Warpology: Norwood loom manual

You may need to click the Norwood  links  twice on the ones below until they open

I see from searching the internet and from a private requests,  that this manual seems to be unavailable and  missing from many loom purchases so I wanted to make it available. These are in PDF format, they are from the 1970’s so excuse the coffee stains (from previous owner) BTW you need to click the Norwood link twice to make the PDF appear.   Hope this helps!  Norwood booklet

norwood
A method of winding on without the spools and rack

    Norwood booklet

I’ve woven on Norwood looms since 1973.  The Mc Garr’s were the owners, the husband build the beautiful Cherry looms and accessories and his wife Melvina taught weaving. I took a week long class she offered back then in Baldwin MI.  I have had four Norwood’s in the intervening years. I have a 40 inch 8 shaft now that was built in Fremont MI.
  I am closing comments here as there are some good resources at Norwood loom owners on Facebook. Also the  Cherry Norwood Lovers on Ravelry.
 
The McGarr’s sold the loom company to them. The booklet is from the Fremont owners. Last bit of Norwood history I promise.  The Fremont company sold the loom company to Webb’s who decided to have it built in the Netherlands in Birch. Now sadly they are no longer being built.

Want to add this on: to care for the Cherry wood mix 50% boiled linseed oil with 50% turpentine in a glass jar, then rub this into the wood with a clean cloth. Let it soak in for a bit, not too long or the oil will get tacky, then buff off with another soft clean cloth. Yearly or more often if you live in a dry climate.

Good news for those who have Norwoods with no crank, https://abilityweavers.com/featured-products?fbclid=IwAR10Ur-_coR3PboZylJij6R7Mz3IbewRzIBqeL4Fi9x4tLWz7xACRjqVXP8
Threading

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113 thoughts on “Warpology: Norwood loom manual”

  1. Thank you so much. I purchased a Norwood loom at an auction last fall, but it didn’t have a manual. It is in good shape and works well, but a manual is alway helpful.
    Sue Zordan

  3. The way it works in word press you click on the first highlighted link Norwood1 then when it comes up click on it again and you should be able to see the PDF files. Hope this helps Lois

    • Trying to refurbish old Norwood and can’t find a picture on how the brake system is set up and have a metal bar that we can’t figure out where it should be placed but know it needs to be for front beam to release warp, nothing regarding brake is in manual

      • I would recommend you find the Norwood owners group on Facebook. There is much more information and someone may even have a similar loom. Good luck on your refurbish!

  4. Thank you! I just acquired a Norwood & noticed that a couple of the shafts rub when lifted. Couldn’t find a manual or trouble-shooting guide anywhere. I’m sure your manual will help generally on this problem & with future questions.

  6. Thank you!!!! I just bought a used Norwood and couldn’t figure out how to tie it onto the front beam so that it was evenly spaced. Mine has a wooden rod that has 4-1 inch straps. I guess I need to find another wooden dowel to tie onto this? Thanks again for the manual!!!!

  7. Excellent! I just got my first loom yesterday. This is the exact manual I needed. This (and you) are what is so great about the Internet.

  8. I have two wonderful old Norwoods but no manual…..until I found your site. THANKS so much for sharing.

    • It is explained in the first comment how to access the manual. The way it works in word press you click on the first highlighted link Norwood1 then when it comes up click on it again and you should be able to see the PDF files. Hope this helps Lois

  10. Would love a copy of the Norwood loom manual just got my loom yesterday and it is all apart sure could use the help puttin it back together.
    Thanks Ruthann

  11. Thank you so much for posting the manual! Have had my loom built in 1977, a little less than 2 years. (My first loom). I love it and am getting along well with it, but am thrilled to have a manual.

  12. Thank you! I just purchased a 50″ Norwood loom and I am thrilled to have a copy of the manual!!

  14. I am purchasing a Norwood Loom and will not be getting a manual with it. I have tried to get the manual from this site but can not get it. Any help?

    • Hi
      Trying to get a manual for Norwood. Also would like to see a Norwood boat shuttle…are they marked or unmarked Norwood?

      • The only manual or booklet on Norwood is the copy of the one on my site. When they were built in Fremont MI they were sold with the looms. Sometimes with a Norwood purchase you may run into one, but since they are no longer being made that would be the only way. I have never seen a Norwood boat shuttle. There was a bit of discussion on the Norwood Loom Owners group on Facebook but no pictures, you could ask there.

  15. I have no idea but it is re scanned and on there now, You may need to click on this page then the next one that says Norwood booklet as it is a PDF file

  16. I also have a Cherry 8 shaft norwood loom, and am wondering about one thing – there is a short chain hanging from the right hand side of the beater bar – with a hole for it to go into on the side of the loom. anyone know what it’s for?? Also, any tips for threading would be appreciated – I usually do back to front, and take off the front beam/bar to thread the heddles – however the front bar is not easy to remove – any tips??

    • As for threading I usually unfasten all the wing nuts and lay the legs down. lay the beater down in front of the loom and then tilt the front of the loom down You can easily thread from there. The back beam holds the treads at a good angle to start threading. Could the chain be someones modification to hold the beater for sleying? Can you send me a picture of the chain and the whole. I can send you a picture of me threading the norwood, can’t seem to find it on my blog but I did have one that was on facebook. le.fibernut (at) gmail.com Thanks

      • Here are photos of the chain. I also suspect it may hold the beater when sleeting but haven’t figured out how. Have taken various pics. Hope it helps! Re threading – got another reply and a pic re putting front bar down – looks like what I was looking for and will do that next time!! Tks for your speedy reply! Much appreciated! Joan

        >

    • The short rod attached to the chain goes thru the hole in the beater bar and thru a screw eye in the leg to hold the beater in a stable upright position while you sley the reed. I took a picture of mine, but can’t seem to post here.

  17. I have a small metal bar hanging off the right side on string. It fits thru a small hole drilled into the upright board of the beater & thru to an eyehook. It holds the beater steady for threading. I thought it was an original design element. Is it a former owner’s modification?

    • sounds like mine! however my chain starts on the beater side, with a chain on the eyehook and the metal bar goes into a hole on the side frame. Perhaps it started as an owner’s modification that was incorporated into subsequent looms, There is no mention or photo of it in the owner’s manual (and I received an original one with the loom). I may be able to contact the previous owner and ask her how/if she used it.
      I have some photos but dont appear to be able to paste into a reply via the blog.

  18. I have what I believe is a norwood loom from the manual above and the descriptions, but there are no identifying marks or names on it. Definitely not birch, it’s a dark wood. Any way to find out when it was made? I really love it!

    • I’d say over 80% the looms made by the McGarrs in Baldwin and when the looms were made in Fremont were made out of Cherry. The only light colored looms were made when Webs owned the company and they were made out of country. Usually there is a plaque on the side of norwood looms that says their name and where the loom was made. It could have been removed by the previous owner. I have some pictures of norwood looms online on my blog hope those help. What size is the loom and how many shafts. They usually only made 4 shaft, 6 treadle or 8 shaft, 10 treadle. I haven’t seen any variation on that over the years. Good luck and they are nice looms

      • thanks! I could try to upload some picts. It’s a 4 shaft 6 treadle. Width is about 45 inches I believe. Has 10.5 inch (11 in total length) heddles. Has a sectional beam as the back beam, chain tie ups. It doesn’t have a plaque or identifying marker of any kind that I can find. But it’s identical to the Norwood I’ve seen in photos and the manual above. It’s not as dark as some of the cherry wood norwoods I’ve seen in photos but it’s definitely not birch. And it’s a darker hardwood. I am excited to see if this is the brand, the person I bought from didn’t have any details.

