Give the table three measurements
Measure the clear width, usable depth and the edge where you expect to clamp or support the loom. The first is the planner’s initial screen; the others still need a physical check. Remove whatever normally lives on the table before measuring, or deliberately reserve space for it. A setup that fits only after moving the dining room every time may be a different choice from a permanent craft corner.
Distinguish clearance from comfort
Schacht publishes overall Cricket widths of 13.5 and 18.5 inches for its two weaving widths. Those figures let the planner reject an obviously too-narrow workspace. They do not describe elbow room, shuttle movement, table strength or an acceptable working posture. Even a ‘frame width clears’ result remains a request to test the whole arrangement. Ashford candidates remain conditional here because this catalog has not verified their complete frame dimensions.
Consider the warping setup too
A direct-warping project involves the loom, peg and intended warp path. Plan that setup before filling the warp beam. Check the current manufacturer instructions for how its clamps and peg attach to your surfaces, and keep the route clear of foot traffic. A stand may improve your preferred weaving position, but does not automatically solve every preparation or storage problem.
Do a small rehearsal before spending more
Mark the confirmed outside dimensions on the work surface, sit where you would weave, and move through the motions of passing and receiving a shuttle. Then identify where the loom will live between sessions. This rehearsal is not a substitute for the assembly manual, but it often reveals which measurement you forgot to request. If a seller cannot confirm a frame dimension or a mounting detail, keep the purchase conditional rather than rounding the uncertainty away.