In this article, we present an overview of the eight major manufacturers of looms and weaving frames . Especially for newcomers to weaving, it's helpful to know which companies exist, where they're located, and what their special features are. We examine traditional manufacturers (not electronic or industrial weaving machines, but rather devices for hand weavers) and answer the most important questions in the format of fact sheets.
We cooperate with almost all leading manufacturers and offer what is arguably the most comprehensive and specialized selection of looms, weaving frames, and accessories in Germany. If you're looking for equipment, we'd be delighted if you took a look at our website – Berliner Webstühle.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by email at kundenservice@webstuhl.shop (Germany based but fluent in English) or by phone at +49 30 23257079 (we speak English).
1. GAV Glimåkra (Sweden) 🇸🇪
Headquarters: Oxberg, Mora in Sweden – Production takes place in the heart of Sweden, in the town of Oxberg/Mora.
Website: www.gavglimakra.se (Swedish/English)
Special features: Glimåkra stands for Traditional Swedish looms. The product range extends from ribbon looms and reed looms to large countermarch floor looms. Glimåkra looms are modular and extremely robust – ideal for sophisticated patterns and rugs. Many weavers appreciate the classic wooden construction (no nails!) and the extensive range of accessories. This makes Glimakra one of the few manufacturers today that still produces custom-made weaving combs.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Sweden).
Products : You can find an overview of the Glimakra products available from us here: Glimakra product overview.
|
Glimakra Standard Loom |
Glimakra Susanna loom |
Price range: Higher. Due to their size and quality, Glimåkra floor looms are a larger investment. Simple models (e.g., table or band looms) are more affordable, while the large countermarch looms are more expensive and aimed at ambitious weavers. Production is largely done by hand and is less automated than, for example, Ashford.
Instructions in English? Yes, Glimåkra offers instructions only in English and Swedish. Overall, the quality of the instructions (as of 2025) is unfortunately not particularly convincing. For this reason, we create our own assembly instructions in written and video formats – for example, these instructions for the Emilia loom: Instructions Emilia or the video instructions below for the Julia loom:
History: Today's GAV Glimåkra AB combines two traditions: the Glimåkra loom brand, founded in 1950 by Lennart Persson and Yngve Nilsson in Skåne, and the GAV company, founded in 1926 by Gunnar Andersson to manufacture weaving accessories. Glimåkra was acquired by the Bonnier Group in 1975 and developed into a globally renowned supplier. Since 1999, loom production and trademark rights have belonged to GAV, which relocated production to Oxberg in Dalarna. Today, GAV Glimåkra represents nearly 100 years of craftsmanship in the service of weaving.
2. Kromski & Sons (Poland) 🇵🇱
Headquarters: Wolsztyn, Poland – Here the Kromski family has been running its workshop for three generations.
Website: www.kromski.com (English/Polish/German)
Special features: Kromski is a traditional family business, known for beautiful wooden spinning wheels and, for several years now, also for weaving looms. The Kromski Harp Forte (formerly "Fiddle" ) looms are folding reed-weaving looms with a classic design. In addition to looms, Kromski also offers accessories and spinning supplies—all crafted with great attention to wood and often available in exquisite wood finishes (e.g., walnut). While Kromski makes wonderful weaving looms, shaft-type looms are not currently part of the product range.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Poland).
Products : You can find an overview of the Kromski products available from us here: Kromski product overview.
Kromski Harp Forte Loom |
 Kromski leaf cutter |
Price range: Fairly affordable to mid-range. Kromski products are attractively priced compared to some more established brands. The Kromski Presto is arguably the most attractive entry-level loom currently available on the market in terms of value for money. So, you get a lot of value for your money—robust construction at a moderate price.
Instructions in German? Unfortunately, not – Kromski offers instructions in English and Polish. However, the instructions are of very high quality and generously illustrated. In our experience, you can assemble the frames with them without any problems, even if you don't speak English.
