Maximum weaving length with the shedding device: 32" (81 cm) with continuous warping
- Weight without the shedding device: 4.6 lb (2.1 kg)
- Weight with the shedding device: 5.4 lb (2.45 kg)
- Shedding device: Optional
- Warp coil – version without shedding device: 14 dents per inch
- Warp coils – versions with shedding device: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch
- Working position: upright on a table or on the Harvey Stand
- Materials: anodized aluminum, steel, copper and maple
- Uses: tapestry, bead weaving or a combination of both
Maximum weaving lengths take into account the warp allowance required for weaving and finishing.
Compatible accessories
The Big Sister can grow with your weaving practice through a range of compatible Mirrix accessories, including:
- bottom spring kit;
- Shasta Combs;
- No Warp-Ends Kit;
- extra warping bar kit;
- loom extensions;
- Harvey Stand;
- extra bottom beam;
- additional shedding-device components with the appropriate extensions.
Why we love it
The Big Sister may be the Mirrix size that meets the needs of the widest range of weavers. Its 13" weaving width provides enough room for substantial projects without requiring you to move to a much larger loom.
We particularly appreciate its balance of working space, weight and versatility. It is equally at home with tapestry and bead weaving and can evolve with your practice through the shedding device and Mirrix's range of compatible accessories.
If you are looking for your first Mirrix and the ultra-compact size of the Little Guy is not essential, the Big Sister is an excellent all-around choice.
Discover more
Tapestry looms Little Guy 12" Loom Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is the Big Sister suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its size remains manageable for someone who is just getting started while providing enough weaving width and versatility to continue using it as your skills develop.
Can I weave both tapestry and beads on the same loom?
Yes. The Big Sister is designed for tapestry, bead weaving and projects that combine both techniques.
Do I need the shedding device?
No. The loom can be used without it. The shedding device is particularly useful for creating a shed more efficiently when weaving tapestry.
Are heddles included with the shedding device?
Heddles are included only with the “With shedding device + 200 Texsolv heddles” configuration. Heddles are required to use the shedding device.
Why does the complete Big Sister configuration include 200 heddles instead of 100?
The 13" weaving width allows you to work with more warp threads. Two rolls of 100 heddles therefore provide greater flexibility, although some particularly wide or dense projects may require additional heddles.
Should I choose the Little Guy or the Big Sister?
Choose the Little Guy if maximum portability and a very compact loom are priorities. Choose the Big Sister if you want additional weaving width while still keeping your loom relatively light and portable.
What if the configuration I want is not currently in stock?
Mirrix products that are not currently in stock can be ordered for you. Please allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for them to become available at Tisse et File.