Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom
The Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom is designed for weavers who want to expand their skills and explore more elaborate weave structures. With 16 shafts operated independently by individual levers, it offers considerable freedom for creating patterns, studying weave structures and experimenting with new combinations.
Sturdy and foldable, this loom combines extensive weaving possibilities with a practical design. Its overhead beater with automatic return, integrated shuttle race and easy-to-operate levers contribute to a comfortable weaving experience.
The standard model has a weaving width of 60 cm (24"). An 80 cm (32") version is also produced as a special edition and may be available depending on supplier inventory.
At a Glance
✔ 16-shaft table loom
✔ Standard weaving width of 60 cm (24")
✔ 80 cm (32") version occasionally available
✔ Individual shaft control levers
✔ Overhead beater with automatic return
✔ Integrated shuttle race
✔ Folding castle, even with a warp on the loom
✔ Beech hardwood construction with a lacquered finish
✔ 12-dent-per-inch reed included
✔ 1,280 Texsolv heddles included with the 60 cm model
Why Choose the Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom?
The main advantage of this loom is its 16 independently operated shafts. They allow you to explore weave structures requiring additional shafts, develop more elaborate patterns and deepen your understanding of woven textiles.
Each shaft is operated by an individual lever located at the front of the castle. This arrangement allows you to select the shaft combinations required for each pick without changing treadle tie-ups.
The overhead beater automatically returns to its resting position after each pick. The integrated shuttle race helps guide the shuttle as it passes through the shed.
The castle can be folded for easier storage or transportation, even with a warp on the loom. This feature is particularly useful for weavers attending workshops or working without a permanent weaving space.
The Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom is an excellent tool for studying weave structures, developing textile designs and working on projects that benefit from a greater number of shafts.
What Can You Weave?
With 16 shafts, this loom allows you to work with both traditional and more elaborate weave structures. It is particularly well suited to weavers who enjoy experimenting and developing their own designs.
- Scarves, shawls and wearable accessories
- Dish towels, table linens and household textiles
- Fabric for garment making and decorative projects
- Complex twills and pattern variations
- Block weaves and elaborate patterned structures
- Double weave and other techniques suitable for 16 shafts
- Technical samples and in-depth studies of weave structures
The 16 shafts also make it possible to explore structures that cannot be woven in the same way on looms with fewer shafts.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Ashford offers table looms with 4, 8 and 16 shafts. The number of shafts influences the weaving possibilities, but the best choice ultimately depends on the projects and weave structures you want to explore.
| Model | Features | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford 4 Shaft | 60 cm (24"), 4 shafts | Learning shaft weaving and exploring traditional weave structures |
| Ashford 8 Shaft | 40, 60 or 80 cm (16", 24" or 32"), 8 shafts | Developing weaving skills and exploring a wide variety of structures |
| Ashford 16 Shaft | 60 cm (24"), with an 80 cm (32") special edition | Studying elaborate weave structures and creating patterns that require additional shafts |
The 16-shaft model is particularly interesting when the structures you want to weave require more shafts. It can also be used for 4- or 8-shaft patterns, while offering additional possibilities for technical exploration.
Which Width Should You Choose?
The Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom is primarily available with a 60 cm weaving width. An 80 cm version is also produced as a special edition and may occasionally be available through our Canadian supplier.
| Weaving Width | Availability | Particularly Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 60 cm (24") | Standard model | Sampling, accessories, household textiles and versatile weaving projects |
| 80 cm (32") | Special edition, subject to availability | Wider fabrics and garment-making projects |
Our advice: The 60 cm model is a versatile choice for exploring 16-shaft weave structures. If you want to weave wider fabrics, the 80 cm version may be worth considering when available.
Our Advice
Already weaving on a 4- or 8-shaft loom?
A 16-shaft loom allows you to explore structures that require additional shafts without giving up the weave structures you already know. It can become a valuable tool for expanding your skills and discovering new possibilities.
Interested in studying weave structures?
The individual levers allow you to select the shafts to be raised for each pick. This feature is particularly useful for sampling, experimentation and studying complex structures.
