Take Your Rigid Heddle Loom from Plain Weave to 4-Shaft Pattern Weaving
Designed for TabbyandTweed loom owners who are ready to move beyond plain weave. This bolt-on extension kit converts your existing rigid heddle loom to 4-shaft weaving -opening up twill, Krokbragd, and a wide range of complex pattern structures without buying a new loom.
 
What This Kit Does
A standard rigid heddle loom weaves in plain weave (tabby) - a single interlacement structure where warp and weft threads cross alternately. 4-shaft weaving adds three more layers of warp control, making it possible to create entirely different thread interlacement patterns within the same piece of fabric.
In practical terms, this means you can weave:
Twill - the diagonal structure used in denim and tartan, with a distinctive diagonal rib
Herringbone - a reversing twill that creates a V-shaped pattern
Krokbragd - a traditional Scandinavian three-colour weave structure known for bold geometric patterns and thick, textured fabric
Turned twill, lace weaves, and many other pattern structures impossible on a single-heddle loom
The extension adapters bolt directly onto the sides of the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom. No specialist tools are needed and no permanent modification is made to the loom.
 
What is Included
Extension Kit (both options include):
Side adapters which bolt onto the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom frame
Bolts, washers and wingnuts for installation
4 heddle rods
Heddle thread for making your own heddles
Heddle template
Instructions for adapting your loom and weaving with 4 shafts
 
Additional Sampling Kit (included in the ‘with sampler’ option only):
Skeins of British wool yarn in navy, white and orange
Guided instructions to warp and weave a 4-shaft sampler as your first project
Note: the sampler requires a 10epi heddle, which is sold separately on the TabbyandTweed site.
 
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose the extension kit alone if you already have experience with 4-shaft weaving and are comfortable designing your own first project. Choose the option with the sampling kit if you’d like a guided first project - the sampler takes you through the process step by step using British wool yarn and produces a finished woven piece you can keep as a reference.
 
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is for existing TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom owners who are ready to progress from plain weave and want to explore more complex structures. As one customer put it: “I can extend my skill set without a huge outlay, by adding to my existing loom.”
If you are new to weaving and haven’t yet woven your first scarf, start with one of the rigid heddle loom weaving kits. The 4-shaft extension is a natural next step once you’re comfortable with warping and plain weave.
 
Made in the UK
The extension kit is designed and made in TabbyandTweed’s own workshop in Salisbury, UK.
 
FAQ Section
What is 4-shaft weaving?
4-shaft weaving uses four independently controlled layers of warp threads to create complex interlacement patterns. On a rigid heddle loom, this is enabled by adding heddle rods via an extension kit, making structures like twill, Krokbragd and herringbone possible.
 
What is Krokbragd?
Krokbragd is a traditional Scandinavian weave structure that produces bold geometric patterns in thick, textured fabric. It is typically woven in three colours and suits the 4-shaft extension kit well.
 
Will this kit work with my TabbyandTweed loom?
Yes. The extension adapters are designed specifically for the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom and bolt onto the existing frame with no permanent modification.
 
Do I need to buy a 10epi heddle separately?
Only if you choose the option with the sampler kit. The sampler requires a 10epi heddle, which is sold separately. The extension kit itself does not require a specific heddle to install.
 
What is the difference between the two purchase options?
The extension kit alone includes the adapters, heddle rods, thread, template and instructions. The option with the sampling kit adds British wool yarn and a guided first project so you can start weaving immediately.
 
Is this kit suitable for beginners?
No - this kit is designed for existing TabbyandTweed loom owners who are already comfortable with warping and plain weave. If you are new to weaving, start with one of the rigid heddle loom kits