Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom
The Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom is a versatile, sturdy and folding loom designed for exploring a wide range of weave structures. Available in three weaving widths — 40, 60 and 80 cm (16, 24 and 32 inches) — it is well suited to weavers looking to develop their skills as well as experienced weavers.
Individual levers make it easy to select the shafts, while the overhead beater with automatic return and integrated shuttle race provide a comfortable weaving experience. The folding castle makes the loom easier to store and transport, even with a warp in place.
At a Glance
✔ 8-shaft table loom
✔ Three weaving widths: 40, 60 or 80 cm (16, 24 or 32 inches)
✔ Individual shaft control levers
✔ Overhead beater with automatic return
✔ Integrated shuttle race
✔ Folding castle, even with a warp on the loom
✔ Texsolv heddles included
✔ Solid, lacquered beech hardwood construction
Why Choose the Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom?
The Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom offers considerable freedom when exploring different weave structures. Each shaft is controlled individually by a lever at the front of the castle, allowing you to select the required combinations without changing treadle tie-ups.
The overhead beater automatically returns to its resting position after each pick. On current models, the integrated shuttle race helps guide the shuttle across the warp and reduces the risk of it dropping between the warp threads.
The castle can be folded for storage or transportation, even when a weaving project is underway. This is particularly useful for weavers attending workshops, guild meetings or working in a limited space.
Its solid beech construction and straightforward mechanisms make it suitable for regular weaving, whether for personal projects or the study of weave structures.
What Can You Weave?
With 8 shafts, this loom allows you to explore a wide variety of weave structures and develop projects ranging from technical samples to practical everyday textiles.
- Dish towels, table linens and household textiles
- Scarves, shawls and wearable accessories
- Fabric for garment making and decorative projects
- Twill variations, herringbone and complex 8-shaft patterns
- Double weave, overshot and other structures suitable for 8 shafts
- Technical samples and exploration of new weave structures
The weaving width you choose will determine the maximum width of the fabric you can produce.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Ashford offers table looms with 4, 8 and 16 shafts. Your choice will depend mainly on the weave structures you wish to explore and the number of shafts required for your projects.
| Model | Main Features | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford 4 Shaft | 60 cm (24 inches), 4 shafts | Learning shaft weaving and exploring traditional weave structures |
| Ashford 8 Shaft | 40, 60 or 80 cm (16, 24 or 32 inches), 8 shafts | Developing weaving skills and exploring a broad range of structures |
| Ashford 16 Shaft | 60 cm (24 inches), with occasional 80 cm (32 inches) special editions | Studying more elaborate weave structures and working with additional shafts |
The 8-shaft model offers an excellent balance of weaving possibilities, space requirements and cost. It allows you to weave traditional 4-shaft structures while opening the door to more elaborate designs.
Which Width Should You Choose?
The Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom is available in three weaving widths. The number of shafts and operating mechanism remain the same; the main difference is the available weaving width.
| Weaving Width | Heddles Included | Particularly Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 40 cm (16 inches) | 320 | Sampling, scarves, narrow projects and smaller spaces |
| 60 cm (24 inches) | 480 | Dish towels, accessories and versatile everyday weaving |
| 80 cm (32 inches) | 640 | Wider fabrics and garment-making projects |
Our advice: If you have the space, the 60 cm model offers excellent versatility. The 40 cm version is particularly practical for sampling and narrow projects, while the 80 cm model provides more possibilities for wider fabrics.
Our Advice
New to shaft weaving?
An 8-shaft loom can certainly be used to learn the basics. You do not need to use all eight shafts from the beginning. Start with simple weave structures, then gradually explore more complex patterns.
Looking for a more comfortable working position?
A compatible floor stand allows you to position the loom at a convenient weaving height. An optional four-treadle kit can also be added to the stand to operate four shafts directly, while the remaining shafts are controlled using the levers.
Working with different yarn sizes?
Additional Ashford reeds are available in different dent sizes. Choose a reed according to your yarn and the warp sett required for your project.
Do you use indirect warping?
An optional compatible raddle can help distribute the warp threads evenly when dressing the loom.
