Good loom for beginers
929242
Great loom for a beginner, but be sure to get yourself some extra beads and a good instruction book, what comes with the loom is very basic and incomplete in terms of creating anything . You will want patterns, and help with technique.
4577131
My 6 year old son and I picked up one of those $2 plastic looms and big cheap bag of loops at a hobby store here so he could make Christmas gifts for friends and family.  I quickly became frustrated with the warping loom, the ill-fitting and sometimes mismatched material.  If you're just making potholders for potholders, they might be fine, but if you're teaching a child to take pride in something they want to give to someone else, the bulk bags weren't working and the plastic loom was making me lose my mind.

After doing some research online, I noticed that many different bloggers indicated that they preferred this brand loom and loops.  Because I knew metal wouldn't warp during the weaving process and because this loom has gently curved pegs that are designed to help the loops stay on, I decided to try it.  I'm very pleased with the purchase.

The loom itself is heavy and sturdy.  The curved pegs do cut down on the loops falling off.  It does sometimes still happen, but not nearly as regularly as was happening with the plastic loom.  I have found that using a wide elastic rubberband on one side helps to keep the loops on as you weave.

This kit comes with a fair number of loops (I believe it says enough to make 6 holders, but that depends on your color choices), a sturdy metal... um... tool? weaver?  I don't know the name.  The thing you pull the loops with.  It also comes with a small plastic crochet needle for finishing off the edges.  It's not the easiest process, but the crochet tool does make it far easier than trying to use the metal tool, which I was doing with the plastic loom.  So the crochet needle is a good inclusion.

As I have read on some reviews, the loops do have some issues with being frayed.  Not a lot of them, but enough that you notice when working.  I try to snip the stray pieces off, but I don't know how much unraveling will happen long term.  But they are uniform in size and thickness - much preferable to the big bulk bag I bought of a different brand at the hobby store.  Most importantly, for me anyway, is the very rich color... They're simply beautiful.  I had actually bought 2 bags from the hobby store - one was nylon loops that had great color but were impossible to work with. The other bag was cotton and easier to use, but the colors were dreadful - not uniform, limited choices, not vivid.  I honestly feel like it was brown, green, white, blue, yellow, and some of the whites and yellows also had black in them.  Visually unappealing.  The Harrisville loops are simply beautiful.

This set and the replacement loops are much more expensive than the store brands, but in my opinion, the quality mostly compensates.  I'd give the product 4.5 stars if I could, just because of the much higher price of the loops compared to others and the fraying issue.

To me, it comes down to purpose.  For a child (or adult!) wanting to learn, you might try the cheap brands first and see if you have the patience.  You'll also much appreciate the upgrade of these looms and loops once you make the move.  For the less central gift receivers in my son's life, we'll use the cheaper loops on this much improved loom.  For the really special individuals, we'll use these beautiful loops.
1295928
I ordered this hoping there was a loom included but there isn't. There are lots and lots of bands and clips. Lots of colors. It is a good value.
1089417
I'm new to quilting so I wanted something easy to use and not very expensive. The cutter works great, is very sharp and very easy to use. The mat is good, but I wish it was a little bigger. The markings are easy to see and I like that it has 2 sides. I think this is a good product for beginners.
144102
This is a good one to begin with if you plan to do a lot of embroidery work. It will be fine for the limited amount I intend to do with my quilting.
1478295
This is a basic instructional DVD that is well done. The instructor speaks clearly and takes time with each step
to explain how to use this knitting loom. This is a welcomed addition to my craft library.
3517883
It will probably get better the more I get accustomed to using. I have never used a loom that large.
C. Brownlee
4467708
We finally got the chance to use this thread.  We had it about a month before our enbroidery machine arrived.

The thread is a wonderful way to get a good color assortment, to find out what you will really use and which ones you don't.
You can then buy larger spools of your favorite colors.

We did have one thread break on us - that was a bit of a pain, because our machine wouldn't let us rethread just that thread - we had to start the entire design over on a new piece of fabric.

All in all, not the top of the line, but a very decent basic thread, and the color assortment is a really great starting place.
663678
Both of my granddaughters learned quickly how to make simple bracelets and then moved on to more complex bracelets, rings and necklaces. They shared with their friends, who ultimately bought a loom for themselves.
1985771
Ordered this mainly for the loom included in the package (which is fairly sturdy plastic - as long as you treat it right it should last several years). The loops are cotton and, like most weaving loops, some of them are too small. Most of them are useable, though, and they're very pretty colors (though I'd prefer more orange). The package includes a pound of loops, a plastic loom, a metal hook, and instructions.

All in all, a good product. Delivered quickly.
1727519
My kids have spent hours upon hours making bracelets and building other projects.  The rainbow loom system has very small parts so caution should be used (as with any toy).  The loom seems to be of decent quality and has lasted a few months of heavy use already.  The whole system should last for a while, only needed added bands and clips.
1107573
I wanted to learn how to loom & saw this video.  It teaches you how to loom a scarf, hat, socks & slippers to get you started.  A must have for beginners.  It shows you how to loom from "your view" - easy to follow.
4135292
I have been learning to do bead weaving, and just got a loom to try.  I love the patterns and the instructions are clear.  I can't wait to try these patterns.
2035902
this was a gift to my niece, as she is a beginning knitter.  She loves it.  It is a way for her improve her skills without having to invest in a large project.
2682774
I bought this for my daughter, who is just starting to learn how to sew. I thought it was a good starters kit. When it arrived, she loved it. She is only 7 years old. And having the matching bobbins and spools of thread, makes things easier.
221244
This kit is a great beginner's cross stitch kit. It is on 14 count Aida which is a good size for beginners (other than young children who need a larger weave like 11 count.) You stitch the project right in the hoop and then the hoop acts as the frame for the project. I like this for beginner's who have tried a smaller project or for someone who is cross stitching again after years away from the hobby.  It is fairly gender neutral, so it is good for male and female cross stitchers.  I taught my son, my husband, and both my daughters to stitch and having gender neutral subjects in easy to stitch kits is a huge plus. I like Dimensions kits generally and recommend them highly.
2101159
This set is great for the person just starting out. It contains enough color combination to start with. A good basic start that you can add to over time.