6 Best Circular Looms For Round Hangings To Try
Explore the top 6 circular looms for round wall hangings. This guide highlights the best frames for beginners and pros to elevate your unique fiber art projects.
Stepping into the world of circular weaving transforms how you view fiber arts, moving from the linear constraints of a rectangular frame to the organic beauty of round wall hangings. Whether you are looking to showcase hand-spun art yarns or create intricate tapestry mandalas, the right frame acts as the foundation for your artistic vision. Selecting a loom that matches your technical skill and design goals is the first step toward creating professional-grade decor. This guide explores the best options on the market to help you find the perfect tool for your next creative endeavor.
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom: Best Versatile Pick
The Ashford Rigid Heddle is a workhorse in the fiber arts world, offering a level of precision that simple circular frames often lack. While primarily designed for traditional weaving, its sturdy construction and consistent tension make it an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different warp densities.
If you are someone who enjoys switching between complex tapestry techniques and simple circular weaving, this loom provides the necessary stability. The adjustable tensioning system is a game-changer when you are working with delicate fibers that might otherwise snap under uneven pressure.
However, remember that this is a rigid-frame tool; you will need to adapt your circular designs to fit its rectangular footprint. It is a fantastic investment if you plan to branch out into other weaving styles later on.
Schacht Cricket Loom: Best for Small Projects
The Schacht Cricket is beloved for its compact footprint and user-friendly design, making it ideal for makers with limited studio space. Its portability means you can easily tuck it away after a session, which is a major benefit for those of us who share our crafting areas with the rest of the household.
Because it is lightweight, you won’t feel the fatigue in your wrists that often comes with heavier, more cumbersome wooden frames. It is particularly well-suited for smaller, circular wall hangings where you want to focus on intricate texture rather than massive scale.
One minor trade-off is the limited shed size, which can make passing bulky art yarns through the warp a bit of a tight squeeze. For fine wools or cotton warps, however, it performs like a dream.
Kromski Harp Forte Loom: Best Portable Design
Kromski is known for their beautiful, furniture-grade wood finishes, and the Harp Forte is no exception. It is designed for the weaver who values aesthetics as much as performance, blending seamlessly into a home environment as a piece of decor itself.
The folding mechanism is exceptionally smooth, allowing you to pack it up in seconds without losing your warp tension. This is a massive advantage if you are a traveling maker or if you frequently attend fiber arts workshops.
Keep in mind that the ornate design does add a bit of weight compared to mass-produced plastic or basic wooden frames. If you prioritize durability and a classic look, the trade-off in weight is well worth the investment.
Woolery Circular Weaving Frame: Best for Decor
If your primary goal is creating round wall hangings that look like high-end gallery pieces, a dedicated circular frame like those from The Woolery is essential. Unlike rectangular looms, these frames are specifically engineered to keep the warp evenly spaced around a 360-degree circumference.
These frames are often simpler, focusing on the tensioning of the warp threads without the complexity of heddles or beaters. This simplicity allows you to focus entirely on the artistic placement of your weft yarns and decorative elements like roving or beads.
They are perfect for beginners who find the mechanics of a rigid heddle loom intimidating. You can jump straight into the creative process without needing to master complex warping techniques first.
Ashford SampleIt Loom: Best for Beginners
The SampleIt is essentially the entry-level gateway to the Ashford ecosystem, perfect for those who are curious about weaving but don’t want to commit to a professional-grade price tag. It is small, incredibly sturdy, and features the same high-quality wood craftsmanship as their larger models.
I often recommend this to knitters who want to use up their leftover yarn stash in creative, non-knitted ways. It is forgiving, easy to thread, and provides a gentle introduction to the physics of warp and weft.
Because it is a smaller loom, it is best suited for circular projects that don’t require high-tension warp setups. Think of it as your experimental playground for testing color combinations and fiber textures.
Mirrix Lani Loom: Best Professional Quality
Mirrix looms are the gold standard for tapestry weavers, and the Lani is their compact, circular-capable masterpiece. If you are serious about selling your work or producing professional-grade wall hangings, this is the tool that will grow with your skill level.
The tension system on a Mirrix is unparalleled, allowing you to tighten your warp to a drum-like consistency. This is vital when working with fine, non-stretchy fibers like linen or silk, where inconsistent tension would ruin the symmetry of a circular design.
While the learning curve is steeper than a basic frame, the precision it offers is unmatched. It is a tool for the dedicated maker who views fiber arts as a long-term commitment.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Loom
When you are ready to purchase, don’t just look at the price tag; consider the mechanics that will dictate your daily workflow. The most critical features include:
- Tensioning System: Can you adjust the warp tension easily as the project grows?
- Warp Spacing: Does the frame have built-in notches or a comb to keep your warp threads equidistant?
- Frame Material: Hardwoods like maple or beech are more durable and warp-resistant than softwoods.
- Portability: Do you need to move the loom between rooms or travel with it?
How to Choose the Right Loom for Wall Hangings
Choosing the right loom is about matching your project scale to the tool’s capacity. If you are interested in delicate, high-detail wall hangings, a loom with a fine-toothed warp comb is non-negotiable.
Conversely, if your style involves chunky, oversized wools and thick roving, you need a loom with a wider gap between the warp teeth. Always check the "sett" of the loom—the number of warp threads per inch—to ensure it matches the weight of the yarn you intend to use.
Essential Tools for Circular Weaving Projects
Beyond the loom itself, you will need a few key items to make the process smoother. A good set of weaving needles (curved ones are especially helpful for circular work) and a tapestry beater are absolute must-haves.
- Tapestry Beater: Used to pack the weft down firmly for a dense, professional finish.
- Curved Needles: Essential for navigating the inner curves of a circular warp.
- Warp Thread: Choose a strong, non-stretchy fiber like cotton or nylon cord to maintain your shape.
- Measuring Tape: Crucial for ensuring your circle remains uniform as you build outward.
Tips for Maintaining Your Wooden Weaving Frame
Your wooden loom is a living tool that reacts to the humidity and temperature of your home. To keep it in top condition, store it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat sources, which can cause the wood to crack or warp over time.
Periodically check the tensioning knobs and moving parts, applying a tiny drop of furniture wax or mineral oil if things begin to stick. If your loom has a natural wood finish, a light dusting with a soft cloth is all it needs to stay beautiful for years to come.
Finding the right circular loom is a personal journey that depends as much on your aesthetic style as it does on your technical requirements. Whether you choose the precision of a Mirrix or the approachable charm of an Ashford, remember that the loom is simply the canvas for your creativity. Experiment with different fiber weights, tension levels, and weaving patterns to discover what truly speaks to you. Happy weaving, and may your circular hangings be as balanced and beautiful as the fiber arts tradition itself.
