Reeds & Rigid Heddles

Choosing the right loom reed starts with understanding dent size, the number of openings per inch that determines how many warp ends you can sett through it. A finer dent, like 10- or 12-dent, suits thinner yarns packed closely together, while coarser reeds in the 5- to 8-dent range work well for bulkier warps. Whether you weave on a floor loom or a rigid heddle loom, matching your reed to your project's sett is the first step toward even, balanced cloth.

Picking a Dent Size for Your Project

Sett is determined by yarn thickness and the look you want in the finished fabric. A denser sett produces a firmer, more durable cloth, while a more open sett drapes softly and suits lighter yarns. Many weavers keep a few stainless steel reeds on hand, such as the Toika options in widths from 22" to 60", so they can move between fine and bulky projects without changing looms.

Rigid Heddle Reeds vs. Floor Loom Reeds

Rigid heddle reeds do double duty as both heddle and beater, which is why variable-dent styles are so popular with Flip and Cricket loom owners who want to sample different setts without buying multiple reeds. Floor loom reeds, by contrast, work alongside separate heddles and are sized to fit your loom's beater and width. If you're building out your bench, check our rigid heddle looms and heddles and tie-up cords for compatible gear.

Caring for Your Reeds

• Store reeds flat or hanging to avoid bending the dents
• Wipe stainless steel reeds dry after use in humid studios
• Inspect dents regularly for burrs that could snag your warp threads

FAQ

What width reed do I need? Match the reed width to your loom's weaving width, or slightly wider if you plan to use the full capacity of your loom.

Can I use a rigid heddle reed on a floor loom? No, rigid heddle reeds are designed specifically for rigid heddle looms since they combine the heddle and beater functions.

How do I know which dent size to buy? Check your pattern or yarn label for a suggested sett, then choose the closest standard dent size, rounding up for a firmer fabric or down for a softer one.