Mirrix McKinley 28" Tapestry & Bead Loom
Looking to create large tapestries or particularly long pieces without moving to a traditional studio loom? The Mirrix McKinley 28" is the smallest of Mirrix's larger double-beam looms and stands out for proportions that are particularly well suited to long-format weaving.
With a 25" (63.5 cm) weaving width and a weaving length of up to 59" (149.9 cm) with continuous warping, the McKinley provides substantial working capacity for large tapestries, rugs, table runners and bead weaving. Its double top and bottom beams provide the additional rigidity needed for projects of this size.
At a glance
✔ Large loom for tapestry and bead weaving
✔ Weaving width: 25" (63.5 cm)
✔ Weaving length: up to 59" (149.9 cm) with continuous warping
✔ Double top and bottom beams for increased rigidity
✔ Particularly well suited to long pieces, rugs and table runners
✔ Standard 3/4" shed or extended 1.5" shed
✔ Four warp coils: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch
✔ Can be used upright on a table or with the Mirrix Harvey stand
Why choose the McKinley 28"?
The McKinley marks the transition into the larger looms in the Mirrix line. It is the smallest model with double top and bottom beams, a construction that provides additional rigidity when working with wider warps and larger pieces.
Its proportions are one of its defining features. The McKinley provides a generous 25" weaving width, but its capacity for long pieces is what really sets it apart. With up to 59" of weaving length using continuous warping, it is particularly appealing for rugs, table runners and long-format tapestries.
Despite its size, it retains the characteristic features of Mirrix looms: adjustable tension, interchangeable warp coils for different setts, and a shedding device that makes weaving faster and more efficient.
What can you make?
- large tapestries;
- long, narrow tapestries;
- rugs;
- table runners;
- wall pieces up to 25" wide;
- large-scale bead weaving;
- projects combining fibres and beads;
- long pieces using continuous warping.
Which model should you choose?
Starting with the McKinley, Mirrix looms use double top and bottom beams for increased rigidity. Choosing between the Zach, McKinley and Joni depends primarily on the dimensions and proportions of the pieces you want to create.
| Model | Main feature | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Zach 22" | 19" weaving width and only 7 lb | A versatile primary loom when size and weight remain important considerations |
| McKinley 28" | 25" weaving width with proportions suited to long pieces | Large tapestries, rugs, table runners and long-format weaving |
| Joni 32" | Even wider weaving area | Large tapestries when project width is the priority |
Our recommendation: choose the McKinley 28" if you are ready to move into the larger Mirrix loom range and regularly weave long pieces. If maximum tapestry width is your main priority, the Joni may be a better choice.
Which version should you choose?
The McKinley is available with two types of shedding device. Each can be selected on its own or with 300 Texsolv heddles suited to the selected shedding device.
| Version | Particularly suitable for |
|---|---|
| Standard shedding device – 3/4" shed | Most tapestry and bead-weaving projects if you already own suitable heddles or prefer to make your own. |
| Standard shedding device – 3/4" shed + 300 Texsolv heddles | A ready-to-use configuration with the standard shedding device. |
| Extended shedding device – 1.5" shed | Rug weaving or projects where additional room is useful for passing bobbins, shuttles or your fingers through the shed. |
| Extended shedding device – 1.5" shed + 300 long Texsolv heddles | The extended shed with the appropriately sized long heddles already included. |
Our recommendations
Standard or extended shed?
For most tapestry weaving, we recommend the standard 3/4" shedding device. The extended 1.5" shed is particularly useful for rug weaving or whenever you want more room to pass bobbins or shuttles through the shed.
Should you add the Texsolv heddles?
If you do not want to make your own heddles, choose the version with 300 Texsolv heddles. Heddles for the extended shedding device are longer than standard heddles. Depending on the width and sett of your project, additional heddles may be required.
What's included
All versions include:
- 4 warp coils: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch;
- the shedding device and handle for the selected version;
- 2 wooden clips suited to the selected shedding device;
- 1 warping bar;
- 1 flat wrench;
- 1 Allen wrench;
- 1 warp coil bar;
- written instructions.
Versions with heddles also include 300 Texsolv heddles. With the extended shedding device, the included heddles are the longer heddles required for that configuration.
Depending on the width and sett of your project, additional heddles may be required.
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: Mirrix
- Model: McKinley 28"
- Product type: tapestry and bead loom
- Materials: anodized aluminum top and bottom beams, steel and copper sidebars, maple clips
- Construction: double top and bottom beams
- Weaving width: 25" (63.5 cm)
- Weaving length without shedding device: up to 59" (149.9 cm) with continuous warping
- Weaving length with shedding device: up to 55" (139.7 cm) with continuous warping
- Loom width: 28" (71.1 cm)
- Weight: 11.2 lb (5.1 kg)
- Standard shed: 3/4" (1.9 cm)
- Extended shed: 1.5" (3.8 cm)
- Warp coils included: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch
- Working position: upright on a table using its fold-out legs or on a Mirrix Harvey stand
- Uses: tapestry, bead weaving or a combination of both
Care and use
Set up the McKinley on a stable surface and make sure all components are properly tightened before you begin weaving. Adjust the tension gradually to maintain even warp tension across the full width.
Handle the warp coils carefully, as their ends may be sharp. The loom's other metal components should also be handled with care. If you disassemble the loom for transport or storage, carefully realign all components when reassembling it.
Why we love it
We particularly like the McKinley for its unusual proportions. It already provides a substantial 25" weaving width, but its capacity for long pieces is what really distinguishes it from other Mirrix looms.
The double beams provide the rigidity expected from a loom of this size, while its weight remains reasonable for equipment offering such a generous working area. For weavers interested in rugs, table runners or large vertical tapestries, the McKinley occupies a particularly useful place in the Mirrix line.
Explore more
Weaving Accessories Shuttles Weaving Books Resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the McKinley and the Zach?
The McKinley provides a 25" weaving width compared with 19" on the Zach and features double top and bottom beams. It is also particularly well suited to long-format pieces.
Is the McKinley suitable for rug weaving?
Yes. Mirrix specifically positions the McKinley for long pieces such as rugs. For this type of weaving, the extended 1.5" shedding device can be particularly useful.
Are heddles included?
They are included only with the “+ 300 Texsolv Heddles” versions. The other versions allow you to use separately purchased or handmade heddles. Heddles for the extended shedding device are longer than standard heddles.
Do I always have to use the shedding device?
No. It is not required for every project. Mirrix specifies up to 55" of weaving length with the shedding device and up to 59" without it when using continuous warping.
What happens if the McKinley or the configuration I choose is not in stock?
Some Mirrix products are available immediately from Tisse et File, while others are ordered as needed. For an item that needs to be ordered, please allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks.