Leclerc Loom History

Leclerc (previously known as Nilus Leclerc) has been advancing the field of handweaving for over a century and has produced a legacy of loom designs, most still being used around the world by satisfied customers. This page presents an overview of the basic Leclerc loom designs. Many of these have undergone changes over time as the company's designers have made enhancements to improve the products and have incorporated new materials and technologies. While many of the looms shown below are still being made, a number have been discontinued.

We have included the loom models that we know of but believe that there are more designs than what are shown below. If you have a loom not shown on this page or have an old Leclerc catalog, manual or piece of company literature that shows looms not listed below, please contact us so that we can add it to our growing collection!

Leclerc looms were manufactured with a "Leclerc" or "Nilus Leclerc" logo on the side or front. This logo changed over time and can be a way to help date the age of a loom. Our Leclerc Logo Guide shows the dates we believe these logos were used. Note that logos saying "Nilus Leclerc" on the side indicate the company name and not the "Nilus" loom model. Some looms had a sticker which indicated the model but many didn't or have lost them over time.

Note that we have an extensive selection of Repair Parts for both old and new Leclerc looms. We also have a large online collection of Leclerc Manuals.

Floor Looms

Artisat


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack and Countermarch (rare)
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 22", 24", 36"
Features: Both front & back beam fold for storage, Easily upgraded "4 shaft now, 4 shaft later" versions as well as a 8 shaft version with back hinge treadles and back beam stabilizer legs produced. Most Artisats have a 36" weaving width but for a short time a 22 inch version was also made.
Estimated Age: First appeared in 1968 as a 4 shaft loom with a built-in bench and the re-introduced without the bench in 1969 as the "Artisat IV" without the bench. By 1976 it was just refered to as the "Artisat". The 22 inch version was made some time after 1969 to 1975.
In 1973 they started using nylon jack supports, in the middle of 1974 Leclerc changed the shaft guides from vertical metal rods on each side of the castle as shaft guides to the current nylon pegs and in mid 1976 replaced the metal treadle brackets with wooden brackets. In 1982 an upgrade kit to turn a 4 shaft into an 8 shaft loom by attaching another 4 shaft castle was released.
Around 1984 Leclerc made a 24 inch version of the Artisat using the wooden shaft frames produced for the Compact loom.
Sometime around 1997 we believe the 8 shaft version of the Artisat with the single piece castle side was released along with a Countermarch version that was discontinued in 2001 when a Back Hinge Treadle version was introduced.
Serial Number Prefixes: "A-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Colonial


Status: Replaced with the Colonial I
Mechanisms: Jack or Counterbalance
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 45", 60"
Features: Beater can be set for Overhand or Underhand Operation, Frame held together with Wooden "keys", Back Beam folds for storage, easily convertible from Counterbalance to Jack and from 4 shaft to 8 shaft jack loom.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1976 and made until 1981 until it was replaced by the Colonial I. The Counterbalance configuration initially used a set of pulleys and two lower rollers with the pulleys being replaced with an upper roller as used in the Fanny and Mira looms.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Colonial I


Status: Replaced with the Colonial v2
Mechanisms: Jack or Counterbalance
Shafts: 4, 8, 12
Weaving Widths: 36" (Computer-Dobby only), 45", 60"
Features: Beater can be set for Overhand or Underhand Operation, Colonial "keys" replaced with Bolts, Back Beam folds for storage, easily convertible from Counterbalance to Jack and from 4 shaft to 8 or 12 shaft jack loom, 12/16 shaft Mechanical (1986 to at about 1993) and Computer-Dobby (1998 to 2003) versions also produced. In 2002 Leclerc added a Back-Hinge Treadle option. Sometimes confused with older "Handicraft Shoppe" model
Estimated Age: Introduced at the end of 1981 and made until 2009 when replaced by the Colonial v2

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Colonial v2


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 8, 12
Weaving Widths: 45", 60"
Features: Introduced in 2010, Leclerc redesigned the top of the castle with a pulley system to reduce treadling force, move the cables to the side out of the warp and improve the shed.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 2010.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Compact


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 24"
Features: Loom folds up for easy storage, 4 shaft easily upgraded to 8.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1985 this loom could be ordered with 4 or 8 shafts. Because the same castle was used for both configurations the 4 to 8 shaft upgrade was fairly inexpensive.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Diana


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 16
Weaving Widths: 24"
Features: Small Computer Dobby loom, originally known as the "Voyageur Computer Dobby" loom.
Estimated Age: Introduced as the Voyageur in 1999 and renamed as Diana in 2006.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Elite


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack, Counterbalance or Countermarch
Shafts: Up to 12
Weaving Widths: Unknown
Features: Billed as a "Professional handweaving loom for intensive production" it is believed to be more of a special order loom rather than a standard product.
Estimated Age: Shown in the late 1980's catalogs but not shown in the price lists.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

