The Ashford Jack Loom is a substantial eight-shaft floor loom designed for both ambitious beginners and experienced weavers. Its ten treadles, generous 97cm (38") weaving width and smooth rising shed make it suitable for everything from fine cloth and complex twills to overshot, double weave, blankets, rugs and furnishing fabrics.
A jack loom is a particularly approachable choice for a first floor loom because its tie-up is logical and widely supported by weaving drafts. This model also makes the practical parts of weaving easier: the front and back beams are removable for threading, the back beam folds to reduce its depth, and the built-in raddle, shuttle race and seated warp-advance system all help the work flow smoothly.
This is the kind of loom you can grow into rather than grow out of. Eight shafts give you enormous design freedom, while Ashford’s thoughtful layout keeps the loom understandable and comfortable to work at. I especially like the folding back beam, built-in shelf and the fact that the warp can be advanced from the weaving position.
The loom arrives flat-packed and requires assembly. Building it is also a useful way to become familiar with how its shafts, treadles and tie-up system work.
A weaving bench, warping mill or frame, extra stainless-steel reeds, additional Texsolv heddles, boat shuttle bobbins and a boat-shuttle bobbin winder are all useful additions, depending on the kind of cloth you plan to weave.
If the Jack Loom is not currently on the shelf, you can still order it through my website. I will order it from Ashford especially for you, let you know the expected timescale and keep you updated while it is on its way.