Harrisville Designs
Harrisville Designs A-Series 4/8-Shaft
Harrisville Designs A-Series 4/8-Shaft
Traditional craftsmanship
Creativity and self-expression
Relaxation and stress relief
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A 4 or 8-Harness Floor Loom from New Hampshire
Bring a piece of American weaving tradition into your home with the 55cm (22-inch) floor loom from Harrisville Designs. Each of these compact floor looms is crafted in the Harrisville, New Hampshire workshop from solid hard rock maple (sugar maple) and arrives to you as a kit. You assemble it yourself – step by step with the detailed building instructions – and at the end, you'll have a loom you not only know but truly understand.
The loom is available in two versions: as a Model A4 with 4 harnesses and 6 treadles for classic weaves like plain weave, twill, or simple cloth weaves, or as a Model A8 with 8 harnesses and 10 treadles for complex multi-harness weaving, damask, and elaborate textures.
What makes the Harrisville Designs A-series special:
- Hand-finished Hard Rock Maple from the forests of New England – robust, durable, beautifully grained.
- Innovative Snap-Chain connection instead of cords, knots, or flying wires. You connect each treadle to each harness quickly, securely, and in seconds.
- Friction brake for precise warp tension - even weft shots, a uniform fabric.
- Adjustable beater that accommodates reeds of different heights and widths.
- Suspended Harnesses for a light, quiet, and even jack-action - exactly how it should feel.
- Foldable while warped, you fold the loom with your project on it, and the tie-up remains intact. Perfect for workshops, small apartments, or for storage when guests arrive.
- Includes wheels, building instructions, and two warping sticks – included with every kit.
Which version is right for you?
Model A4 (4 harnesses / 6 treadles): one of the most popular workshop looms worldwide. Ideal as a first floor loom, for smaller projects, and for sample weaving. You'll learn all the basic techniques on a machine that you'll keep for your entire weaving life.
Model A8 (8 harnesses / 10 treadles): for those who want more: complex weaves, multi-harness structures, damask patterns, personal designs. Despite eight harnesses, the loom remains practical enough for material samples and experiments, and you'll be surprised how accessible multi-harness weaving is with it.
Choosing your Reed
You can order the Harrisville A4 or A8 with a reed in 24/10, 32/10, 40/10, 48/10, 60/10. As a rule of thumb: the thinner your yarn, the higher the dent count. For classic scarves made from 8/2 cotton, for example, a 32/10 or 40/10 reed is very suitable. If you are unsure – ask us, we are happy to advise you.
Technical Data
| Model A4 | Model A8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Harnesses / Treadles | 4 / 6 | 8 / 10 |
| Weaving Width | 55 cm | 55 cm |
| Weight (assembled) | 27 kg | 32 kg |
| Heddles (steel) | 400 | 600 |
| Harness Frame Height | 107 cm | 107 cm |
| Height to Breast Beam | 66 cm | 66 cm |
| Footprint (unfolded) | 71 × 81 cm | 71 × 86 cm |
| Footprint (folded) | 71 × 33 cm | 71 × 46 cm |
Scope of delivery (each kit)
- All cut and sanded wooden parts made from Hard Rock Maple
- Components for 4 or 8 harnesses (depending on the version)
- Steel heddles (400 or 600 pieces)
- One reed in your chosen density
- Snap-chains for the treadle-harness connection
- Floor casters for moving the loom
- Two warping sticks
- Complete English assembly instructions (we can provide translation assistance if desired – just contact us)
Tips & Advice
Are you wondering if a floor loom is the right next step for you? Or which number of harnesses suits your projects? Arrange a personal consultation at +49 30 23257079 (no worries, we speak English) or kundenservice@webstuhl.shop - we are weavers ourselves and will give you honest advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why only as a kit? We only supply the Harrisville Designs A4 or A8 as a kit. There are two good reasons for this: You save on shipping and assembly costs, which would otherwise be high for a floor loom of this size, and you truly get to know your loom during assembly. Anyone who has assembled a Harrisville themselves can later make adjustments, maintenance, and upgrades themselves.
How much experience do I need for assembly? You don't need carpentry experience; standard household tools are sufficient. The assembly instructions and assembly video will guide you step by step. If you have any questions about assembly: We are just an email or a phone call away.
Which version is suitable for beginners? The Model A4 with 4 harnesses and 6 treadles is the classic beginner's option. With it, you'll learn all the basic weaves (plain weave, twill, basket weave, satin) and enjoy it for years. If you have already woven with a rigid heddle loom and want to delve deeper right away, the Model A8 can also be a good choice. It offers more creative freedom without being more complicated to set up.
What about the reed, heddles, and shuttles? One reed (in your chosen density) and 400 or 600 steel heddles are included in the kit. Shuttles, bobbins, bobbin winders, and other accessories can be found in our Accessories category.
Voices of happy weavers
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"It's great that the Berliner Webstühle combines the traditional craft of weaving with a modern shopping experience, including a guarantee, fast shipping and advice. I was very satisfied." Anja Lohrenz
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"I am firmly convinced that our society is beginning to appreciate handmade products made in Europe again. We cannot import cheaply from China forever." Leonard Thelen
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With weaving, I have finally found an activity where I forget everything around me and live in the moment." Sophie Lehmann
Our promises
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The best prices
We're on a mission to make weaving affordable again. If you find better prices elsewhere, let us know and we'll tailor a deal for you.
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Available around the clock
We are available 24/7 so you can shop from the comfort of your own home and always have someone at your side if you have any problems.
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Fast and reliable delivery times
We promise fast deliveries. You can track the shipping status of the delivery and always know exactly when you will receive the loom.