What's Included
- One stainless steel 10-dent-per-inch reed (40/10 cm)
- Texsolv heddles: 320, 480 or 640 depending on the selected width
- Two Ashford wooden stick shuttles
- One reed hook
- Lease sticks and warp sticks
- Cardboard warping strips
- Integrated shuttle race
- Weaving instruction booklet and assembly instructions
- Components and hardware required for assembly
Included shuttle lengths:
40 cm (16 inches): two 46 cm (18-inch) stick shuttles
60 cm (24 inches): two 56 cm (22-inch) stick shuttles
80 cm (32 inches): one 56 cm (22-inch) and one 76 cm (30-inch) stick shuttle
Assembly is required. The floor stand, weaving bench, treadle kit and additional accessories are sold separately.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ashford
- Model: Eight Shaft Table Loom
- Product type: Table loom
- Number of shafts: 8
- Shaft control: Individual levers
- Weaving widths: 40, 60 and 80 cm (16, 24 and 32 inches)
- Material: Solid beech hardwood
- Finish: Lacquered
- Beater: Overhead beater with automatic return
- Shuttle race: Included
- Heddle type: 22 cm Texsolv heddles
- Heddles included: 320, 480 or 640 depending on width
- Included reed: 10 dents per inch (40/10 cm)
- Construction: Folding castle
- Approximate weight: 8.5 kg (40 cm), 10.5 kg (60 cm), 12.3 kg (80 cm)
- Assembly: Required
- Manufacturer based in: New Zealand
Assembly and Video Demonstrations
To help you become familiar with your loom, Tisse et File provides practical video demonstrations.
Assembling the Ashford Table Loom
Follow the main steps involved in assembling an Ashford table loom. This video complements the manufacturer's assembly instructions. Some details may differ depending on the loom version.
Using the Ashford Shuttle Race
Watch how the shuttle race works and how it is used on an Ashford table loom.
Care and Maintenance
Place the loom on a stable, level surface at a comfortable working height. Check that the levers, shafts and beater operate correctly after assembly.
Clean wooden surfaces regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Remove accumulated fibres and dust from around the mechanisms. Avoid abrasive cleaning products and excessive moisture.
Check screws and fasteners periodically and tighten them as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Before folding the castle, make sure the moving parts are correctly positioned and that the warp threads will not become trapped.
Why We Love It
At Tisse et File, we particularly appreciate the versatility of Ashford table looms. The 8-shaft model offers a wide range of weaving possibilities in a format that remains practical for workshops and smaller weaving spaces.
The individual levers, automatic-return beater, shuttle race and folding castle are thoughtful features that make everyday weaving easier.
We also appreciate the ability to expand the loom's capabilities over time with accessories suited to your needs, including a floor stand, treadle kit, additional reeds or a second warp beam.
Explore More
Compatible Ashford Accessories Reeds Shuttles and Bobbins Weaving Classes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners learn to weave on an 8-shaft table loom?
Yes. You can begin with simple 4-shaft structures and gradually explore more complex patterns as your skills develop.
Which weaving width should I choose?
The 40 cm model is well suited to narrow projects and sampling. The 60 cm model is a versatile choice for dish towels and accessories. The 80 cm model offers additional width for larger fabrics and garment-making projects.
Can the loom be folded with a warp on it?
Yes. The castle can be folded even when a weaving project is underway, making storage and transportation easier.
Is the shuttle race included?
Yes. The integrated shuttle race is included with current Ashford 8 Shaft Table Loom models.
Can I add treadles?
Yes. An optional four-treadle kit can be installed on the compatible floor stand. It allows you to operate four shafts using treadles while controlling the remaining shafts with the loom's levers.
Can I add heddles or change the reed?
Yes. Compatible Texsolv heddles and reeds with different dent sizes are available separately.
Is the floor stand included?
No. The folding floor stand, weaving bench and other optional accessories are sold separately.
Does the loom arrive assembled?
No. Assembly is required. Ashford provides assembly instructions, and Tisse et File offers an assembly video.