> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learning.loftyfiber.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learning.loftyfiber.com/floor-and-table-looms-purchasing-information-and-support/comparing-looms/louet-jane-vs-ashford-table-loom.md).

# Louet Jane vs Ashford table loom

* Jane Loom (Louët) – Uses a **metal ratchet and pawl system**, which provides **very precise control of tension** and holds adjustments firmly in place.
* **Ashford Looms** – Use a **nylon ratchet and round tension knob**.\
  Some weavers find the small round knob difficult to grip, especially under high tension.
* **Ashford “Handi Handle”** – A wooden accessory that **fits over the nylon knob**, giving the weaver more leverage. This makes adjusting tension **easier and more ergonomic**, especially for long warps or tighter setts.

### Where the **Louët Jane** is better 

* Jane Loom (Louët) – Uses a **metal ratchet and pawl system**, which provides **very precise control of tension** and holds adjustments firmly in place.
* **More compact for travel/storage (especially for 8+ shafts):** Jane is known for folding down *very* small (\~14 cm folded height), and Louët also lists the 16-shaft models folding to about **21 cm**. 
* **8 now, 16 later (upgrade path):** Jane is available as **8 shafts**, **8 expandable to 16**, or **16 shafts**—nice if someone wants to start at 8 and grow without changing looms. 
* **Wide size range available:** Jane is sold in multiple weaving widths (e.g., 50/70/90 cm), which can be a big deal for customers who want a wider table loom. 
* **Refined cord/roller design:** Louët emphasizes reduced cord wear (cords run over rollers) and an overhead beater that stays out of the way while throwing the shuttle - providing the same result as the Ashford bounce back beater.   Louët Jane shafts snap back to neutral due to an elastic system attached to each individual shaft.

### Where the **Ashford Table Looms (4/8/16)** are better

* **Lower cost entry into multi-shaft weaving (4- and 8-shaft).** 
* **You can buy exactly the shaft count you want (4, 8, or 16):** Ashford offers true **4-shaft** and **8-shaft** looms (and **16-shaft**), which is ideal if a customer specifically wants 4 shafts (Jane is either 8/16).
* **“Fold-flat with weaving in place” on 4- and 8-shaft models:** Ashford explicitly promotes that the 4- and 8-shaft table looms **fold flat even with work on the loom**, great for workshops and tight spaces. However, this feature is no different than Jane.
* **Core usability features are very consistent across the range:** Ashford highlights the **overhead beater with automatic bounce-back** and **levers within easy reach**, which many weavers find straightforward and beginner-friendly. Again, Jane offers the same functional features and is also available in all variants.

**Bottom line:**

* Choose **Jane** when the buyer cares most about **maximum compact folding for an 8/16-shaft loom**, **expandability**, and **wider size options**. 
* Choose **Ashford** when the buyer wants the **best price-to-shafts** (especially at **4 or 8 shafts**).