Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom: Extra-Large Frame (22.75 x 16.5 inches)

The Melissa & Doug Multi-Craft Weaving Loom can be used in some ways not shown in the directions that come with the loom. These techniques are for adults, and younger people who can do them. I am learning as I go, and plan to keep learning new ways of using the loom and various yarns.First, I no longer use the dowel rods that came with the loom. They control the width of the weaving and are not needed. Just tie the first yarn section to the top cross bar. Then string it down from a notch there to the notch directly below, then up the next one for as many times as needed for the desired width. I find that I like to do even numbers, 10, 12, 14, rows of vertical lines. That way the weaving yarn begins and ends at the top of the loom... and can be tied off more effectively that way.Next, tie your beginning string of yarn to the bottom most right or left vertical string of yarn... and begin weaving. I found that the yarn needle that came with the loom was not as effective as I wanted. The rounded back end of the needle made the yarn knot slip off to the side and catch on the vertical yarn every time I pulled it through. [I found these needles on Amazon - Bulky Yarn Weaving Needles Sizes 4,6,8,10 and 12 Inches Long (Pack of 5) by ALE Crafting supplies.] They worked well enough that I bought a second set and I use them with the finer yarns also.When I have the weaving done as long as I want it, I unhook the bottom yarn with the point of the weaving needle and pull the entire project down the vertical yarn until it reaches the bottom. I also slide the beginning knotted yarn connected to the needle down to the bottom. The project then is hanging from the top crossbar. Then I cut and tie off the top yarns in pairs, also tying in the yarn end from the weaving needle. As I said I am just learning but it is quite interesting.One point I forgot to mention is to tamp down, or pull down the horizontal weaving line [weft] after each pass of yarn. In that way the article you're weaving does not get narrower in the middle of the work. And one other observation is that yarns are not as thick as they sometimes claim them to be, and I appreciate the reviews of yarns that realistically describe them.

This is an excellent loom for the cost, whether you're interested in purchasing it for a child or yourself. I've wanted to try weaving for awhile but never wanted to spend a ton on something I didn't know I'd even like or stick with, and I didn't want the hassle of making one by hand, hammering nails and finding an easel and such. This loom is a pretty substantial size, especially for this price. It is easy to use once you get the hang of it, although the directions aren't very helpful, honestly. You're better off going on YouTube and watching beginner weaving tutorials and just applying them to using this loom. The pictures are all black and white and aren't very detailed or clear. Most of the directions are just written out and difficult to translate into what you're doing. For a product that is geared toward children I'm surprised by how poorly the directions are executed. I also recommend getting a curved tapestry needle if you're an adult or teenager, because the large wooden one it comes with is rather bulky and isn't going to cut it for detailed work. It's helpful for some things, but I much prefer using a tapestry needle, or my hands with chunkier yarns or fabrics.You can use any size of yarn, string or fabric with this loom. A previous reviewer said that only a larger worsted yarn can be used, but I disagree. You just have to kind of play around and see what works and make adjustments to how you thread the loom and what you thread it with. I managed to have two strands of the white string the loom comes with in each space, which makes the weave tighter and accommodates a smaller worst. I also recommend using a wide tooth comb to keep your weave tight after you've finished a row.All in all, this a great craft tool and is a ton of fun. I honestly haven't stopped weaving since I got it set up and went to the craft store to get all kinds of yarn ($100 worth lol). As it is now, I'm well on my way to having a brand new wall hanging and I'm looking forward to all the possibilities this loom will help me create in the future. If you want to start learning to weave, this loom is definitely a great option without spending a fortune.

I bought these unasked-for surprises for my 3 grand daughters at Christmas time. I also checked out all the adult looms and would have bought one, if it was bigger or better. But this was the sturdiest and biggest, and a good value. Their busy mothers didn't have time to set them up, but the 11 year old figured it out following directions, and without help, did her own weaving, but will need help putting the pieces together to make scarf! The six and nine year olds needed help putting the looms together, while on a ski trip, but developed an amazing amount of patience, and both were pleased with their beautiful purses with matching chain stitch crocheted draw strings I made for them, We went shopping immediately to Mammoth (ski) Village, and they were able to put their money in them and use them to carry home their purchases for gift shops! Love the looms! Will borrow one next year to make Christmas scarves!