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The ashford weaving rigid heddle loom vs knitter s loom 12 inch comparison helps you choose the right tool for your textile projects. Both are Ashford products made from wood and designed for portability. The main difference is the weaving width. The rigid heddle loom offers a 24-inch working area, while the Knitter's Loom provides a 12-inch width. This size gap determines what types of scarves or blankets you can create.
Weaving Width
24 inches
12 inches
Frame Design
Rigid Heddle
Folds in half
Included Accessories
Not listed
Carry bag, shuttles, hook, peg, clamp, book
Reed Specification
Not listed
7.5dpi
Choose the first if
- You need a wider weaving area for larger projects.
- You prefer a traditional rigid heddle structure.
Choose the second if
- You want a loom that folds for easy storage.
- You need a complete kit with accessories included.
Verdict
Choose the 24-inch Rigid Heddle Loom if you prioritize weaving width and a standard rigid heddle mechanism. Pick the Knitter's Loom 12 Inch if you value compact storage and an all-inclusive accessory set. Your decision depends on whether you need more space or more convenience.
Width, Portability, and Build Quality
Weaving Width
Edge: Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom
The Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom offers a 24-inch weaving width. This allows you to create wider fabric pieces in a single pass. The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch provides a 12-inch weaving width. This limits the width of your woven items. If you need to make wide scarves or table runners without seaming, the rigid heddle loom is the better choice. The 12-inch loom is suited for narrower projects. Your choice depends on the maximum width of the textiles you plan to produce.
Portability Design
Edge: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
The Knitter's Loom 12 Inch features a frame that folds in half. This design makes it extremely compact for storage and travel. It comes with a carry bag, further enhancing its transportability. The 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom is described as portable and lightweight. However, its rigid structure does not fold. It measures 38 inches in length. While you can carry it, it takes up more space than the folding loom. For frequent travel or small storage areas, the folding design is superior.
Frame Material
Edge: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is made from lacquered beech timber. This material is known for its durability and smooth finish. The data for the 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom lists the color as natural wood but does not specify the exact type of timber. Both looms are constructed from wood, which is standard for this category. The knitter's loom specifies its high-quality beech construction, which may offer better longevity. The rigid heddle loom uses wood without a specified species in the provided data.
Included Accessories
Edge: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
The Knitter's Loom 12 Inch bundle includes a carry bag, a 7.5dpi reed, two stick shuttles (10 and 14 inches), a threading hook, a warping peg, a clamp, double heddle brackets, and a learning book. The 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom data does not list specific included accessories. You may need to purchase these items separately for the rigid heddle loom. The knitter's loom provides a complete starter kit. This makes it easier to begin weaving immediately without additional purchases.
Warping Mechanism
Edge: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
The Knitter's Loom 12 Inch uses strong handles, ratchets, and clicker pawls. These components ensure your warp never unwinds unintentionally. This mechanism provides secure tension control. The 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom is noted for being quick and easy to warp and weave. However, the data does not detail its specific warping locking mechanism. The ratchet system on the knitter's loom offers a distinct advantage in maintaining tension during the weaving process. This is crucial for consistent fabric quality.
Which loom fits your weaving needs
Weavers making wide scarves or blankets
Our pick: Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom
You need the 24-inch weaving width of the Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom to create wider fabric pieces in a single pass. This model is a rigid heddle loom that supports quick warping. Its larger dimensions allow you to produce broader textiles efficiently without joining multiple sections, making it ideal for larger projects.
Travelers seeking compact portable weaving
Our pick: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch folds in half for extreme portability. It includes a carry bag, shuttles, and a threading hook. The 12-inch width suits smaller projects like scarves. Its lacquered beech timber frame features strong handles and ratchets to keep your warp secure. This setup is designed for weaving on the go.
Beginners wanting a complete starter kit
Our pick: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
This loom comes with a comprehensive accessory kit including two stick shuttles, a warping peg, clamp, and a Learn to Weave book. The 7.5dpi reed is included for immediate use. You get double heddle brackets and a threading hook. This all-in-one package helps you start weaving quickly without purchasing additional tools separately.
Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom
Best for: Weaving projects requiring 24-inch width
- Loom Type
- Rigid Heddle
- Dimensions
- 38 × 3 × 9 inches
The Ashford Weaving Rigid Heddle Loom measures 24 inches wide, giving you ample space for wider projects. It stands 9 inches high and weighs lightly for easy portability. This rigid heddle model allows you to warp and weave quickly. You get a versatile tool in natural wood or tan finishes. It suits you if you want a sturdy, traditional loom that fits on smaller tables without taking up too much room.
- 24-inch width for wider weaving projects
- Lightweight and portable design
- Quick and easy warping process
- Natural wood and tan color options
- 24-inch width is narrower than the 12-inch Knitter's Loom's effective weaving area when accounting for the bag combo
- 9-inch height limits the length of your warp setup compared to larger floor looms
- You want a wider weaving area than a 12-inch loom provides
- You need a portable loom for travel or small spaces
- You prefer traditional rigid heddle weaving techniques
- You only need a 12-inch width for small projects
- You require a loom with a built-in storage bag
- You want a compact loom that fits in a small bag
Verdict: Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom offers a wider 24-inch workspace for larger weaving projects. It fits you best if you need more width than a 12-inch loom provides but still want a portable, lightweight tool.
Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch
Best for: portable weaving and small projects
- Weaving Width
- 12"
- Frame Material
- Lacquered Beech timber
- Included Reed
- 7.5dpi
- Frame Design
- Folds in half
- Included Accessories
- Bag, shuttles, hook, peg, clamp, book
The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is a portable weaving tool made from lacquered beech timber. It features a 12-inch weaving width and folds in half for storage. The frame includes strong handles, ratchets, and clicker pawls to secure your warp. It comes with a carry bag, shuttles, and a guide book. This compact loom suits travelers or weavers needing a lightweight, easy-to-store option for small projects.
- Folds in half for compact storage
- 12-inch weaving width
- Made from lacquered beech timber
- Includes carry bag and shuttles
- 12-inch weaving width limits project size
- 7.5dpi reed restricts fabric density
- You need a loom that folds for travel
- You weave small-scale projects
- You prefer a lightweight wooden frame
- You require a wider weaving area
- You need a rigid heddle for complex patterns
- You prefer a stationary loom setup
Verdict: Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is a compact, portable choice for weavers prioritizing storage and travel convenience over large project capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom | Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Weaving Width | – | 12" |
| Loom Type | Rigid Heddle | – |
| Frame Material | – | Lacquered Beech timber |
| Included Reed | – | 7.5dpi |
| Frame Design | – | Folds in half |
| Included Accessories | – | Bag, shuttles, hook, peg, clamp, book |
| Dimensions | 38 × 3 × 9 inches | – |
| Size | 24 inches | 12 inch |
| Color | Natural, Wood, Tan | Natural, Wood, Tan |
| Model | 4336906187 | 9090512 |
Frequently asked questions
Which loom is better for making wide scarves?
The Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom is the better choice for wide scarves. It provides a 24-inch weaving width, allowing you to create wider fabric pieces in a single pass. The 12-inch knitter's loom limits your width to 12 inches, which is too narrow for most standard scarf projects.
Can I travel with these Ashford looms easily?
Yes, both looms are designed for portability. The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is a compact choice for weavers prioritizing storage and travel convenience. The 24-inch rigid heddle loom is also lightweight, making it suitable for travel if you need more width than the smaller model provides.
What are the physical dimensions of the 24-inch loom?
The Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom measures 38 inches in length, 9 inches in height, and 3 inches in width. These dimensions provide a stable 24-inch workspace for larger weaving projects. The model number for this specific loom is 4336906187.
Is the knitter's loom suitable for small projects?
The Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is ideal for small projects. Its 12-inch width limits the size of the fabric you can weave at once. This makes it a compact, portable choice for weavers who prioritize storage and travel convenience over large project capacity.
Do these looms come in different colors?
Yes, both looms are available in Natural, Wood, and Tan colors. The Ashford 24-Inch Rigid Heddle Loom and the Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch share these finish options. You can choose the color that best matches your crafting space or personal preference.
What is the model number for the knitter's loom?
The model number for the Ashford Knitter's Loom 12 Inch is 9090512. This specific identifier helps you locate the correct product when purchasing or checking specifications. It is distinct from the 24-inch rigid heddle loom, which has the model number 4336906187.
