Ashford SampleIt vs Schacht Cricket Loom: Which Rigid Heddle Loom Is Better?
Buy the Schacht Cricket 15 inch loom (about $265) if you want a maple loom that arrives with yarn to start weaving right away. Buy the Ashford SampleIt 16 inch loom (about $255) if you want an extra inch of width and a built-in double heddle kit to grow into. Both suit scarves, towels and wraps.
Ashford SampleIt Rigid Heddle Loom, 16 inch $255.00 Check price on Amazon 
Schacht Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom, 15 inch $265.00 Check price on Amazon The verdict
These two looms are close in price and purpose, so the choice comes down to what you want included. The Ashford SampleIt 16 inch gives a little more weaving width and a built-in double heddle kit, which lets you try more complex cloth later. The Schacht Cricket 15 inch is made of maple and includes two balls of yarn, so a new weaver can warp and weave the day it arrives.
Both are small rigid heddle looms, a friendly first loom for knitters and crocheters who want to use their yarn in a new way. Neither is a floor loom, and both have a maximum width that limits blankets to strips you seam together.
Ashford SampleIt 16 vs Schacht Cricket 15: side by side
| Feature | Ashford SampleIt 16 | Schacht Cricket 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $255 | About $265 |
| Weaving width | 16 in | 15 in |
| Reed | 7.5 dpi | 8 dent |
| Wood | Unfinished silver beech | Maple, unfinished |
| Shuttles | 2 | 2 |
| Other accessories | Hook, warping peg, clamp | Threading hook, warping peg, clamps |
| Double heddle | Built-in double heddle kit | Not listed in the specs we verified |
| Starter yarn | Not included | 2 balls of yarn |
What can you weave on a 15 or 16 inch rigid heddle loom?
A 15 to 16 inch weaving width suits scarves, table runners, placemats, dish towels and narrow wraps. Finished cloth draws in slightly from the width on the loom, so plan a little narrower than the maximum. Blankets are possible by weaving panels and seaming them. Both looms ship with a reed of about 8 ends per inch, which pairs well with medium weight yarn.
| Project | Typical width | Fits 15 to 16 in loom? |
|---|---|---|
| Scarf | 6 to 10 in | Yes |
| Dish towel | 14 to 16 in | Yes, near maximum |
| Table runner | 12 to 14 in | Yes |
| Wide wrap or shawl | 20 in or more | No, weave panels |
| Throw blanket | 50 in or more | No, weave and seam panels |
Is 7.5 dpi different from an 8 dent reed?
They are nearly the same density: dpi (dents per inch) and dent size both describe how many warp threads fit per inch. At about 8 per inch, both suit worsted to DK weight yarns for balanced cloth. Finer yarns need a finer reed, sold separately by both makers. Check the yarn weight chart when choosing warp yarn.
Finish the wood
Both looms arrive unfinished. Many weavers apply a light wood finish before first use to protect the frame from moisture and handling.
Is a rigid heddle loom good for knitters?
Very. Rigid heddle weaving uses the same yarns knitters and crocheters already own, and a scarf weaves much faster than it knits. It is a natural second craft; see our best rigid heddle looms for wider and more portable options.
Choose Ashford SampleIt 16 if
- You want the extra inch of weaving width.
- You want to try double heddle weaving later.
- You already have yarn to warp with.
Choose Schacht Cricket 15 if
- You want a maple frame.
- You want starter yarn included so you can weave right away.
- You prefer a loom with a large weaver community and plenty of beginner patterns.
Looms to consider
Beka 10 inch Rigid Heddle Loom (RH-10)
$79.99A small, lower-cost loom for trying weaving.
Check price Ashford SampleIt Rigid Heddle Loom, 16 inch
$255.00Extra width and a double heddle kit.
Check price Schacht Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom, 15 inch
$265.00A maple loom with starter yarn included.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for beginners, Ashford SampleIt or Schacht Cricket?
Both are excellent beginner looms. The Schacht Cricket includes yarn so you can start immediately, while the Ashford SampleIt adds an inch of width and a double heddle kit for later. Choose by width and whether you want starter yarn in the box.
Can you weave a blanket on a rigid heddle loom?
Yes, by weaving several narrow panels and sewing them together. A 15 or 16 inch loom cannot weave a blanket in one piece. Plan panel widths a little narrower than the loom maximum, since woven cloth draws in, and use the same yarn dye lot throughout.
What yarn do I need for a rigid heddle loom?
For an 8 dent reed, smooth worsted to DK weight yarn works well for warp and weft. Very fuzzy or stretchy yarns can stick or break as warp. Wool, cotton and blends are common choices, and knitting yarn you already own is often perfect for a first scarf.
Do rigid heddle looms need to be assembled?
Both come with some assembly and arrive as unfinished wood. Assembly is straightforward with the included instructions, and many weavers apply a light finish first. Allow an hour or so before your first warp.
Is a rigid heddle loom hard to learn?
It is one of the easiest ways to start weaving. Most beginners warp and weave a simple scarf within their first sessions using the maker instructions or beginner videos. More advanced techniques like pick-up patterns and double heddle weaving can come later.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.