History: Founded in 1918 by Leon Kromski as a wood turning shop. After a disruption caused by World War II, his son rebuilt the company in the 1960s. Since then, the family (now Wojciech Kromski) has continued the tradition. Initially, they primarily manufactured spinning wheels; weaving machines were added a few decades ago. The "Kromski & Sons" brand thus represents over 100 years of craftsmanship in the textile industry.
3. Ashford (New Zealand) 🇳🇿
Headquarters: Ashburton, New Zealand – A family-run company based on the South Island.
Website: www.ashford.co.nz (in English)
Special features: Ashford has been the world market leader for hand-operated spinning wheels and looms for decades. The products are made from sustainably sourced hardwood (beech) and often come as kits that can be easily assembled by the user. This reduces costs and makes the devices beginner-friendly. While Ashford also manufactures looms (such as the Jack Loom), the New Zealand manufacturer is considered by many hand weavers to be the number one in the loom sector. The range of different models is extensive, and there are plenty of accessories.
EU manufacturer: No, outside the EU (New Zealand). However, there are global dealer networks that distribute Ashford products in Europe.
Products : You can find an overview of the Ashford products available from us here: Ashford product overview.
Ashford 8-shaft table loom |
Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom |
Price range: Moderate. Ashford focuses on affordable quality – efficient manufacturing, and products are designed to be affordable for many people. For example, Ashford's table and frame looms are mid-range priced and offer good value for money.
Instructions in German? Unfortunately, no – Ashford offers instructions in English. However, the instructions are of very high quality and generously illustrated. In our experience, you can easily assemble the weaving device even if you don't speak English.
History: Founded in 1934 by Walter Ashford, Ashford has produced more than 900,000 spinning wheels and looms in its more than 90-year history. The company remains family-owned to this day (members of the Ashford family currently manage the company) and is committed to continuous development in handweaving technology.
4. Louët (Netherlands) 🇳🇱
Headquarters: Lochem, Netherlands – The production site is located in Lochem (Gelderland province) on the “Kwinkweerd” industrial site.
Website: www.louet.nl (Dutch/English/German)
Special features: Louët stands for modern Dutch design in the weaving and spinning sectors. Louët looms often have innovative design features: for example, the "David" (a compact 8-shaft counter-march loom with a forward-leaning shaft movement), the "Spring" (with a spring tension system for even tension), or the "Jane" table loom (lightweight, foldable, 8 shafts). Louët products are known for their high-quality workmanship, yet a rather simple, functional appearance. In addition to looms, Louët also produces spinning wheels that are popular worldwide (such as the Louët S10, a classic since 1974). In 2025, Louet acquired the yarn manufacturer Venne, as well as the weaving machine and spinning wheel manufacturer Schacht Spindle Company (further on our list).
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Netherlands).
Products : You can find an overview of the Louet products available from us here: Louet product overview.
 Louët Spring II loom |
 Louët table loom Jane |
Price range: Mid-to-high. Louët looms are clearly in the upper quality segment; the prices reflect this. Entry-level models such as small table looms are still affordable, while electronic dobby looms (like Louët's "Megado") are very expensive. Overall, however, we consider Louët to be fairly priced for the engineering expertise and durability offered.
History: Founded Founded in 1974 by Jan Louët Feisser (industrial designer) together with Clemens Claessen, the company began in a converted chicken coop, where Jan Louët developed his first spinning wheel (the S10). Thanks to the handcraft boom of the 1970s in the Netherlands, Louët grew rapidly – in 1976, they moved to a farm and in 1979, to a larger factory in Lochem. Louët remained a family business: Jan Louët Feisser served as managing director for many years; today, his son continues the business. In 2024, Louët celebrated its 50th anniversary and is proud of its multi-generational corporate culture.
5. Toika (Finland) 🇫🇮
Headquarters: Akaa-Toijala, Finland – Toika has its headquarters and store in Toijala (town of Akaa), about 140 km north of Helsinki.
