Medieval Rigid Heddle Loom

Medieval rigid heddle loom for weaving small ribbons.

Here you can buy a rigid heddle loom for weaving small ribbons that was inspired by historical models from the Middle Ages.

The medieval style rigid heddle loom is made of acacia wood and has 12 heddles and 13 holes.

A Scandinavian find from Hälsingland in Sweden served as the historical model for this weaving frame.
Link to the original rigid heddle loom...

Similar to weaving with a weaving board, you can use that rigid heddle loom to make pretty fabric belts or borders for the hem of your medieval clothing, depending on the thread thickness. The width of the weaving frame determines the width of the woven ribbon.

A rigid heddle loom is ideal for getting to grips with the technique of ribbon weaving, as it is inexpensive and easy to obtain and much easier to use than weaving with weaving boards. Unlike board weaving, however, a weaving frame can only be used to weave lengthwise striped borders and not complicated patterns.

Dimensions of the medieval rigid heddle loom:
Length 16.5 cm,
width 14.5 cm,
Thickness: 5 mm
Hole size: 3 mm
Heddle size: 13 cm x 5 mm

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As archaeological finds show, rigid heddle looms were already used by the Romans and are also documented for the Middle Ages.
At least two of such simple looms from the 12th to 13th and 13th to 14th centuries were found during excavations.

There is also a grave find dating to the middle of the late 11th century, in which the clothing has been preserved and in which the borders were partially woven with a weaving frame.

Link to a medieval rigid heddle loom from Gotland...