Kromski Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom - 32"

After reviewing several books on Rigid Heddle Looms, I decided on this one, and I am glad I did. It is beautiful, well made, and easy to use. I read the reviews here on Amazon, and I will address a few issues based on my personal experience. First, Syne Mitchell (author of Inventive Weaving) states she likes it but finds it too lightweight for the amount of tension she likes to use. I suspect she is confusing weight with hardness and stiffness. This loom is made of European Alder (Alnus Gutinosa). While it is lightweight and has properties that make it easy to shape, the Janka Hardness rating is 650 lb/square inch and the Elastic rupture modulus is 11,000 lb/square inch. I am 6ft 4inches, 200lbs and an athlete, and I still do not see myself flexing this frame, particularly with the metal brace and hinge mechanism. While a small detail, this metal piece is cleverly designed not only to work as a hinge, but also easily doubles the strength of the loom at the stress point. The "L" shape of this piece is also clever, as it not only makes it easy to use, but also adds support to prevent lateral stress issues. Second, mine came with metal pawls, so wearing out plastic ones is not an issue. The use of neodymium magnets (small, powerful, and not cheap) to keep the pawls out of the way when they are not in use is also a very clever engineering addition. The assembly instructions. Mine were now in color and seemed improved from what I previously read. That said, for people without any experience assembling things, there could be some challenges. Two things to pay close attention to that are not obvious. First, the forward beam and the forward hole on the right have a small "F" sticker on them. Pay attention to that. Second, the lateral beams (the harp curved pieces) have the "Kromski" logo on the outside and forward pieces. Finally, the opening for the heddle blocks face forward and the blocks just barely overlap the BACK of the metal brace where the closed hinge is. These orientation markers should make it easy to assemble properly. The only complaint I have about assembly was the four outer covers for the beams. The pilot holes in the beams themselves were small, and screwing them in place was took some physical strength. Ironically, this should serve as a testimonial to the strength and hardness of the wood despite its light weight. If you are a smaller person, it may be useful to drill them about 50% wider. Do NOT make them too big, or the screw will not have any wood to bite into. If you are worried this is a big project, it should take less than 5 minutes from start to finish. If you are a larger person like me, you will be able to screw them in, just use good technique and be careful not to strip the screws. In sum, I feel this was money well spent. The loom is exceptionally well-engineered, and is beautiful enough to be placed in any room proudly. Take your time and assemble it carefully. This is not just a loom, it is an heirloom.

First off, I am a brand new weaver although I have done many other types of handcrafting/needlework. I am very happy with this loom. The 8 dent heddle that is included is perfect for working with the yarn I have on hand as I learn how to weave. It's beautiful and well-made. I was prepared to use an online video for assembly instructions as has been suggested by others but found the included instructions easy to follow. At first I found the long shuttles included rather daunting but soon got the hang of them and really appreciate not having to reload them often and as I move to wider projects they will be perfect for the size of the loom. Some people have said this is too big to use against a table but the wrong size stand was included with my order (an issue that was happily resolved very quickly by the seller, Fiber Arts Depot) so I wound up using it against my dining room table for my first project.. It worked very well that way but I do prefer using it with the stand. I've had the loom 6 days and have made 2 scarves and a set of 4 scrubby dish cloths so far. I am pleasantly surprised with how quickly I am able to weave items. Kromski has links to helpful videos and tips on their site that are helpful for new weavers such as myself.

Its 10pm on my first day off since receiving my purchase. Im expecting to enjoy my beautiful new loom (quality is excellent) that Ive spent several hundred dollars on and the additional money for materials. The loom is beautiful but I made the mistake of not measuring it before I assembled it. I started warping it tonight and found their mistake. Now I'm expected to disassemble it pack and get it to a ups store (I don't live near one) all before they will send what I paid for. I'm waiting to hear from the seller. Disappointed, angry and frustrated to say the least. If customer service makes this right I will definitely update this review.

Had a cheaper rigid heddle loom . Have a LeClesrc Compact loom which is in storage in another state. Will be bringing it to me soon. I got this one to stand in for it in the meantime. However, I like it a lot. Very nice. Easy to warp and use. I however changed the apron rods lashing on as I do not like the continuous loop system they use. I opted to use another method. Other than that it is a well made loom and the warping board or peg is easy enough to use. Good tension was easily achieved and it is weaving well and without any hassle. Great little loom for a great price.

We (my husband and I) also found this difficult to assemble. Our instructions on paper were backwards from the video so we followed the online video and I'm hoping when I start weaving that we've done it correctly.

Putting this together is not easy. Take your time and follow the directions EXACTLY. If you go out of order or get impatient, you will mess it up. The back wheels on mine are not placed properly, so the locking mechanism does not fit in it right. I am not sure if it is because I cannot hand tighten it more to move it closer in, or what the issue is. Because of this, making sure my project is taunt is difficult and often it will fall and loosen on me. If you are knew to this, do not get the 32". Start smaller, it will make learning (and putting it together) a lot easier. That being said, I have made a couple projects on this. It is a learning curve, but can be very fun once you get the hang of it and practice.