Website: www.toika.com (English/Finnish/German/Russian)
Special features: Toika is known for Large Finnish looms, especially highly complex models. Toika builds traditional countermarch looms (up to 16 shafts or more), but also offers modern computer-assisted handlooms (e.g., electronically controlled dobby looms for professional weavers). The machines are extremely sturdy (many are made of Finnish birch) and designed to last for generations. In addition to looms, Toika also manufactures spinning equipment and accessories for other handcrafts (e.g., tufting frames, bobbin lace making equipment). Toika's slogan is "Our second century of progress and innovation" – reflecting both its sense of tradition and its ongoing development.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Finland).
Products : You can find an overview of the Toika products available from us here: Toika product overview.
 Toika 2-shaft floor loom Anni |
 Metal spreader from Toika |
Price range: High to very high. Toika looms are professional tools and are priced accordingly. Simple standard models start in the upper four-figure euro range; for computer-controlled or very wide looms, the costs can rise significantly. In return, however, you get top quality from decades of experience – Toika looms are considered a purchase for life .
History: Toika is a five-generation family business. Founded in 1898 by Gustaf Pihlgren in Kauhava, Finland, the company moved to Toijala in 1920. Initially, the company manufactured weaving accessories (e.g., mechanically woven banisters as its first product). After World War II, Toika also began building looms to meet the needs of Finnish textile artisans. In the 1980s, Toika was one of the first manufacturers to develop computer-controlled handlooms. To this day, the company is owned by the same founding family and has built a reputation for quality and innovation.
6. Leclerc Looms (Canada) 🇨🇦
Headquarters: Québec, Canada – The Leclerc company is based in the province of Québec (historically located in St.‑Isidore and L'Islet).
Website: www.leclerclooms.com (English/French)
Special features: Leclerc is a traditional brand with a very extensive product range. The offering ranges from simple reed looms and table looms (e.g., the "Dorothy" model) to large multi-shaft looms (e.g., the "Nilus" and "Mira" countermarch looms). Many North American weavers learned their craft on a Leclerc loom – the machines are considered solid, reliable, and time-tested. Leclerc also offers a wide range of accessories, spare parts, and manuals, which is especially appreciated for older, used looms.
EU manufacturer: No, outside the EU (Canada).
Products : We currently do not stock any Leclerc weaving machines. However, upon request, we can import Leclerc looms for our customers, clear customs, and deliver them within Europe. Please contact us by email: kundenservice@webstuhl.shop
Price range: Medium. Leclerc covers a wide range of price points: Small school looms are relatively inexpensive, whereas large dobby looms can cost several thousand euros. Overall, however, Leclerc offers competitive prices and a lot of tradition for the money in the North American market.
History: Leclerc's beginnings date back to 1874, making it one of the oldest loom manufacturers in the world. The company was founded by Alfred Leclerc; later, his son Nilus Léonidas Leclerc (1875–1961) took over the factory and gave the brand its well-known name , Nilus Leclerc . The first factory was built in L'Islet, Quebec, around 1906. Leclerc developed numerous loom models throughout the 20th century and significantly influenced hand weaving in North America. More than 100 years later, Leclerc is still active and is managed today by Leclerc Looms Inc.—a testament to the longevity of this traditional brand.
7. Lojan (Netherlands) 🇳🇱
Headquarters: Etten-Leur, Netherlands – Lojan is a young company based in the Netherlands.
Website: www.lojan.nl (Dutch/English)
Special features: Lojan is a new startup in the weaving and spinning market, founded in 2023. Interesting fact: Lojan is run by Jan Louët (the founder of Louët) and his daughter Loes van Aken – the name Lo-Jan is a combination of their first names. Lojan produces spinning wheels and table looms that are affordable yet durable thanks to intelligent design . The philosophy: high quality, but cost-saving through customer cooperation – the products are delivered unassembled and untreated, allowing the customer to assemble them themselves and oil/varnish them as desired. This reduces production and transport costs and allows Lojan to offer affordable prices without compromising on quality.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Netherlands).