  19. Thank you so very much for posting this manual. I’m a newby who was gifted with a Norwood Loom which sat in a hallway for 2 years because I was intimidated. Finally someone is helping me get going and asked what kind of loom. Which led me to your site. Very Grateful.
    Cheryl in New Mexico

  20. I have the opportunity to purchase a Norwood loom. Seller is not a weaver and has sparse information but I shall view it Friday. I wonder are reeds for these discontinued Norwoods easily available, or alternatively if reeds from other manufacturers can be used?

  21. Janet in Virginia
    You are a gem! Retired and now ready to weave again, but lost/misplaced my manual. Many, many thanks.

  22. I just stumbled on to your website. I “am” a McGarr. I worked with my cousin Karen in the Norwood Loom-Weaving & gift shop back in the 1960-1970’s. We were weaving as kindergartners. I think my grandma would brag us up to increase curiosity about learning to weave. Every summer we would work in my grandparents (artist) consignment gift shop. In the evenings, we would thread many looms for my Grandma’s weaving classes. It was such a great opportunity that most kids our age missed. I am now 60 years old. What wonderful memories!

    • So fun to hear from one of the McGarr’s again. A gentleman responded who is probably related to you also was on one of the sites? maybe Weavolution. I took the classes after I graduated high school and probably wove on one of those looms you warped. Thank you, belated but it was nice to use warped looms when I knew nothing.

    • I am going to look at and purchase my first loom ever, 48in, Four Harness, with bench warping board, and many other extras for $500. From the pics it looks to be in great condition. I have never weaved before on anything outside of a rigid heddle 16″ loom during a weaving class I took. It was the best. I never thought I would run into such a gem, although intimidated by it all. I am replying to you comment because I have a 12 year old daughter that I want to also get into weaving. And your childhood memory caught me and I want to pass this off similarly to my daughter (the loom set-up especially). What a marvelous idea and way to get her interested. I will be weaving on from your old memories and traditions. 🙂

    • I envy you! I’m wanting to warp my Norwood but don’t have a warping board or sley hook. Is there a way to warp the loom directly from the spool stand? I want to make several rugs. I’m frustrated & puzzled as to how to do this, got to be a fairly easy way. Can you help?

      • If you have a tension box then yes you can use the spool stand. If not there are plans floating around the internet on how to build a tension box. If you have chairs or an upside down table you can use that to wind your warp after measuring of course. Warping pegs clamp to a table and can be used to wind a warp as well. Sley hooks are cheaply obtained from any of the suppliers or you could open a paper clip and use that in a pinch. I go between using a threading hood and doing it with my fingers so that is also an un necessary item.

      • Thank you. Yes, I have a tension box but how do I tie on to the back beam & begin winding? How do you know how long to leave warp threads so you can thread the hedles & tie on to the front beam?
        What is a “threading hood?”
        Please give some reputable supplier contacts.

      • Where are you located? I’m in Upper Michigan. If you’re close I can possibly make a weekend trip down to help? Do you have a sectional back beam? How many spools of warp do you have on hand?

      • I live in Medford, WI. It’s between Wausau & Eau Claire. I have a Norwood back beam. I have 26 spools, only 6 are full spools.. Yrs. ago someone threaded it for me & I made some rugs. That would be quite a trip for you, time & expense. I would be more than honored to have your help & direction. I’m trying to get help from a woman I met a couple months ago. She has a couple old looms that were her grandmothers but they have the back sectional beams. I may be able to get help from her & save you the trip.

        I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m reading books but need to see it & actually do it.

        Thank you, Gail H.

      • I had no internet yesterday. I was able to find a weaver who is coming tomorrow to show me how to warp. I’ll let you know how I do. If you do get to this part of WI, please stop by, I’d love to meet & talk with you.

        L&P Gail

      • She was a great help & easy to follow her directions. We got as far as the winding on the back beam. Still have the threading thru heddles & the reed. Hoping she’ll come by again to help me move on.

