The BeadsmithExtra Wide Metal Bead Loom Kit, Includes Extra Wide Loom (14.5" x 6" x 8.5"), Thread, Needles, and 36 Grams Glass Beads for Bracelets, Necklaces, Belts, and More

Product arrived in excellent condition. It’s nice to have a slightly wider and longer loom. It’s lightweight and easy to handle wile being sturdy enough to keep the beading tight on the loom while working.

Great loom, even for young beginners. Sturdy.

For the most pleasant experience, you will want to get 2 weights of nylon beading thread, and I would suggest 2 different colors. This will be especially helpful if you need to unweave the beginning of your project, like I did, because I messed up the start and ended up removing that portion of beads when I was all finished & decided I hated it. I used black Nymo Size D for my warp threads (the ones you put down first to establish the length and width of your project). In the photos attached to my review, you can see the white thread that you receive with the loom. I would use this to practice for a few minutes and then throw it away. Also throw away the beads they give you. They are too small for the spaces between the threads, in my opinion (see pic). The black beads were included (they appear to be #11 or #15, not sure), and the red ones are #8 that I bought elsewhere. Lastly, I would suggest longer, sturdier needles such as John James nickel plated steel size 10, length 2-3/8 inch. You don't want the super thin, bendy beading needles. Otherwise, the loom is stable and sturdy, but make sure you get the dowel rod seated all the way down into the loop, and then tighten. You can also use this loom in an upright position if you lean it against something like your task lamp, or between your body and work table.The other photo shows pushing the beads up from the bottom, through the warps, with each bead lying between TWO threads. Push them up firmly, as high as you can, because the weft thread needs to be sewn so that the weft lies OVER the warps - or the beads will fall out. The piece of thread the beads are on are passed under the warps, and is the bottom weft. Then the beads ultimately are suspended between the bottom and top wefts. To do this, you push up as far as possible and you want to think about scraping the inside top of each bead with the needle point. In this way, make sure it is always over the warps, and also make sure that you don't split a thread with the needle point. This is another reason for using a high quality nylon thread. I did not get a single split during my 18 inch x 14 thread rows first project. For my weft, I use K.O. brand 0.15 mm diameter waxed nylon beading thread in light green. Using this thread with #8 beads allows you to make at least 3 passes through your work -- the #2 pass is when you are weaving in your tails, and optional #3 pass will be to make your loomed project more durable and also enable you to correct any 'sinking' beads or irregularities in your weft sewing.It sounds a little complicated, and if you don't have any hand sewing and embroidery experience, it may be a little tricky until you get the hang of it. I am an experienced sewer, so I was able to correct the occasional mistake on the fly, as I worked. I should have corrected the mistakes I made in the beginning, but that's another story! I came up a little short of what I wanted, but when I post this review I'm gonna try putting the piece back on the loom so I can make some additions to each end.I'd say the hardest part is getting your warps on and each thread set into a coil without skipping any or doubling up. You HAVE to get this first step perfect, or you will have many frustrations and likely your project won't work out.The instructions are given in English, Spanish, and French. They are reasonably clear, but you can also find videos to get you started, and they sometimes have other useful tips that are not in the printed instructions. Missing from the included instructions are details about ending a piece, what to do with threads, and the fact that you have to apply a backing to stabilize the beadwork and make it durable for wearing. I found a helpful video that was on Beadaholique site, I think.Cons: The 3 posts where you attach your warp threads are on the dowel, so If you are making a project like a hat band or belt, you will end up rolling your beadwork over one or more posts as you fill up the work area. I was nervous, but nothing ended up damaged or distorted. However, the dowel will only hold so much finished work before you run out of rolling space, so this loom is best for projects under 24 inches with #8 beads, give or take.The dowel rod can be finicky about getting into the loop securely, so check you have it installed correctly. Also, I kept getting my working thread caught in the left wing nut until I developed a technique to avoid it (mostly).If you use black warps, it can be hard to see where the threads lie in the coils as you are setting up.Pros: Decent width (5.5 inch working area) to do a variety of projects, with some ability to do longer pieces than the 8.25 inch length work area. No sturdiness issues observed while working my project. Can be held upright to alleviate neck strain. Very good price for the size capacity. Later, if you want, you can invest in something all wood for $40 and up, without crying about a bunch of money lost. (Maybe sell used on on Amazon! :D)

Great functionality and durability. Super easy to use.

I just received the package and was excited to try it. Unfortunately I got not a full kit and have thread missing, maybe something else too. Now would need to order thread separately....

Very well constructed

Fine for small projects if anchored somehow. Too lightweight for much else. it is a child's toy, not really for serious looming projects.

When I was warping/casting on the nylon string it took some time bc it was my very first time but I’d say it was fairly easy. The spacing is a little bit big for the seed beads I have in my collection. In this pic are miyuki beads size 11/0 and I just made sure while doing the return pass to tighten my thread but yea would totally recommend to anyone looking to buy a quality loom that matches the price. Bc I bought the $20 version and it’s wider than the other so you can create wider stuff. This is the loom stitch but you can experiment with brick and peyote if you wanted to. Good luck out there beaders!