Why That Comb Won't Work: Choosing Your Beater for Weaving

If you’re just learning to weave, you're probably wondering what you need to get started.

Of course, you need a loom, but sooner or later you’ll be looking for a beater to tamp the yarn in place as you weave.

I’ve seen kits that include beaters that are really just hair combs. Usually, these kits come from sources that don’t know about weaving. I recently purchased a frame loom kit from Amazon. the loom was well made, but it came with this comb.

The comb isn’t suitable for weaving because its wide sides will spread the warp threads apart. The teeth aren't nice and straight, either.

You want a comb with the same-sized teeth all the way across, like this one. It was made for weaving.

A table fork can work, and I’ve often used one like this.

I’ve also tried a wooden table fork - just for fun, and because I like to use wood tools.

Here are a few of the beaters in my personal collection.The larger ones are used for weaving rugs. Even if I'm not using them, they are lovely to look at! That's what I love about weaving—the beautiful tools!

Soon after I started making Tiny Looms, I realized I needed a beater for them.

I collected this tiny beater many years ago and tried to find a source, but had no luck, which turned out to be a good thing because then I decided to design my own beater.