Best Lap Looms for Weaving on the Go
The Schacht Cricket Loom stands out as the best lap loom for most crafters, offering a sturdy build and adjustable weaving width that suits beginners and intermediates alike. Its main advantage is the ability to weave cloth up to 15 inches wide, while its limitation is the need to purchase additional reeds for different sett densities.
Lap looms offer a compact way to enjoy weaving anywhere, from your living room couch to a park bench. They are ideal for creating scarves, placemats, and small wall hangings without the need for a large floor loom.
Choosing the right lap loom depends on the projects you plan to weave and your experience level. Our roundup highlights the best options available on Amazon, considering factors like build quality, adjustability, and user feedback.
What we recommend
Schacht Cricket Loom
The Schacht Cricket Loom is a well-crafted rigid heddle loom that folds flat for easy storage. It comes partially assembled and includes a 12-dent reed, making it ready to weave right out of the box. Owners appreciate its sturdy construction and smooth weaving action.
Pros
- Adjustable to three weaving widths
- Folds flat for storage
- Smooth, well-made heddle
Cons
- Requires additional reeds for different sett
- Price is higher than some basic looms
Harrisville Designs Lap Loom
The Harrisville Designs Lap Loom is a simple wooden frame loom that is ideal for tapestry and wall hanging projects. It features a sturdy construction with notches on the top and bottom for easy warping. Users report that it holds tension well and is comfortable to use on the lap.
Pros
- Large weaving area for tapestries
- Notches allow even spacing
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- No adjustable tension
- Only suitable for frame loom techniques
Ashford SampleIt Loom
The Ashford SampleIt Loom is a compact 10-inch rigid heddle loom that is perfect for sampling and small projects. It is made from laminated hardwood and comes with a 7.5-dent reed. Crafters love its portability and ease of use, making it a favorite for travel.
Pros
- Very portable and lightweight
- Comes with additional accessories
- Smooth, precise heddle movement
Cons
- Limited weaving width
- Need to buy separate reeds for different sizes
Knit Picks Loom
The Knit Picks Loom is a rigid heddle loom that offers good value for money. It is available in 10-inch and 15-inch widths and comes with a 7.5-dent reed. Users report that it is easy to assemble and weave on, though the build quality is not as premium as pricier options.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Available in two sizes
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Less sturdy than higher-end looms
- Reed may need sanding
Ashford Knitters Loom
The Ashford Knitters Loom is a rigid heddle loom specifically designed for weavers who want to create fabric suitable for knitting patterns. It comes with two reeds (7.5 and 12.5 dents) and a stand that allows for a comfortable weaving position. Owners appreciate its versatility and sturdy construction.
Pros
- Wide weaving width for garments
- Comes with two reeds
- Stand is adjustable
Cons
- Heavier and less portable
- Price is on the higher side
Loops & Threads Loom
The Loops & Threads Loom is a simple lap loom that comes with colorful loops for weaving without any tools. It is perfect for young crafters or those who want to try weaving with minimal commitment. The loom is lightweight and durable, but the weaving width is limited.
Pros
- Easy to use for all ages
- No additional tools required
- Great for quick projects
Cons
- Limited weaving width
- Not suitable for fine yarns
Schacht Flip Loom
The Schacht Flip Loom is a larger version of the Cricket, offering a 20-inch weaving width and the ability to use two heddles for more complex patterns. It folds flat for storage and includes a 12-dent reed. Users praise its smooth operation and sturdy build.
Pros
- Wide weaving width
- Can use two heddles for pick-up patterns
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- More expensive
- Heavier than the Cricket
How to pick the right one
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Weaving Width | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schacht Cricket Loom | 15 inches | Beginners and intermediates who want a versatile rigid heddle loom | 9.6 | Check price |
| 2 | Harrisville Designs Lap Loom | 16 x 20 inches | Weavers who want a simple, sturdy frame loom for wall hangings | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Ashford SampleIt Loom | 10 inches | Weavers who want a small, high-quality rigid heddle loom for sampling | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | Knit Picks Loom | 10 or 15 inches | Budget-conscious beginners looking for an affordable rigid heddle loom | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Ashford Knitters Loom | 20 inches | Knitters who want to weave their own fabric for garments | 9.0 | Check price |
| 6 | Loops & Threads Loom | 8 x 10 inches | Complete beginners and children who want an easy, colorful loom | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Schacht Flip Loom | 20 inches | Advanced weavers who want a versatile rigid heddle loom with double heddle capability | 9.4 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lap loom and a table loom?
A lap loom is designed to be used on your lap or a small table, typically smaller and more portable. A table loom is larger and often has a stand, allowing for more complex weaving with multiple shafts. Lap looms are usually simpler and more affordable.
Can I weave a scarf on a lap loom?
Yes, you can weave a scarf on a lap loom if it has a weaving width wide enough (at least 10 inches). Rigid heddle lap looms are especially suitable for scarf weaving because they allow for even tension and a consistent shed.
Do I need to buy extra reeds for a rigid heddle lap loom?
Many rigid heddle looms come with one reed, often a 7.5 or 12 dent. Depending on the yarn you plan to use, you may want additional reeds to achieve different sett densities. Reeds are sold separately for most looms.
What is the best lap loom for a child?
For children, a simple frame loom like the Loops & Threads Loom is a great choice. It is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with loops that do not require any tools. This makes it safe and fun for young crafters.
Can I make a tapestry on a rigid heddle lap loom?
Yes, you can make a tapestry on a rigid heddle loom, but it may not be as convenient as a frame loom. Rigid heddle looms are designed for weaving fabric, but you can still create tapestry-style pieces by using the heddle to open sheds and inserting yarn manually.
How do I warp a lap loom?
Warping a lap loom depends on the type. For a frame loom, you wrap yarn around the notches. For a rigid heddle loom, you thread yarn through the heddle holes and slots, then attach to the back and front beams. Instructions are included with most looms.
Are lap looms portable?
Most lap looms are designed to be portable, but sizes and weights vary. Frame looms are typically lighter and easier to carry, while rigid heddle looms with wider weaving widths can be heavier. Some models fold flat for convenient transport.
What materials are lap looms made of?
Lap looms are commonly made from hardwoods like maple, birch, or beech for durability. Some budget or children’s looms are made of plastic or composite materials. Wooden looms are preferred for their sturdiness and smooth finish.
Can I weave with fine yarn on a lap loom?
Yes, but you will need a heddle with a finer dent, such as a 12 or 15 dent, for fine yarns. Many rigid heddle looms allow you to change heddles, so you can adapt to different yarn weights. Frame looms are not suitable for fine yarns because the warp spacing is too wide.
Our take
For most weavers, the Schacht Cricket Loom is the best lap loom due to its combination of quality, versatility, and ease of use. If you are a beginner on a budget, the Knit Picks Loom is a solid choice. For advanced weavers seeking wider projects, the Schacht Flip Loom is worth the investment.
