Toika Alvar Loom

Available for pre-order: The Alvar is brand new from Toika. The first batch is being built in Finland right now, and we ship at the end of 2026 or in January 2027.

Compact floor loom with 8 shafts and a hanging beater

Lots of weavers would love a proper countermarch loom but don't have a dedicated weaving room. That is exactly who Toika built the Alvar for. It stands on 81 x 81 cm, so it takes up little more space than an armchair, yet you still get 8 shafts, 8 treadles and a hanging beater like on the big Finnish looms.

With a 70 cm weaving width you can weave scarves, towels, table linen and fabric for clothing. Using the double-width technique, even blankets up to 140 cm wide are possible. The frame is solid birch and feels really stable despite its compact size.

Why countermarch and a hanging beater?

On a countermarch loom every shaft is actively moved up or down. That gives you a clean, even shed, even when you use all 8 shafts for twills, huck or block weaves. The hanging beater swings from above and packs the weft evenly without much effort, which is very pleasant for fine and medium-weight fabrics.

If you mainly want to weave rugs that need a really firm beat, we would rather recommend the Toika Jaana, the Toika Liisa or the Toika Eeva.

Details that make weaving easier

• Removable breast beam: you can easily reach the shafts and heddles when threading and beaming.
• Crank handle and cloth advance lever within reach from the bench.
• Tall birch frame that stays put while you beat.
• Fully equipped with tie-up kit, 500 Texsolv heddles and reed, so you can start weaving right after assembly.

Technical data

Weaving width	70 cm
Shafts	8
Treadles	8
System	Countermarch
Beater	Hanging beater
Frame	81 x 81 x 139 cm
Overall dimensions incl. beater, crank and lever (W x D x H)	96 x 99 x 150 cm
Weight	36 kg
Material	Solid birch
Manufacturer	Toika, Finland
Delivery	2 packages

What's included

• Toika Alvar loom with hanging beater
• 8 shaft sets (jacks, shafts and lamms)
• 8 treadles
• Lease sticks (cross sticks)
• Front and end sticks
• Tie-up kit
• 500 Texsolv heddles
• Stainless steel reed 40/10
• Assembly and operating instructions

Matching accessories

The Toika Laila loom bench, warp sticks, beam aprons, shuttles and a metal temple go well with the Alvar. Just get in touch and we will put together a package for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Alvar suitable for beginners?
Yes. If you have already woven on a rigid heddle or table loom and want to move up to a floor loom, the Alvar is a great fit. It comes fully equipped and is easy to understand.

When will the Alvar be delivered?
Toika is building the first batch right now. We ship at the end of 2026 or in January 2027. As soon as we have an exact date, we will let you know.

How much space do I need?
Including beater, crank and lever, the Alvar needs a footprint of 96 x 99 cm. Leave some room in front for the bench and it fits into a normal living room or study.

Can I weave wider than 70 cm?
With the double-width technique you can weave blankets up to 140 cm wide. If you regularly want to weave wider, have a look at the Toika Liisa, which is available up to 150 cm weaving width.

Can I weave rugs on the Alvar?
Light rugs are fine. For dense rugs with a firm beat, the Toika Jaana, Liisa or Eeva are the better choice.