# Louet Erica vs Ashford Brooklyn table loom

### **Louet Erica vs Ashford Brooklyn — Table Loom Comparison**

#### 🔹 **Louet Erica Table Loom (compact travel/portable loom)**

**Strengths**

1. **Portability & foldability** – Erica *folds flat (even with warp on)* for easy transport and compact storage, making it ideal for classes, travel, or small spaces. 
2. **Expandable harnesses** – It ships with 2 shafts and can be *expanded to 3 or 4 shafts* with additional extensions, giving flexibility for more complex weave structures.
3. **Larger weave width options** – Available in *both \~30 cm (12″) and \~50 cm (20″)* widths, so you can choose a broader weaving capacity. 
4. **Better shed & tension** – Designed to offer more even tension and a *larger shed* compared to rigid heddle looms, which is helpful for consistent weaving.
5. **Lower starting price point** – Base 2-shaft Erica models often start at **around $500-$600 USD**.

**Potential Limitations**

* Base configuration is 2 shafts, so reaching 4 shafts *costs extra* with additional accessories.
* Fold-flat design is excellent for portability, but some weavers feel the finished wood needs waxing/finishing before use.

***

#### 🔸 **Ashford Brooklyn Table Loom (entry 4-shaft loom)**

**Strengths**

1. **4-shaft standard** – Unlike Erica’s base 2-shaft model, the Brooklyn *comes standard as a 4-shaft table loom*, letting you weave a wider range of patterns *right out of the box*. 
2. **Good value for a new 4-shaft loom** – Priced around **$685 USD** (about **$865 CAD**) for a new 4-shaft unit, making it a reasonable entry point among brand-new 4-shaft looms. 
3. **Built with standard accessories included** – Includes 4 shafts with adequate Texsolv heddles and a 10-dent stainless steel reed — a practical setup for multi-shaft weaving. 
4. **Reliable for multi-shaft patterns** – A 4-shaft loom lets you weave overshot, twills, crackle, and other complex structures easily compared to 2-shaft looms.

**Potential Limitations**

* **Does *****not***** fold flat** for storage/transport like Erica — it’s compact but more of a fixed setup. 
* Smaller footprint and lighter construction mean that some users *might prefer sturdier builds* for heavier yarns or very dense warps.
* Typically, only offered in a \~40 cm (16″) weaving width.

***

### 📊 **Quick Summary of Key Differences**

| Feature                       | **Louet Erica**                              | **Ashford Brooklyn**                           |
| ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Base shafts**               | 2 (expandable to 4)                          | 4 included                                     |
| **Foldability / Portability** | ✔️ Folds flat                                | ❌ Does not fold flat                           |
| **Weaving widths available**  | \~30 cm or \~50 cm options                   | Typically, \~40 cm (16″)                       |
| **Price (starter)**           | Lower starting price (\~$500-$600+ USD)      | Mid-range for 4-shaft (\~$685 USD)             |
| **Best for**                  | Beginners → intermediate; travel; class loom | Beginners → multi-shaft focus; pattern weaving |

***

### 🧵 **Which One Is Better for You?**

* Pick **Louet Erica** if you *want lightweight, highly portable design* with the flexibility to expand harnesses later — especially great for travel, small spaces, or upgrading from rigid heddle.
* Pick **Ashford Brooklyn** if you *want a full 4-shaft loom out of the box* at a reasonable price and plan to focus on pattern weaving without extra accessories.


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