What is the best beginners weaving loom kit for me to learn how to weave?
- Emma and Gillian
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Weaving is one of the oldest crafts in the world and it is making a comeback. Whether you are interested in learning to weave as a relaxing hobby or are simply interested in making something beautiful with your hands, getting started can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. This is where a beginners weaving kit comes in handy. They offer everything you need for you to dive in without the guess work. In this post we will explore the best weaving kits for beginners, covering what makes a great starter kit, what to look for and our top picks to kick off your journey into weaving.
What to look for in a Beginners Weaving loom kit?
Before looking at specific kits, here are a few things that a great beginner kit should include:
An assembled loom: All our kits are fully assembled ready to start learning to weave straight away. We know this to be important to new weavers as we have been told by people on a number of occasions that having bought a loom from another brand some months or even years previously they were yet to get it out of the box and assemble it.
Weaving tools and accessories: shuttles, needles, combs, threading hooks - whatever accessories are needed for weaving with the kit should be included. Our rigid heddle looms come with all the accessories needed including 3 shuttles. By using each side of the shuttle for a different yarn a new weaver can easily weave up to 6 different yarns.
Beautiful yarns and fibres: Most yarns can be woven very successfully but it is great when a beginners loom includes the yarn or fibre. Including yarn or fibres ensures that by following the instructions the first weave is going to be successful.
A first beginners weaving project: Most of our rigid heddle weaving loom kits are sold with a scarf weaving kit as the first project. This includes the yarn and pattern with the correct heddle for the yarn. This means that a beginner has all the resources they need without the worry of how much yarn is needed or indeed needing to worry about the correct sett for successful weaving. The thinking here is that a new weaver is fully supported in their learning without having to make too many challenging decisions at the start.
Clear instructions for learning to weave: This is absolutely essential for a new weaver. All our kits come with an instruction booklet with step by step images and descriptions for each step of the weaving process. In addition we have many weaving hints and tips blogs which address particular aspects of weaving. We now also have a TabbyandTweed YouTube channel with a growing number of resources. A recent addition to this channel is a short instructional video tutorial on how to warp and set up a rigid heddle loom. This tutorial has already received some lovely feedback from new weavers.
More advanced weaving projects to progress further as a weaver: We sell a range of intermediate scarf kits so that once a weaver has grasped the basics they can if they wish develop their skills weaving more complex woven fabrics. These may be more challenging patterns and kits which include a pick up stick to weave textured designs. We also have a 4 shaft extension set to convert a TabbyandTweed rigid heddle weaving loom into a loom which can weave a vast range of more complex designs and patterns.
Best Weaving Kits for Beginners
Our rigid heddle weaving loom kits are perfect for beginners coming fully assembled ready for immediate weaving. Most are purchased with an all inclusive scarf weaving kit and this first project is a really supportive way for weavers to learn to weave on a rigid heddle loom. Once the yarn in the kit has been woven the weaver can then use their own yarn to weave or alternatively can choose from a selection of other scarf weaving kits available in our shop.
Included in the kit is the rigid heddle weaving loom, three shuttles, warping peg, two clamps, threading hook and instructions. If you decide to gift this kit to someone then you might find that you are given a scarf in return!
A new weaver has recently written a blog about her journey learning to weave. The blog can be found here: Learning to weave on a rigid heddle weaving loom.
These kits are small weaving kits which come with a rectangular weaving loom, comb, needle, beautiful yarn and instructions. They are a perfect for learning the basics of weaving and are a small manageable project for adults. The instructions detail how to do tabby, twill and houndstooth weaving designs. The looms are reusable so once the yarn in the kit is woven the loom can be used to create many bookmarks with the addition of extra doubleknit yarn. These kits are perfect stocking fillers, secret santa gifts or gifts for someone who loves books.
Perfect to learn to weave square patches or coasters. These kits are great for beginners and brilliant for those who love yarn crafts and have a stash of yarn so that they can experiment adding different fibres to create beautiful designs and textures. One of our popular blogs demonstrates how a range of textures can be woven on a square frame loom: Click here to read blog on weaving different textures.
These gift boxes are a beautiful gift including a bookmark and square loom, along with yarn, comb, needle and instructions to weave tabby, twill and houndstooth designs. There are various options including a Tartan weaving kit and kits which include some hand dyed yarn.
The TabbyandTweed large frame loom is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for anyone new to weaving. This kit includes a pre-assembled frame loom, various accessories, and clear instructions, so you can easily start your first project. You can learn more about this weaving kit by reading this blog: Learn the mindful craft of weaving - create a handwoven wall hanging.
Final thoughts
Weaving is more than a hobby, it is a creative escape, a form of relaxation and a way to take joy in the creation of unique beautiful fabrics. Whether you choose a little bookmark weaving loom kit, a mini square loom kit for weaving coasters, a large frame kit for weaving textured wall art pieces of a rigid heddle weaving loom kit the most important thing is that you feel supported in starting a successful journey. A good weaving kit removes the barriers and opens to door to a fulfilling, fun and enjoyable creative experience. Happy Weaving!
Weaving Kits are available in our TabbyandTweed website shop for UK delivery and our TabbyandTweed Etsy shop for delivery elsewhere.
Interested in learning to weave? Then our workshop page has all the details found by clicking the link here.
If you are interested in keeping up to date with our weaving work then do sign up to receive our newsletter by clicking the link here.
