Kromski Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom Review
I will take any opportunity to try out a new loom! It is even better if I get the opportunity to assemble it as well.
I was able to pick up a 24” Kromski Harp Forte Rigid Heddle Loom second-hand that had never been used. This is not really the norm, but sometimes when you buy second-hand it can be amazing what you find! I believe this loom was bought in 2014, so it is possible that some things have changed slightly in the manufacturing (including a double heddle block instead of the single I have) since then, so keep that in mind when reading this review!
If you have purchased a newer version of this loom and have any different experiences, then please let me know in the comments! Share with the whole class!
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Jump To:
- What it comes with
- Assembling the Kromski Harp Forte
- Things I changed (what I didn’t like)
- What I like
- How does it weave and who is it for?
What it comes with
The Kromski Harp Forte comes in 4 different sizes: 8″ (the smallest rigid heddle size I have seen), 16″, 24″, and 32″.
Right out of the box you have pretty much everything you will need to get started! What you can expect in your box:
- your loom (with a double heddle block)
- 8 dent heddle
- heddle hook
- 2 stick shuttles
- pick-up stick
- 2 warping clamps
- warping peg
- 12 warping board pegs
- warp helper
Optional accessories:
Stand – I have the stand and for the 24″ and up I really recommend it. This is for all large rigid heddle looms, though. It makes it much easier to weave on with it’s size!
Extra heddles – Weave more types of fabrics and yarns with different EPI’s! Choose from 5, 8, 10, and 12 dents.
Carrying bag – Make use of the folding feature and take your loom with you!
Weaver’s choice heddle – Kromski’s version of the variable dent reed so you can use different EPI’s in the same weaving!
Assembling the Kromski Harp Forte
I was really excited that I was going to be able to actually assemble this loom. I couldn’t believe it was still in the box from 2014!
My loom came with some paper instructions from where it was originally purchased, and not from Kromski itself. I am not sure if this is the norm, but I have found assembly instructions on their website that you can view here.
For the most part, the assembly was pretty straightforward, but there are a few times that I found myself needing some further information. Looking back at the instructions from Kromski themselves, I probably would not have had any issues.
So, I hope you learn from my mistake!
Here is an assembly tip:
When you are attaching the wood handles for the ratchets it is much easier to line up the holes if you mark the rod with a pen or pencil (see image above.) The handles have a line on them so if you keep the line you drew lined up with the line on the handle you shouldn’t have any issues when you screw them together!
Things I changed (what I didn’t like)
During assembly I made a decision that was purely based off of my personal preferences. The way that Kromski has you setting up your apron strings is a method that I, personally, do not like. Everyone is different, though, so choose the option you like best and works best for you!
Instead of a continuous apron string that can move around, I opted to turn my apron string into individual pieces. This makes it so the apron bar is always level.
To do this, I cut my string into equal lengths and threaded them through a button before tying an overhand knot at the end. The button is to keep the apron string from coming out through the hole without the need for an extra large knot. If you decide to go this route you can use anything you want to do this.
One feature that I do not love about this loom is the locking mechanism it uses for when it is folded and unfolded. I have found this mechanism is not always the most stable. While generally it is fine, it is easy for it to unlatch. I would much prefer a mechanism that is not open on one side.
That being said, it still works as it needs to and the folding feature is one of my favorite features that can be found on a rigid heddle loom. Especially a loom this size, really benefits from the fact that it can fold in half when not in use.
What I like
As I said, the folding feature of this loom is one of my favorite parts even if I think it could have been done better. This is because I own and have reviewed another folding rigid heddle loom: the Schacht Flip.
It is hard to talk about the Kromski without comparing it to other folding rigid heddle loom options. I have yet to try out the Ashford Knitter’s Loom – another folding loom, but as soon as I get the chance – you will get a review!
It has a specific aesthetic
The craftsmanship of the Kromski is beautiful. Especially if you like a loom with a little more “old-school charm” then clean lines. I, personally, like the look of the Schacht, but I can definitely appreciate the craftsmanship of the Kromski.
The Kromski features rounded decorative edges and more intricate details. It feels more like a classic loom than a more contemporary one, but that adds to its charm. All this while having the same capabilities of similar looms. As far as looks go – it really is just a matter of your personal preference as to which one you like more.
This loom comes with its wood completely finished and ready to go. No staining or oil are required when you take it out of the box. As already discussed, you do still have to put it together, but that is one step that you get to skip!
I love a loom that comes with finished wood, because not only is it easier and faster to get started weaving, it is also automatically protected from humidity and other moisture. This is not necessarily an issue you will encounter right away, but protected is always better than not.
This Kromski comes with extra features!
Who doesn’t love extras?
Beyond the folding feature, one of the biggest extras of the Kromski Harp Forte is the built in warping board.
While most of the time you will probably be doing the direct warping method with your rigid heddle loom, the fact that you have the option to indirect warp is a really amazing feature! You really can not go wrong with more options to get where you want to go.
If you want to learn how to use a warping board you can read this post!
The included warping board means one less thing you have to buy for your weaving studio. While warping boards are not usually the most expensive tool you might buy for your weaving space, anytime you can get double duty out of your equipment you could be saving money and space.
More space and budget for yarn, perhaps?
Need more?
The Harp Forte comes with a warp helper!
What is a warp helper?
It is a block that fits on the side of your loom and holds your apron rod straight while you are warping! This is really helpful when you are weaving wider fabrics and are just starting the warping process. The helper keeps the rod from moving and being wonky as you go. As your warp gets further across your apron rod you won’t need it anymore, but it is nice to have at the beginning.
Out of the box (not my box, but any new loom box…), this loom has a double heddle block which will allow you to explore double heddle weaving whenever you want! If you plan to keep weaving on your rigid heddle loom, I always recommend one that already has double heddle capability so you do not have to upgrade in the future.
Last, but not least, the loom comes with a heddle hook, but not just any heddle hook, one that is comfortable to hold! Most rigid heddle looms with come with a heddle hook straight out of the box, but they are not all created equal.
The Kromski heddle hook has a bulbous handle that sits well in your hand. This is more comfortable when you are warping a wide warp and holding the heddle hook for longer periods. It also has a bend at the end making it so you can pull your warp through at a more comfortable angle.
This might be a small thing, but it is really nice touch. Comfort and ease when you are creating is really important and something to consider always.
If you are interested in more ergonomic creating you should check out this post here!
How does it weave and who is it for?
As far as the weaving experience of the Kromski, it is nothing to really write about.
And that is kind of a good thing!
It weaves like pretty much every other rigid heddle loom that I have used.
So who is this loom for?
The Kromski Harp Forte rigid heddle loom is for the weaver that wants a loom that is portable, has classic looks, and has the ability to weave with more than one heddle. They also like a loom that gives them options by doubling as a warping board.
Are you that weaver?
You can grab your own Kromski Harp Forte here!
