These looms create lengths of fabric. Heddles on shafts (harnesses) make a shed. The more shafts on a loom, the more weave structures it can create.

Because Louët and Schacht manufacture such a wide variety of shaft looms, this website divides them into subgroups:

• Table looms sit on a tabletop or a floor stand. The weaver uses levers to raise or lower shafts. They are generally the smallest and least expensive.
• Floor looms sit on the floor. The weaver uses multiple treadles to raise or lower shafts. They are generally in the middle in size and price.
• Dobby looms sit on the floor and require a dobby system (a mechanical or computer device). The weaver uses a single treadle, along with the dobby system, to raise or lower shafts. They are generally the largest and most expensive.

These looms create weft-faced fabrics. They are specially designed for tight tension on the warp ends. The weaver can see most or all of the weaving area at one time, and uses hand-held tools or heddle bars to lift warp threads.