A Reusable Sampling Tool for Rigid Heddle and Frame Loom Weavers - Test Yarn Weight, Sett and Colour at Small Scale
 
Test your yarn at different epi densities before committing to a full warp. The TabbyandTweed sett sampling loom lets you weave small swatches at two setts simultaneously, wash the samples to see how the fabric behaves after finishing, and choose the right sett with confidence. Made from FSC-certified birch plywood in our Salisbury workshop.
 
"Having four different setts, it is far more useful than a small square loom." — Tina G, verified buyer, 5 stars
 
What Does a Sett Sampling Loom Do?
Before warping a full rigid heddle or frame loom project, a sett sampling loom lets you test how your yarn behaves at different epi densities (ends per inch). Thread a small warp at two different setts, weave a few rows at each, then remove the swatches and wash them. Washing reveals how the finished fabric will actually look and feel - wool in particular fulls slightly when washed, tightening the weave structure. The wash step is what makes sampling genuinely useful: testing on the loom alone does not give you reliable information about the finished fabric.
 
You can also use the loom to test colour combinations before warping - seeing how different warp and weft colours interact in the weave structure at a small scale, before committing to a full project.
 
Which Setts Can I Test?
The loom tests two setts at a time in paired configurations. Each sett position is clearly marked on the loom with its reference label:
8epi and 10epi - for DK weight yarn (primary sett range for TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom kits)
12epi and 14epi - for finer DK, 4ply and sport weight yarn
4, 5, 6 or 7epi - possible by using every other threading hole; suits bulky or super-chunky yarn
16, 20, 24 or 28epi - possible by double-threading each hole; suits laceweight and very fine yarn
 
The weaving area for each sett sample is 6.5cm wide by 13cm high - sufficient to produce a meaningful swatch for washing and evaluation.
 
Specification
Material: FSC and PEFC certified birch plywood, 6mm deep
Outer dimensions: 18.5cm square
Inner weaving area: 14cm square (6.5cm x 13cm per sett sample)
Setts: 8, 10, 12 and 14epi (two tested simultaneously); extended ranges available by alternate or double threading
Includes: small comb and tapestry needle
Reusable - swatches are removed from the loom for washing
 
Note: UK Delivery Only
This product ships to UK addresses only and is not available for international delivery. The rest of the TabbyandTweed range ships to the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
 
Made in the UK
The sett sampling loom is designed and made by TabbyandTweed in their Salisbury, Wiltshire workshop.
 
 
FAQ's
 
What is a sett sampling loom?
A sett sampling loom is a small tool that lets you test your yarn at different epi densities before warping a full project. You weave a small swatch at each sett, wash it to see how the finished fabric behaves, and choose the right sett with confidence.
 
Why do I need to wash the sample swatch?
Washing reveals how the fabric will behave in use. Wool in particular fulls slightly when washed, tightening the weave and changing the fabric's density and drape. Testing on the loom alone does not tell you what the finished fabric will feel like - the wash step is what makes sampling genuinely useful.
 
What setts does this loom test?
The loom tests two setts at a time: 8 and 10epi, or 12 and 14epi. Extended ranges (4–7epi for bulky yarn; 16–28epi for fine yarn) are possible by alternate or double threading.
 
Can I use it for colour testing as well?
Yes. You can use the loom to test how different warp and weft colour combinations interact in the weave before committing to a full project.
 
Does this ship internationally?
A: No. This product ships to UK addresses only. The rest of the TabbyandTweed range ships to the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
 
Is this a good gift for a weaver?
Yes, for an experienced weaver. Verified buyer Tina G described it as "far more useful than a small square loom" because of the four different setts. It is a practical and thoughtful gift for a weaver who plans their own projects.