Would you like to use your loom with a stand?
A stand designed for the Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom is available separately. It allows you to position the loom at a comfortable working height without placing it on a table.
Working with different yarns?
The loom comes with a 12-dent-per-inch reed. Additional reed sizes are available separately, allowing you to adapt your threading to your yarns and desired warp sett.
Do you use indirect warping?
A compatible raddle can help distribute the warp threads when dressing the loom.
What's Included
Equipment included with the standard 60 cm (24") model:
- One stainless steel 12-dent-per-inch reed (48/10 cm)
- 1,280 Texsolv heddles, 22 cm long
- Two 56 cm (22") lacquered wooden Ashford 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
Assembly is required. The stand, weaving bench, second warp beam and additional accessories are sold separately.
Some included components may differ for the 80 cm (32") special edition. Specifications for this version should be confirmed when ordering.
Technical Specifications
Standard 60 cm (24") model
- Manufacturer: Ashford
- Model: Sixteen Shaft Table Loom
- Manufacturer's reference: TLSS6
- Product type: Table loom
- Number of shafts: 16
- Shaft control: Individual levers
- Weaving width: 60 cm (24")
- Additional width: 80 cm (32"), special edition subject to availability
- Material: Beech hardwood
- Finish: Lacquered
- Beater: Overhead beater with automatic return
- Shuttle race: Included
- Heddle type: 22 cm Texsolv heddles
- Heddles included: 1,280
- Included reed: 12 dents per inch (48/10 cm)
- Included shuttles: Two 56 cm (22") stick shuttles
- Construction: Folding castle
- 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 in French.
Assembling an Ashford Table Loom
This video demonstrates the main steps involved in assembling an Ashford table loom. It is a useful additional resource for understanding the general construction of these looms. The model shown and certain assembly details may differ from the 16-shaft version. Always refer to the assembly instructions supplied with your specific loom.
Using the Ashford Shuttle Race
Discover how the shuttle race works and how it is used on Ashford table looms.
Care and Maintenance
Place the loom on a stable, level surface at a comfortable working height. After assembly, check that the levers, shafts and beater operate correctly.
Clean wooden surfaces regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Remove accumulated fibres and dust from around the mechanisms. Avoid excessive moisture and abrasive cleaning products.
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 possibilities that a 16-shaft table loom offers for exploring weave structures. It allows weavers to move beyond familiar patterns and work on projects requiring a greater number of shafts.
The individual levers provide flexibility when selecting shaft combinations. The automatic-return beater and shuttle race contribute to a comfortable weaving experience, while the folding castle remains a practical feature.
We also appreciate the ability to complement this loom with accessories suited to your weaving practice, including a stand, additional reeds, heddles or a second warp beam.
Explore More
Ashford Reeds Texsolv Heddles 16 Shaft Table Loom Stand Second Warp Beam Weaving Project Kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom designed for?
It is particularly well suited to weavers who want to expand their skills and explore elaborate weave structures. It can also be used by a motivated beginner, although its 16-shaft capabilities become especially valuable as weaving knowledge develops.
What is the difference between the Ashford 8 Shaft and 16 Shaft Table Looms?
The 16-shaft model allows you to work with structures requiring more shafts. The 8-shaft model remains highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of projects. The best choice depends on the weave structures you want to create.
Can I weave 4- or 8-shaft patterns on this loom?
Yes. You do not need to use all 16 shafts for every project. You can weave structures that require fewer shafts.
Is the 80 cm (32") model still available?
The 80 cm version is a special edition produced occasionally by Ashford. Availability depends on supplier inventory.
What reed is included?
The standard 60 cm model comes with a 12-dent-per-inch reed (48/10 cm). Additional reed sizes are available separately.
Is the shuttle race included?
Yes. The shuttle race is included with the Ashford 16 Shaft Table Loom.
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 stand included?
No. The stand and other optional accessories are sold separately.
Does the loom arrive assembled?
No. Assembly is required. Ashford provides instructions specific to the loom.