Louet Jane vs Ashford table loom

This page compares the Louet Jane loom vs the Ashford Table loom (4, 8 and 16 shaft models)

• 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).