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@weavingloomsdirect.com (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.
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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 and is committed to continuous development in handweaving technology.
4. Louët (Netherlands) 🇳🇱
Headquarters: Lochem, Netherlands
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), the "Spring" (with a spring tension system), or the "Jane" table loom (lightweight, foldable, 8 shafts). In 2025, Louet acquired the yarn manufacturer Venne, as well as Schacht Spindle Company.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Netherlands).
Products: Louet product overview.
 Louët Spring II loom |
 Louët table loom Jane |
Price range: Mid-to-high. Louët looms are in the upper quality segment.
History: Founded in 1974 by Jan Louët Feisser. In 2024, Louët celebrated its 50th anniversary.
5. Toika (Finland) 🇫🇮
Headquarters: Akaa-Toijala, Finland
Website: www.toika.com (English/Finnish/German/Russian)
Special features: Toika is known for large Finnish looms, especially highly complex models with up to 16 shafts. Toika also manufactures spinning equipment and accessories.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Finland).
Products: Toika product overview.
 Toika Anni |
 Metal spreader Toika |
Price range: High to very high. Toika looms are professional tools priced accordingly.
History: Founded in 1898 by Gustaf Pihlgren in Kauhava, Finland. A five-generation family business.
6. Leclerc Looms (Canada) 🇨🇦
Headquarters: Québec, Canada
Website: www.leclerclooms.com (English/French)
Special features: Leclerc is a traditional brand with a very extensive product range from simple reed looms to large multi-shaft looms. Many North American weavers learned their craft on a Leclerc loom.
EU manufacturer: No, outside the EU (Canada).
Price range: Medium. Leclerc covers a wide range of price points.
History: Leclerc's beginnings date back to 1874, making it one of the oldest loom manufacturers in the world.
7. Lojan (Netherlands) 🇳🇱
Headquarters: Etten-Leur, Netherlands
Website: www.lojan.nl (Dutch/English)
Special features: Lojan is a startup founded in 2023 by Jan Louët and his daughter Loes van Aken. Products are delivered unassembled and untreated for affordable pricing.
EU manufacturer: Yes, in the EU (Netherlands).
Price range: Low to medium. Lojan's concept is premium functionality at an affordable price.
History: Founded in 2023, drawing on Jan Louët's expertise since 1973.
8. Schacht Spindle Company (USA) 🇺🇸
Headquarters: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Website: www.schachtspindle.com (English)
Special features: Schacht is one of the most well-known American manufacturers of weaving and spinning equipment. The range includes the small "Cricket" loom to large "Baby Wolf" and "Mighty Wolf" floor looms. In 2025, Schacht was acquired by Louet.
EU manufacturer: No, outside the EU (USA).
Price range: Medium to high.
History: Founded in 1969 by brothers Barry and Dan Schacht. Famous for the "Baby Wolf" loom (introduced 1984).
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.
- Availability in Germany: Is the manufacturer represented in Germany through a specialist retailer or online shop?
- Language & Instructions: Are there German instructions, measurements in centimeters, and customer service in German?
- Accessories & Spare Parts: Does the manufacturer offer a good range of shuttles, combs, heddles, etc.?
- Reputation & Tradition: Manufacturers with a long history often have tried and tested models.
- Value for money: A low-cost entry is nice – but in the long run, the investment in quality is often worth it.
Ultimately, there is no "one best" loom – just the right one for you. On our Berlin Weaving Machines page, you'll find a variety of high-quality looms and frames.
