Mirrix Lani 8" Tapestry and Bead Loom
Small, sturdy and particularly easy to transport, the Mirrix Lani 8" was originally designed for bead weaving, but it is equally well suited to creating small tapestries.
With a maximum weaving width of 5" (12.7 cm), it is particularly well suited to bracelets, necklaces, small beadwork pieces, samples and small-format tapestries. Despite its compact size, it features the sturdy construction and adjustable tensioning system characteristic of Mirrix Classic Series looms.
The Lani can be used upright on a table with its long fold-out leg, or horizontally on your lap or on a table. It is suitable for both beginners discovering weaving and experienced weavers looking for a compact loom.
At a glance
✔ Weaving width: up to 5" (12.7 cm)
✔ Up to 26" (66 cm) of weaving length without the shedding device
✔ Up to 22" (55.9 cm) with the shedding device in place
✔ Tapestry and bead weaving
✔ Optional shedding device
✔ Adjustable warp tension
✔ One long fold-out leg for weaving upright on a table
✔ Can also be used horizontally on your lap or on a table
✔ Weight: 3 lb (1.36 kg) without shedding device
✔ Weight: 3.6 lb (1.63 kg) with shedding device
✔ Suitable for beginners and experienced weavers
Why choose the Lani 8"?
The Lani is the smallest loom in the Mirrix Classic Series. It was originally designed as a bead loom, particularly for making bracelets and necklaces, but its construction also makes it an excellent small tapestry loom.
Its 5" weaving width allows you to create genuine small-format pieces while maintaining an extremely portable format. It can easily accompany you to a workshop, weaving-group meeting or on your travels.
Unlike a simple small weaving frame, the Lani also features the Mirrix adjustable tensioning system. This allows you to achieve and maintain the strong, even warp tension that is particularly important for both tapestry and bead weaving.
What can you make?
- beaded bracelets;
- necklaces and woven jewelry;
- small tapestries;
- small wall hangings;
- decorative bands;
- samples;
- colour and material studies;
- pieces combining fibres and beads;
- small experimental textile projects.
Which model should you choose?
The Lani is particularly appealing when portability and narrow projects are your priorities. If you need more weaving width, other looms in the Classic Series offer the same basic principles in larger formats.
| Model | Weaving width | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Lani 8" | Up to 5" | Jewelry, bead weaving, small tapestries and maximum portability |
| Little Guy 12" | Up to 9" | Small tapestries and projects requiring additional width |
| Big Sister 16" | Up to 13" | Tapestries and medium-sized projects |
If you mainly want to create jewelry, beadwork or small tapestries, the Lani offers an excellent balance between versatility and compact size. If you think you will quickly need more than 5" of weaving width, the Little Guy 12" will generally be more versatile.
Which version should you choose?
At Tisse et File, the Lani 8" is offered in three configurations. The included components vary depending on the version selected.
| Version | Best suited for |
|---|---|
| Without shedding device | You want the simplest and lightest Lani, particularly for bead weaving or tapestry without a shedding device. This version includes one 14-dent-per-inch spring. |
| With shedding device | You want to use the Mirrix shedding device and already own compatible heddles or prefer to make your own. This version includes four springs. |
| With shedding device + 100 Texsolv heddles | You want the shedding device and reusable heddles ready to use from the start. This version also includes four springs. |
Our recommendations
Planning to weave primarily with beads?
The version without the shedding device may be all you need. It includes a 14-dent-per-inch spring, which Mirrix recommends for size 11/0 seed beads. For size 11/0 Delica beads, Mirrix recommends the 18-dent-per-inch spring, sold separately or included with the shedding-device versions.
Want to use the shedding device?
Heddles are required. You can make your own heddles, use compatible heddles you already own, or choose the With shedding device + 100 Texsolv heddles version. Texsolv heddles are reusable.
Will 100 heddles always be enough?
Not necessarily. The number of heddles required depends on the type of weaving, the width of your piece and the warp sett. Depending on your project, you may need additional heddles.
