Swedish Weaving – Which Weaving Loom?
Swedish weaving can be defined by the process of producing textiles, fabric or cloth using two sets of threads and is also reasoned as being one of the oldest crafts. Since the early centuries, swedish weaving was broken down into three separate types: plain, twill, and satin. The patterns created run the gamot of being complex graphic images to being simple abstract.
The instrument used for swedish weaving is known as the Weaving Loom. And the final result or item woven from these looms is referred to as the weft.
Even though the art is still based on the foundations originated by our ancestors, modernized machines, i.e. the loom is currently the method of production. Swedish weaving is fancied by big industry and hobbyists. There are looms available for both types which will be explained below...
Heddle Loom: Small and easy to use, but fabrics will be limited to a certain length. Commonly made of cord or wire.
Table Loom: Can be described as the introductory level loom for beginners. Will bring forth slow results due to its manual operation...must be used with your hands.
Floor Loom: Considered heavy duty and preferred choice for most professional swedish weavers. Fabric length not a factor...can be as long as you like.
Choosing a loom brand is an essential key when shopping for professional weavers. Apparently, there are notable brands that are trusted for their caliber. Understandably so, this is important as you do not want to be interrupted with broken strings or looms in the middle of a project. The marketplace is flooded with a vast variety of looms availabe from different manufacturers. In most cases, unfamiliar brands tend to fair inefficient when compared to known famous brands. So, as always it's best to read reviews first and gather feedback especially from experienced swedish weavers to get an idea before shopping.
On the other hand, it's not a bad idea to look at cheaper models as well. But, two important factors that cannot be sacrificed are durablility and accuracy. These two factors will determine the quality of your weft. Moreover, the type of loom you wish to purchase will also depend on the type of weft you want to produce: a fabric, a rug, or a tapestry.
Lastly, whatever weaving projects you plan to make, your loom will be your most important tool so be sure to choose wisely. The end result will produce magnificent masterpieces for your collection or even become a valuable source of income. Besides, looms are great investments if you are really serious in the art of swedish weaving.