Which Leclerc Loom Is Right for Me?
There are four types of loom here and seven models. Start with the room you have and the weaving you want to do, and the list narrows quickly.
Start here
New to weaving, or happy with plain weave and simple patterns?
Look at the Bergère, a 24" rigid heddle loom.
Want 4 shafts on a table, or a loom you can carry?
Look at the Dorothy or the Voyageur.
Want a floor loom, but short on space?
Look at the Compact or the Artisat. Both fold, even with weaving on the loom.
Have room for a full size floor loom?
Look at the Nilus (jack) or the Fanny II (counterbalance).
The lineup at a glance
| Loom | Type | Weaving width | Weight | Folded or collapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergère | Rigid heddle, table | 24" | 10 lbs (shipping) | n/a |
| Dorothy | 4 shaft, table | 15¾" or 24" | 16 or 22 lbs | Collapses for carrying and storage |
| Voyageur | 4 shaft, folding table | 15¾" or 24" | 16½ or 25 lbs | 13" x 9" x 20" or 28½" x 11¼" x 20½" |
| Compact | 4 shaft, folding floor (jack) | 24" | 72 lbs | 21" deep |
| Artisat | 4 shaft, folding floor (jack) | 36" | 95 lbs | 14" deep |
| Nilus | 4 shaft, floor (jack) | 36", 45" or 60" | 118, 130 or 158 lbs | 25" deep |
| Fanny II | 4 shaft, floor (counterbalance) | 36", 45" or 60" | 118, 130 or 158 lbs | 25" deep |
Jack or counterbalance?
Jack (Nilus, Compact, Artisat)
The shafts lift independently, so any tie-up combination is possible.
Counterbalance (Fanny II)
The shafts are linked, so some rise while others sink. It is limited to 4 shafts.
- Your loom is ordered from Leclerc after you place your order.
- Lead time is typically 2 to 4 weeks (2 weeks for the Bergère). We confirm it with you after you order.
- Shipping is free on every loom except the Bergère. A flat handling fee is added at checkout.
- Leclerc guarantees every loom for one year, covering materials and workmanship.
Leclerc accessories are in stock and ship same day or next day, so you can get back to your weaving. Special orders always welcome for stands, benches, sectional warp beams and parts.
Loom by loom: what to like, and what to keep in mind
Bergère 24" rigid heddle table loom
- A good fit if you are new to weaving
- Choose one or two rigid heddles
- Plain weave, pick-up patterns, small tapestries and wall hangings
- Plain weave loom; patterns come from a pick-up stick, not shafts
- The only loom with a flat shipping and handling charge
Dorothy 4 shaft table loom, 15¾" or 24"
- Collapses for carrying and storage
- Colored lever tabs show which shaft you are lifting
- A table loom, so it needs a table or stand
- 4 shafts; levers are on the right
Voyageur 4 shaft folding table loom, 15¾" or 24"
- Folds down for travel and small spaces; the 15¾" size comes with a carrying bag
- The 24" size has a friction brake to advance the cloth without stopping
- Front levers numbered from the right, or from the left at no extra charge
- A table loom, so it needs a table or stand
- 4 shafts; the 24" size weighs 25 lbs
Compact 24" 4 shaft folding floor loom (jack)
- Folds even after weaving has started
- Wheels on all four posts; six treadles
- A sectional warp beam can be added
- 72 lbs, and 35" deep when open
- 24" is the widest it goes
Artisat 36" 4 shaft folding floor loom (jack)
- A wide loom for limited space: folds to 14" deep with weaving on it
- Six treadles and any tie-up combination
- A sectional warp beam can be added
- 95 lbs
- 46" wide overall, even when folded
Nilus 4 shaft jack floor loom, 36", 45" or 60"
- Shafts move independently, which Leclerc says suits any type of fiber
- Friction brake; removable front and back beams
- Folds to 25" deep; Leclerc notes it suits weavers with shorter legs
- 118 to 158 lbs
- 40" deep open, 45" tall, and 46" to 70" wide
Fanny II 4 shaft counterbalance floor loom, 36", 45" or 60"
- A design handweavers have favored for over 60 years
- Treadles are easy to reach, which is comfortable over long sessions
- Shed regulator switches between balanced and unbalanced weaves
- Limited to 4 shafts
- 118 to 158 lbs, 58½" tall, and 36½" deep open