Schacht Cranbrook Countermarche Loom
Schacht took over production of the historic Cranbrook Loom in 1996. We discontinued this loom and its accessories in 2023.
Resources
- "Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Tying Up a Countermarch Loom" by Madelyn van der Hoogt with David Xenakis
- Lee's Surrender Coverlet, designed and woven by Karen Ruckle Gardner
How to Adjust the Shed
If the upper shed (raised warps) are uneven:
Raise the threads by shortening the lower lamm cord of the errant shaft.
If the lower shed (sinking warps) needs to be adjusted:
Determine which shafts are errant and whether they need to be raised or lowered (that is, if shaft 2 is the only shaft that is hanging above or below the other sinking warps, fix this one only). To adjust, either shorten or lengthen the tie-up cord to the suspended (upper) lamm.
Lower lamm = rising shed = red (usually O in the tie-up draft)
Remember: bottoms up!
Upper lamm = sinking shed = black
Product Photos
Product Descriptions And Manuals
The Schacht Cranbrook Loom is widely considered to be the
finest countermarche loom available today. A countermarche
loom has a balanced system of rising and sinking shafts operated
by 2 sets of lamms, an upper suspended lamm and a lower
pivoting lamm. Each shaft works independently, its operation
not affecting that of the other shafts. The Cranbrook’s rock-solid
construction, streamlined tie-up system, overhead beater, and
roominess all contribute to a high-performing loom for weaving’s
toughest chores.
The tie-up system of the Schacht Cranbrook employs a
special-size Texsolv nylon loop cord that remains permanently
installed on the treadles and may be tied to either the upper
or lower lamm. Front, rear, and knee beams of powder-coated
tubular steel give the loom added rigidity while offering better
protection for the warp. Locking treadles are especially helpful
for rug and tapestry weaving. The worm gear, standard on all
Schacht Cranbrook looms, affords precise tensioning with ease.
The Schacht Cranbrook can be expanded from 4 to 8 shafts at any
time; it is available in 48", 60", and 72" weaving widths.
Take full advantage of the Cranbrook's weaving width, at the height you prefer. Benches come in 48", 60", and 72" sizes to match the loom. Assemble with a flat or slanted top.
This handy accessory adds storage to the Cranbrook. It hangs at the top of the loom, where supplies are within easy reach.
Warp in comfort across the whole width of the loom. The threading bench comes in one size that fits all looms. It sits on the rear cross beam.
A raddle spreads the warp ends evenly in back-to-front warping.
Allows an extra-firm beat for rugs and other weft-emphasis weavings.
A double back beam and warp beam allow the weaver to add a supplementary warp.
Looms made before 1996 had a different sectional beam—download the product manual.
A sectional warp beam helps evenly tension very long warps. It's used in conjunction with a tension box.
For sectional warping—clamp a tension box to this rail.
Adds a second raddle (for back-to-front warping) on looms with double back beams.
At one time, Schacht made kits for adding treadles.
This accessory lifts woven cloth away from the weaver's knees.
The Cranbrook: Legacy of a Loom
Almost always, we design our own products, but from time to time we have acquired a product because Barry admired it. The Cranbrook Loom, purchased from Norwood Looms in 1996, was our...