Choosing a shedding device?
That does not mean you have to use it for every project. Mirrix specifies that when warping the loom, you can choose whether or not to install the shedding device depending on your project.
What's included
Without shedding device:
- Mirrix Lani 8" loom;
- 1 spring, 14 dents per inch;
- 2 wooden clips;
- warping bar;
- spring bar;
- written instructions.
With shedding device:
- Mirrix Lani 8" loom;
- shedding device and handle;
- 4 springs: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch;
- 2 wooden clips;
- warping bar;
- spring bar;
- flat wrench;
- Allen wrench;
- written instructions.
With shedding device + 100 Texsolv heddles:
Includes everything in the shedding-device version, plus one bundle of 100 reusable Texsolv heddles.
Technical specifications
- Manufacturer: Mirrix
- Model: Lani 8"
- Product type: tapestry and bead loom
- Loom width: 8" (20.3 cm)
- Maximum weaving width: 5" (12.7 cm)
- Maximum weaving length without shedding device: 26" (66 cm) using continuous warping
- Maximum weaving length with shedding device: 22" (55.9 cm) using continuous warping
- Weight without shedding device: 3 lb (1.36 kg)
- Weight with shedding device: 3.6 lb (1.63 kg)
- Shedding device: depending on version
- Heddles: depending on version – without heddles or with 100 Texsolv heddles
- Springs: 14 dents per inch without shedding device / 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch with shedding device
- Working position: upright on a table using the long fold-out leg, or horizontally on your lap or on a table
- Top and bottom beams: anodized aluminum
- Side bars: steel and copper
- Wooden clips: maple
- Uses: bead weaving, tapestry or a combination of both
- Level: beginner to advanced
The weaving lengths specified by Mirrix already account for warp waste. It is possible to achieve the weaving length listed without the shedding device by using the device during most of the weaving and removing it at the very end to finish the piece.
Care and use
Handle the springs carefully when installing and removing them, as their ends can be sharp. Combs and some other metal components may also have sharp surfaces and should be handled with care.
Mirrix advises against unnecessarily taking the loom apart, as some components can be more difficult to align or adjust correctly when the loom is reassembled.
When using the shedding device, make sure you install the appropriate number of heddles for the width and sett of your project. Texsolv heddles can be reused for future projects.
Why we love it
The Lani is a true Mirrix loom in a particularly compact format. It retains the adjustable tension and sturdy construction of the Classic Series while remaining small enough to use comfortably on your lap or transport easily.
We particularly like it for bead weaving and small tapestries. Its 5" weaving width is sufficient for many jewelry and small-format projects without requiring a larger loom than you actually need.
The choice of three configurations also allows you to adapt the Lani to the way you work: simple and lightweight without the shedding device, more versatile with the shedding device, or ready to use with reusable Texsolv heddles.
Explore more
Weaving accessories Weaving books Patterns & kits Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lani primarily a bead loom or a tapestry loom?
Both. Mirrix originally designed the Lani as a bead loom, particularly for bracelets and necklaces, but its construction and adjustable tension also make it an excellent small tapestry loom.
What is the difference between the versions with and without the shedding device?
The version without the shedding device is lighter and includes one 14-dent-per-inch spring. The versions with the shedding device include the device, its handle and four springs: 8, 12, 14 and 18 dents per inch.
Do I need heddles to use the shedding device?
Yes. Heddles are required to use the shedding device. You can make your own, use compatible heddles you already own or choose the version that includes 100 reusable Texsolv heddles.
Is the Lani suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Lani is suitable for beginners while offering the tension and versatility experienced weavers look for in a compact loom.
How long a piece can I weave?
Using continuous warping, you can weave up to approximately 26" without the shedding device and 22" with the device in place. You can also use the shedding device during the weaving process and remove it near the end to take advantage of the additional weaving length.
What if the loom is not currently in stock?
Some Mirrix products are available immediately from 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.