Products : Lojan is a brand new manufacturer. We are already in contact and will offer all products, but Lojan is currently (summer 2025) not yet able to ship.
Price range: Low to medium. Lojan's concept is to offer premium functionality at an affordable price. Lojan looms and spinning wheels are actually more affordable than comparable competitor products – a new Lojan table loom, for example, costs only a few hundred euros. This makes Lojan particularly attractive to beginners and price-conscious hand weavers. Time will tell whether this will be sustainable in the long run.
History: Founded in 2023. Although the brand is young, it draws on the vast expertise of co-founder Jan Louët, who designed his first spinning wheel back in 1973. In a sense, Lojan marks a new chapter for the Louët family in the world of handcrafting. After just a short time, Lojan has gained recognition, with many weavers eager to see what new ideas the father-daughter team brings to the market.
8. Schacht Spindle Company (USA) 🇺🇸
Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, USA – The company operates its own production facility there with around 50 employees.
Website: www.schachtspindle.com (English)
Special features: Schacht is one of the most well-known American manufacturers of weaving and spinning equipment. The product range is very broad: from the small "Cricket" loom (15 inches, a popular entry-level loom) and compact table looms to the large "Baby Wolf" folding looms and "Mighty Wolf" floor looms. Schacht places extreme emphasis on workmanship quality – every part is carefully manufactured and tested ("Quality is paramount at every step"). Innovation and continuous improvement are part of the company philosophy. In 2025, Schacht was acquired by the Dutch manufacturer Louet.
EU manufacturer: No, outside the EU (USA).
Products : We currently do not stock any shaft weaving machines. However, upon request, we can import shaft looms for our customers, clear them through customs, and deliver them within the EU. Please contact us by email: kundenservice@webstuhl.shop
Price range: Medium to high. Schacht looms are high-quality and correspondingly expensive, especially the larger models. However, Schacht has also introduced more affordable entry-level models (e.g., the Cricket loom) to make it easier for hobby weavers to get started. Overall, Schacht is considered a premium brand with long-lasting durability—a purchase for life.
History: Founded in 1969 by brothers Barry and Dan Schacht during the hippie era in Colorado, their first business was manufacturing hand spindles and small looms for learning purposes. Over the next 50 years, Schacht grew from a garage business to a leading manufacturer with hundreds of products. Famous Schacht looms, such as the "Baby Wolf" (a folding 4- to 8-shaft floor loom, introduced in 1984), are now found worldwide. Despite growth, Schacht remains true to its policy of selling only through specialty retailers and maintaining local manufacturing in the USA.
Conclusion
Choosing the right loom depends on many factors. Selecting the right manufacturer is one of them.
If you are wondering which loom or manufacturer is right for you, you can use the following criteria as a guide:
- EU manufacturers : With European brands, spare parts supply is usually easier, and there are no shipping costs or customs duties – ideal for anyone who wants uncomplicated service.
- Availability in Germany : Is the manufacturer represented in Germany through a specialist retailer or online shop? This facilitates inquiries, repairs, and the purchase of accessories.
- Language & Instructions : Are there German instructions, measurements in centimeters, and customer service in German? This can be crucial, especially during assembly and with the first projects.
- Accessories & Spare Parts : Does the manufacturer offer a good range of shuttles, combs, heddles, roller devices, etc.? This is also important in the long term to remain flexible.
- Reputation & Tradition : Manufacturers with a long history often have tried and tested models in their range that have proven themselves thousands of times in practice.
- Value for money : A low-cost entry is nice – but in the long run, the investment in quality, stability and comfort is often worth it.
Ultimately, there is no "one best" loom – just the right one for you. Don't be overwhelmed by the variety; instead, focus on your goals, your budget, and your available space. And if you're unsure, contacting a local specialist dealer is often helpful.
On our Berlin Weaving Machines page, you'll find a variety of high-quality looms and frames. It's worth a look!
