Pre-loved Equipment & Tools

Quality weaving and spinning equipment are built to last. It is not uncommon for looms, spinning wheels and other fibre tools to be passed from one maker to another over many decades, continuing to support new projects and new hands.

Over the years, we have received many enquiries about whether pre-loved looms and spinning wheels are available in Singapore, and whether Craft Atelier purchases or accepts second-hand equipment. This page shares how we approach these requests and how we may be able to help.

Why people buy and sell pre-loved equipment

There are many reasons why equipment changes hands.

Sometimes, a maker is entering a different season of life and no longer has the time, space or opportunity to continue weaving or spinning. Others may be simplifying their collection, downsizing their studio, or moving home.

At other times, the reason is a happy one. As skills and interests develop, makers may discover that they need equipment with different capabilities or capacities. Selling a well-loved loom or spinning wheel allows it to continue being used while making room for the next stage of their own practice.

Whatever the reason, we believe good equipment deserves to continue being used where it can.

Does Craft Atelier buy pre-loved equipment?

At present, we do not purchase or accept pre-loved looms, spinning wheels or other fibre equipment and tools.

As much as we would like to preserve and re-home more equipment, our studio simply does not have the storage space to do so responsibly.

Any pre-loved equipment offered by Craft Atelier will only be:

• our former display pieces,
• retired workshop equipment, or
• equipment from our personal collections.

When these become available, they will be listed separately on our website or announced through our usual channels.

Looking for a buyer or seller?

Over the years, we have occasionally connected members of our community who were looking to buy or sell equipment.

If we happen to know of someone in Singapore who is searching for the type of equipment you are selling, or someone looking to part with something you have been hoping to find, we are always happy to introduce both parties.

Please note that these introductions are made purely as a community service.

All discussions, negotiations, inspections, payments, collections and other arrangements remain solely between the buyer and seller. Craft Atelier is not involved in the transaction and accepts no responsibility or liability for the outcome of any sale.

Inspection, verification and servicing

For buyers who would like additional confidence before making a purchase, we can, where appropriate, provide an independent inspection of equipment to assess its condition, authenticity and general suitability.

Similarly, sellers who wish to provide prospective buyers with an independent assessment may engage us to examine and document the condition of their equipment.

These services are available by appointment and charged at our prevailing service fees.

Where possible, we also offer:

• cleaning,
• servicing,
• maintenance,
• minor adjustments, and
• operational checks

for selected weaving and spinning equipment.

Not all equipment can be serviced, and the scope of work will depend on the make, model, age and condition of the item.

The local context

The community of contemporary handweavers and handspinners in Singapore is relatively small. As a result, pre-loved looms, spinning wheels and other specialised fibre equipment do not appear on the market very often.

When they do, availability can be limited, and listings may not always accurately describe the equipment being offered. In some cases, items may be labelled simply as "loom", "spinning wheel" or "knitting machine" without sufficient information to determine their capabilities, completeness or working condition.

We encourage all buyers to do their own research, ask questions, inspect equipment carefully where possible, and ensure that what they are purchasing matches their intended use.

Let us know what you're looking for

If you are hoping to find a particular loom, spinning wheel or fibre tool—or if youare looking to find a new home for one—feel free to get in touch with us.

While we do not maintain a waiting list or act as a broker, we will gladly keep your enquiry in mind. If we become aware of a suitable match within our community, we will be happy to introduce you to one another.

Sometimes, the right equipment simply needs the right next maker.