Why We Recommend Tapestry Looms for Tapestry Weaving

People often ask us, "Can I use a floor loom or rigid heddle loom to weave tapestries?" The simple answer is "Yes, but you'll have an easier time on a tapestry loom." It's entirely possible to create beautiful tapestries and pictorial weavings on other types of looms, but it's best to use a tapestry loom like our Arras Tapestry Loom or Original Tapestry Loom. We designed our tapestry looms with tapestry weaving in mind, making the process more enjoyable.

Here are a few reasons why we recommend tapestry looms for weaving tapestries:

• Tension: Tension is a critical component in all weaving, but it's especially important in tapestry weaving to achieve tight and consistent tension. The Original Tapestry Loom and Arras Tapestry Loom have tensioning systems that let you adjust to your precise needs. Both looms also feature a continuous warp, which helps create and maintain your tension.
• Loom position: Tapestries are often detailed, pictorial weavings where weavers work in small areas to create specific color effects or designs. When you set up an Original Tapestry Loom or Arras Tapestry Loom on a table or stand, the loom sits in an upright position, making for easy viewing of your work. You can also see most or all of your design on a continuous warp loom. This setup allows you to work closely on the fabric and step back to view the design from a distance easily. It would be much harder to do this on a floor loom or rigid heddle loom, with their horizontal weaving areas. 
  
• Heddle bars: Quickly and easily fill in plain weave areas on your tapestry with heddles on heddle bars. The Original Tapestry Loom includes 4 wooden heddle bars to that you can raise and lower by hand to create different sheds. The Arras has a shedding device with a handle—build your loom to operate this handle with your right or left hand, then change sheds quickly as you weave. The shedding device easily switches from one shed to the other with little effort. You can adjust the device's position on the loom as you work.
• Ergonomics: Weaving for extended periods can strain the body, especially the neck and upper back. Add a Trestle Stand to your Original Tapestry Loom, and you can tilt the weaving surface to a convenient angle. Put the Arras Tapestry Loom on its adjustable Stand and you can customize the height to your preference, reducing physical stress and promoting better posture. The upright position of the loom ensures a comfortable and ergonomic weaving experience, helping you maintain a healthy alignment as you work.

Choosing between the Original and the Arras

We designed both looms specifically for tapestry weaving—once you assemble the loom, it's ready to go with no further adjustments necessary.

If you don't weave tapestries often, the economical Original offers great tensioning, a continuous warp system, the A-Frame Stand for tabletop weaving, and the Trestle Stand if you prefer to sit.

If you weave tapestries often, you may want to invest in an Arras loom for its advanced features and full suite of accessories.  

• The Arras Trap stores weaving tools right on your loom or the Stand.
• The Warp Beam Kit allows for longer, non-continuous warps.
• The Stand sets your loom at the perfect height for your comfort. 
• The Treadle Kit, an upgrade added to the Stand, lets you operate the shedding device with your feet.