    • My mother worked for the McGarrs sometime in the late 1950’s – early 1960″s. She was their bookkeeper. She learned to weave from them. My father learned from her. My sister and I learned from him.

  23. Bought a great cherry Norwood at the turn of the century. Adult education classes and visits to John and Marcia at Village Spinning & Weaving in Solvang, and I’ve turned out everything from heavy blankets to very light, loosely set shawls. It really is an amazing feeling to MAKE fabric!

  24. I have a Norwood 4 harness loom and am wondering if it is safe to fold it up while it is warped and in the middle of a project. Any advice???

    • As long as it hasn’t been altered in some way sure it can be folded with the warp on it. I would loosen the front brake a bit. They are really made to be folded up as needed.

  26. I have tried to reach you via Internet but have not been able to. It keeps coming up do I want classes etc. I saw a shawl in Gatlinburg that I loved but they said they may not be there in by the end of the month and that was in Oct. and I haven’t been able to get back to the shop Arrowcraft. I wanted to see if it is still available. Is it not possible to buy directly from you?

    • Sorry must be a glitch in the system I never got the last reply. I have only the one T in my nickname and really have never had anything in Gatlinburg for sale. Now with the fires.. If you didn’t see it on my webpage then I bet someone is using the nickname up there. I’m 15 miles or so west of Asheville. Sorry

  29. My wife and her mom had a weaving business for years with 4 Norwood looms. Her mom past away a few years ago and the business has been downsized. She is very knowledgable with the loom and still creates the most beautiful scarves and shawls most are sent to the east coast. My question is would their be a market for teaching on Norwood looms?

    • Sorry for the super late reply, it never came to my email as they usually do. As to a market for teaching it depends on your location. I’m in NC and there are tons of teachers and classes in this area. There were none in West Michigan where I lived prior to the move here.

  30. As a new weaver who just purchased a Norwood Loom, I am most appreciative that you posted the manual. I plan to read and reread it.

  31. I just acquired a 22″ Norwood. The plate reads “THE NORWOOD LOOM, Baldwin, Mich.” So I’m fairly certain Mr. McGarr built it. Has 4 harnesses and a sectional warp beam. Any chance if dating it? My thought was pre 1963 since the official abbreviation changed to Mi by the end of that year.

    • Sorry I would have no idea. If it has the Baldwin MI then Mr. McGarr did build it. They owned the company from the early 50s until 1974. Beyond that I don’t think they had any way of marking them as to when they were built.

      • Thanks. Looks like the Fremont made looms had serial numbers, but Mr. McGarr evidently didn’t use them. I’m inclined to believe it’s an early one because of the state abbreviation, but who knows?

      • I have a “parlor” and it’s Mother. Both 4 shaft, sectional warp. Neither are marked as to the maker, but know they are Norwood’s because of the manual that came with. The Parlor size is about 18″ wide, and it’s mama is 60″ wide. I love them both! I need to try to figure out the cloth beam pick-up, as the original cotton cording is fraying badly and giving me fits with tensioning properly. Thinking of changing to a canvas leader. Any thoughts? Naomi Fletcher, Rapid River, MI (A Yooper!)

      • I use cord from the hardware store. But if you like cloth on the front beam I’m sure it would work just as well. I think the parlor one is probably their workshop loom. Had one and wish I had kept it! Originally from Ludington MI

  32. I just purchased a small 4 shaft, 6 treadle Norwood demonstrator cherry loom. The one I bought is small and folds up. It looks different than the picture you have on your site. I am a beginner weaver and wonder if the manual is for the demonstrator loom also. Thanks for any replies. Wanda Bennett

      • I’m not sure. It has a 20 or 21 inch width. The back is really different. It is square with pegs all around it. Is this a workshop loom? There is a metal plate on it that says, The Norwood Built for Demonstration. Since I am a very beginner I don’t really know anything. I’ll print off the manual and see what I can do. Thanks so much. Wanda

