Reviews & guides
Footprints and warp widths, the wheels worth treadling, and what the used market really charges, for looms, spinning wheels, and the tools between fleece and finished cloth.
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GuidesFrame Loom vs Rigid Heddle: Which Should You Buy First?
Frame loom vs rigid heddle vs tapestry loom, decoded: what each actually weaves, real prices from $20 to $495, and which to buy first. Verified July 2026.
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GuidesHand Carders vs. Drum Carder: Do You Need to Upgrade?
Hand carders cost under $100 and suit small batches. A drum carder for wool runs $600 to $835 new, or $250 to $500 used, and about doubles processing speed.
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GuidesYarn Swift and Ball Winder: The Complete Pairing Guide
A swift holds the hank open; the winder cranks it into a cake. Neither does much alone. Winder types, and the best budget and premium pairs, verified July 2026.
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ReviewsAshford Kiwi 3 Review: Scotch Tension Spinning Wheel
The Ashford Kiwi 3 is a scotch tension spinning wheel with three ratios (5.5 to 9.5:1), folding treadles, and 130g bobbins. Unfinished $629 or lacquered $799.
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GuidesAshford Kiwi 3 vs Traditional: Which Spinning Wheel?
Ashford Kiwi 3 vs Traditional: castle vs Saxony design, scotch tension vs double drive, and the ratio gap from 9.5:1 to 17:1. Specs verified June 2026.
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ReviewsAshford Traditional Review: Saxony Style, 17:1 Top Ratio
Saxony spinning wheel, single drive $829–$999 or double drive $879–$1,039, four ratios to 17:1, made in New Zealand since 1965. Prices verified June 2026.
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GuidesSchacht Baby Wolf vs Louet David III: Floor Loom Comparison
Baby Wolf at $2,386 (4 shafts) vs Louet David III at $5,087 (8 shafts): treadle feel, depth, and when the price gap is worth it. Verified June 2026.
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ReviewsSchacht Baby Wolf vs Wolf Pup LT: Floor Loom Comparison
Wolf Pup LT at $1,963 and 18 inches vs Baby Wolf at $2,386 and 26 inches: specs, weight, upgrade path, and a clear verdict. Verified June 2026.
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GuidesBest Floor Looms: Picks for Every Budget and Studio Size
The Baby Wolf wins on portability; the Louet David wins on value. Floor loom picks by budget, shaft count, and studio size, with a TCO table per model.
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GuidesBest Spinning Wheels: Entry, Mid-Range, and E-Spinner Picks
The Ashford Kiwi 3 is the best beginner wheel under $500, the Schacht Ladybug wins mid-range, and the EEW 6 leads e-spinners. Full comparison inside.
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GuidesE-Spinner vs Treadle Wheel: Which Should You Choose?
E-spinners spin anywhere with no treadling; treadle wheels give the full ritual. Portability, price, and drive-system trade-offs for every spinner.
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spinning-wheelsEEW 6.1 Review: Electric Eel Wheel, $299, No-Treadle Spinner
Electric Eel Wheel 6.1 review: Dreaming Robots e-spinner, brushless 1,800 RPM motor, foot-switch speed, six 8oz bobbins, $299. No treadle or drive wheel.