We researched the top bead looms, evaluating factors like durability, portability, adjustability, and price. Our top choice was the Wandering Bull Ojibwa Bead Loom, for its lightweight quality and adjustable frame. Here are the best bead looms: While you’ll need to assemble this wooden loom, the process doesn’t involve anything harder than screwing in S-hooks. Wandering Bull is a Native-American-owned family business based in New Hampshire that started in 1969. Dimensions: 5 x 40 inches | Material: Wood | Expert level: All levels There are thread guides on both ends to help your weaving along, and you’ll have a sufficient supply of thread, seed beads, beading needles, and even a needle threader to get you started. Fun for both adults and younger loomers, this kit is durably made for making anything from belts to bracelets. Dimensions: 3 x 12 inches | Material: Metal | Expert level: All levels Everything needed to adorn both types of grids is also enclosed, including threads, needles, beads, and more. The patterns are geared toward making authentic Native American headbands, necklaces, bracelets and other fun projects. Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.5 x 3 inches | Material: Metal | Expert level: Beginners The loom is assembled with ease, and the tension is easily adjusted. Great for first projects, newbies will find it’s easy to use. And for those who like to weave on the move, it’s also portable. Dimensions: 9.25 x 2.5 x 2.875 inches | Material: Wood | Expert level: Beginners You’ll be able to use the enclosed patterns to make your first letters and proceed without them once you’re ready. The instructions are very thorough, and the product design is easy to understand. Only light assembly is required. Dimensions: 11.57 x 4.06 x 0.94 inches (adjustable to 3 different lengths) | Material: Plastic | Expert level: All levels The bead loom’s tensioning device is novel for a pocket-sized loom. It’s also simple to assemble with written instructions included. Additionally, there are several accessories available that you can purchase to enhance your work in helpful ways. Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 5.5 inches | Material: Cherry wood, aluminum and steel | Expert level: Intermediate and advanced The bead loom comes with three handy bead dividers to make your work easier. Additionally, it has innovative ways of tightening your warp threads at the end of your project. When you’re finished, the unit breaks down easily for simple storage. Dimensions: 24.29 x 6.65 x 6.46 inches (adjustable) | Material: Pine wood | Expert level: All levels Arriving fully assembled, this loom is very easy to use. The included comprehensive set of instructions helps you set up to 40 warps in five minutes or less. The loom also has warp threads arranged on an angle to spare the weaver a sore neck from straining. Dimensions: 13.5 x 3.75 x 4.5 inches | Material: Wood | Expert level: All levels, beginners with guidance
Durability
A steady foundation is crucial for a good experience with your bead loom. Look for construction materials like sturdy plastic, metal, or wood. You’ll also need a bead loom with a sufficient weaving surface and adjustability for different size beadwork.
Portability
For those who like to craft on the go, look for lightweight options with smaller dimensions. These mini bead looms are perfect for jewelry-making parties or for creating small-scale projects like bracelets, ring toppers, pouches, and pendants.
Why Trust The Spruce
KJ Callihan writes for The Spruce, and has created gift, shopping, and activity guides for AAA Northeast magazine, CNET, Best of the Web, and Finfrock Marketing. Erin Simonetti of Beads Beading Beaded gives classes on bead loom weaving regularly at Loom Technician.