  34. I am purchasing a 22″ Norwood loom with a sectional beam. My story is interesting. I’m from White Cloud, MI about 14mi south of Baldwin, MI. I never knew about the McGarrs. But spent lots of time in Baldwin growing up. I always dreamed of spinning and weaving, but never pursued it. I moved to TN in 2008 and since living here have become friends with women in the spinning and weaving field. I purchased my first wheel last year and continued to desire to weave. While at a yarn shop I met a woman who offered to loan me her table top loom and teach me to weave. While spending time together I shared where I’m from in Michigan and she said she had a Norwood loom made by a man from Baldwin, MI. I visited her home and fell head over heals in love with her loom. She has the bench that came with it, the loom manual, the original sales receipt from the original owner (she’s the 3rd owner) and a receipt showing 10 weaving lessons with Melvina McGarr. It was like a spiritual journey for me. She has offered to sell it to me. I’m so excited I cannot stop thinking about it. I’m now searching for information on Mr McGarr and his loom business. Owning this loom completes my personal circle.

    • There is a lot of information on a Ravelry site for Norwoods. I took the week long course Class from Melvina McGarr and bought 50 inch loom from them.

  35. Hello, I just acquired a Norwood loom and am so happy you posted the manual. I have now noticed that the loom is missing the piece of wood that secures the reed in the beater. Do you know of anyone who makes Norwood replacement parts?

    • You could try contacting Webs as they were the last owners of the Norwood. Another idea would be to find a woodworker who could make the part for you. The ravelry group or one of the weaving groups o facebook would be a good place to find someone to measure it for you. Depends on the width and era that the loom was made as to the part. There is usually a plate on the loom that tells where it was built.Good luck!

  36. Right after I bought my Norwood 4 shaft loom, I searched for information on Wallace McGarr. I found his great grandson on fb. He has a metal art business. My loom was missing the crank handle on the sectional beam and he agreed to make me one. He also shared with me that he is contemplating taking up Wallace’s mantle and going into the loom building business. If anyone on this site is in need of anything for your loom, I’d be happy to pass along his information.

  37. I’m in need of a new cloth beam gear for my parlor sized Norwood. It’s made of cast aluminum, I think, and the teeth are worn out! Would appreciate hearing if he can possibly make or has one?
    Thanks for the info and research!

      • Hej,
        reading your discussion with BIG intrest. I am a swedish weaver and are looking for a new loom. Toika is a well known finnish company constructing weaving looms. They also sell their looms at “the woolery” in the US. When I lately looked up Toika’s homepage again Icould see “Norwood Jack Loom from Toika” – here is the link: http://www.hellotrade.com/toika-ky/norwood-jack-looms.html.
        I only could see that information on finnish and english. I thought it very intresting because in Europe we usually do not weave on Jack Looms…..
        I will try to find out if Toika is still manufacturing the “Norwood Loom”
        Kind regards, Crio

      • Very odd, they are not on their website at all just this Hellotrade site. There are none on the US Woolery site either. That would be interesting to know if they still make the looms. If they send them to the US and which company is selling them. Also if they make them in Sweden.

      • The Toika Norwood is listed in http://www.toika.fi. Then you only get the finnisch site. I will call them the next days and will try to find out if they still produce the Norwood Loom….you will hear from me.

      • Hellotrade is a dealers wbsite. Together with the offer of the Norwood Loom you get the telefonnumber of TOIKA.
        I called Toika today. Mona told me that they do not procuce the Nowood Jack Loom right now. They have one left. Toika has one agent in the US that deals with parts of the Norwood Loom and that is: http://www.yarn.com.
        Toika plans to produce the ” Jack Loom” in the future – but Mona did not know when…
        I myself think it is time to introduce Jack Looms in Europe. Ashford from New Zealand tries to do it already. I saw them on the “VÄV” exposition in Sweden last year.
        I give you the Link to TOIKA’S finnish website.

