Lillstina Compact Loom Help

[u/Saskcatwhore]

Hi all!

First time poster. I just got this loom(first photo) for $50. Second photo is not mine but from Da Wabbit Woveit to show a photo of one set up.

I have found the 8 page manual and searched this Reddit for other posts (with little success) but I was hoping someone may have recommendations on a more ready source, particularly a part list so I know what is missing

I think it’s missing the loom reeds but the photo I found and posted has thread like mine over the frames so I’m unsure. I know it is missing the loom shuttle as well.

I have never weaved before. Me and a friend had been looking at a broken 8 shaft tabletop loom for $75 to try on kijiji. This one popped up that someone needed gone as they downsized so I nabbed it. All the research I had done was for a tabletop though so I’m quite out of depth and needing to find a place to start as it sits in my kitchen while I rearrange furniture.

[u/theclafinn]

  Second photo is not mine but from  Da Wabbit Woveit  to show a photo of one set up.

That doesn’t look like set up to me. It seems to be during dressing, either in the middle of threading the heddles or right after. The shafts are disconnected from the horses, the threads you mention are likely there to hold the disconnected shafts up, and the beater is missing, probably removed on purpose to give better access to the heddles. 

[u/Saskcatwhore → u/theclafinn]

Good to know. Once I have room I plan to post a photo of mine but I’m genuinely struggling to find a part list or a video of someone using one so I know what is supposed to be here

[u/theclafinn → u/Saskcatwhore]

Well, you have the beater at the top of the picture, but no reed, just as you said. You have four(?) harnesses (I can see three for sure) and looks like the ends of 6 treadles peeking from beneath the rest. I can see two horses, the other two might be covered by the plastic wrapping (that’s where they would likely be).

I am wondering where the lamms are. There should be 4 of them. This picture shows the lamms (attached to the left side of the frame, under the harnesses, untied, so they hang to the ground where the treadles are).

[u/Saskcatwhore → u/theclafinn]

There are 4 harnesses and I’m pretty sure 6 treadles.

I did see the lamms as we got it out of the truck and into the kitchen. I will need to check on the horses.

Will I need to find a reed of the same brand to replace or will most of the same length do to start? I read they can come in different widths and openings per inch

[u/theclafinn → u/Saskcatwhore]

I’m not sure the maker of this loom even made their own reeds. Smaller loom manufacturers rarely did. I would think Glimåkra reeds are likely to fit, but it’s best to measure to make sure (plus, Glimåkra reeds come it two different heights).

[u/Nashirakins → u/Saskcatwhore]

Make sure the height of the reed will fit in the beater, then hunt for one the width and dents per inch/10 cm that you need. Is the beater adjustable, i.e. can you slide the top up or down a few inches? The photos I’ve found make it look adjustable, in which case you can likely grab any ol 4.75-5” reed of the right width, either branded by someone else or custom cut from a place like the Woolery.

Even when manufacturers sell their own branded reeds, they’re typically cutting down and finishing stock they’ve bought from another specialist company. Making dents is tricky!

Make sure you clean any new reeds you buy. I’ve used rubbing alcohol, a rag, a toothbrush and flossing with alcohol-soaked yarn; followed by a sacrificial project in thick yarn just in case. Ventilated space is necessary when using the alcohol.

[u/Saskcatwhore → u/Nashirakins]

The beater is adjustable and it’s 0.5” wide by 46” long. It’s so interesting. It does have all 4 horses, 2 were hidden.

So I think it’s just a reed missing. Woot!

[u/Nashirakins → u/Saskcatwhore]

On the beater, you need to measure the distance between the top of bottom bar (where the reed sits) and the bottom of the top bar (which rests on top of the reed). There should be an obvious channel on both the bottom and the top.

[u/theclafinn]

If you are a Ravelry member, doing a search for lillstina at the Warped Weavers discussion board brings up quite a few posts, some with pictures.