  39. I have a norwood floor loom 4harness 6 treadles and i am looking for a manual to tell me how to tie up the treadles to the harness

    • Most of the Norwood’s came with a chain tie up system. I bought a 40 inch Norwood that didn’t come with enough chains so I went to the local big hardware store and bought chains to match that would go over the hooks. Beyond that I’m sorry I haven’t any other ideas for you.

  40. Would you know of any classes in the area between Wausau & Eau Claire, WI. I am located in Medford, Wi

  41. Mike McGarr has now opened McGarr Norwood Loom Co. He’s offering replacement parts and hand forged handles, etc. Check out his fb page if you are in need of anything fixed, replaced or rebuilt. As owners of a Norwood Loom, we should all be followers of his fb page

  42. Contacted the McGarr FB page last night and received a response in five minutes! Hopefully able to make some new brakes and gears for my little girl! Thanks McGarr Norwood Looms!

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  45. I have a 4 shaft Norwood sectional loom I bought used 2 years ago. I took the crafts class but have been too intimidated to start and the weaver I bought it from doesn’t have time to give lessons. Thanks to you posting the manual, I found how to warp without the spoil rack, but I’m stuck on how to tie the yarn chain onto the back beam. I’m confused with all these cords. The way mine are tied on don’t allow to pull them off and tie to the chain. Any advice on this? I’m contemplating just tying to the pegs.

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  47. I just got a 4 harness 50 ” cherry Norwood and wondered if the sectional beam be turned over to become a plain beam like my Kessenich looms? Thanks, Lyvon

    • For some reason these are not being sent to my email. The pegs can be removed. I for one love my sectional beams and wish I could add them to a new to me Kessenich. The nice part is you don’t need to use paper or anything between the layers as you do on a plain beam.

  48. I just bought a Norwood loom, but the chains for the treadles are gone. I’ve managed to rig it up with Texsolv but I’m wondering if the length is correct. Would you happen to know how long the chains were originally? It’s a 440 from 1979 if that makes a difference. Thanks for any information you can offer.

    • I have an 8 harness Norwood so I can’t help. Have you tried the Facebook group? Very helpful and knowledgeable group! I always just leave the chains on it because the extra weight helps with the motion of the loom but others on FB have done that.

  49. Hi do you have any videos showing how to begin with the Norwood Loom. I’ve read over the manual but it still feels very daunting. I would love to watch someone using a Norwood loom, but couldn’t find anything online.

  50. I have a norwood boat shuttle and I love it. My loom is a small 8 harness and folds nicely. I dropped it when I was moving it alone one day, off a dolly. It has been repaired. I would be glad to photo the shuttle and wish I had three or four more. I had one made but it is larger. ( my friend never even saw a loom ) The shuttle is regular shuttle length and works very very well. Ask if you would like pictures of it. I will put it on a measured mat for the size details.

    Also…. thank you so much. I have woven on this loom for over 20 years. It is great. I have never had a booklet until now and have only the loom and shuttle. I have been working with a five yard warp of silk thread for two months. I will never do silk again. EVER!!!! This stuff is demon possessed and I have prayed over it too.
    Anyway,,, Never having had a booklet or instructions for tie up has never been a problem. This time ….. major issues. I was walking away from the loom one evening and heart a pop and plop. Two of the chains had come off and were in puddles under the loom. Being an old, arthritic, metal in leg, plus two replaced knees person….. this has been a nightmare. I am going to redo this tie up yet again.
    I hope it works!!!! I have NEVER had anything act so strangely as this weaving.
    I hope you are laughing….. my friends are. One even came to help and she thinks it is evil thread also. I have threatened more than once to cut it in 20 inch pieces and give the both skeins to an embroidery shop. The aggravation has been way more expensive than the hundred dollars the thread cost. giggle

    Once again, I have hope… because of the booklet. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
    From the middle of a tiny town in the middle of West Texas. We grow wool and mohair and cotton around here. I know those fibers. tee hee
    God is good. God Bless America.

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