F-Series


Status: Replaced with the Fanny
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features:Back Beam folds in for storage. This early version of the Fanny was produced when Leclerc just used letters to designate their models. The "F" originally meant "folding" due to the fact that the loom was similar to the "M-Series" but with a folding back beam. Leclerc started calling this loom the "Fanny" sometime around 1957 soon after they replaced the ratchet brake and slip band on the warp beam with a friction brake.
Estimated Age: We believe this folding version of the "M" type loom was introduced in 1951 and was renamed the "Fanny" in about 1957. See our Fanny Loom History and Counterbalance Design Changes for more information.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Fanny


Status: Still Produced as a Special Order
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features:Back Beam folds in for storage. Early versions were refered to as "Series F" looms before Leclerc started naming looms.
Estimated Age: We believe the folding version of the "M-Type" was introduced in 1951 but Leclerc started referring to the loom as the "Fanny" around 1957. In 1998-2000 Leclerc produced an Upgrade kit to transform a Fanny into a Nilus 8 shaft Countermarch (with front hinge treadles). See our Fanny Loom History and Counterbalance Design Changes for more information.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Fanny II


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60"
Features: Shed Regulator included as standard, Back Beam folds in for storage.
Estimated Age: Introduced in the 2000 catalog. See our Fanny Loom History and Counterbalance Design Changes for more information..

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Handcraft Shoppe (P Model)


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 12
Weaving Widths: 45", 60"
Features: A predecessor to the Colonial, this loom uses bolts to hold the frame together and has cords that run down the side of the loom between the jacks and the lamms. Also called the "P Model" and sometimes confused with the Colonial I model.
Estimated Age: Early 1950's it was shown in the 1951 to 1955 but not in the 1949 or 1957 catalogs

More Information:
Partial Assembly Manual

Inca


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Counterbalance, Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 36"
Features: A low cost loom shipped un-assembled and un-finished to make it more affordable. Leclerc also tried to market this loom under a separate name with it's own logo so the Nilus or Leclerc logo may not be on the loom but instead an "Inca" sticker may have been used.
Estimated Age: 4 Shaft Counterbalance introduced in 1980 with 4 Shaft Jack in 1981 and 8 shaft Jack in 1982. Discountinued sometime between 1994 and 1996.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Industrial Loom


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Counterbalance, Jack
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 60"
Features: Heavy duty version of the Mira also called the "Studio" loom. This was a special order loom that may or may not have ever been sold.
Estimated Age: Shown in the 1969 and the 1970 catalogs but with no prices.

Initiation


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 32"
Features: Can be folded while warped for storage, height is adjustable.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1983 and discontinued in 1985.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Kebec


Status: Replaced with the Kebec II
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 90", 100", 120"
Features: Two sets of treadle sets which can be attached to the front or rear of the loom, overhead pulleys support the shafts.
Estimated Age: Shown in catalogs from 1937 to 1949 as the "90 inch loom" which was just a wide version of the Mira in 1951 Leclerc started calling it the "Double Loom" and in 1952 introduced a folding version like the "Fanny". In 1957 a "Nilus" 4 shaft jack version was also available with an 8 shaft available as a special order. Between 1963 and 1966 catalog the 90 inch was replaced with a 100 inch loom called the "Kebec" with a similar frame to the Mira. In 1980 a back-hinge treadle option was released as well as a 120 inch version. In 1982 the Kebec was replaced with the "Kebec II".
Serial Number Prefixes: "M-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Kebec II


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Counterbalance, Jack (rare)
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 100", 120", 168"
Features: Treadle sets (2 provided) are always attached to the front, Breast Beams are heavy duty hexagonal or round wooden rollers, Pulleys on Kebec replaced with dual wooden rollers in Counterbalance version.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1982 to replace the "Kebec" with a 100 and a 120 inch weaving width Jack (4 shaft) and Counterbalance versions. Between 1994 and 1997 the Jack version was discontinued. In 2001 a version with a weaving width of 168 inches was added.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

L Model


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 10, 12
Weaving Widths: 45"
Features: Similar Jack system as Multiple Shaft loom but Jacks are mounted overhead. Non-standard frame width and the front folds up for storage.
Estimated Age: Early 1950's it was shown in the 1949 to 1956 but not in the 1945 or 1957 catalogs.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Minerva


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 22"
Features: Front and Back Beams can be folded while warped for storage.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1975 it was made until early 1984 when a 8 shaft converison kit for the Artisat was released. In 1982 Leclerc switched the design from short metal beater swords to longer wooden ones. Some of the first Minerva looms were sold without a wooden brace between to tops of the castle sides on the front and back.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

M-Series


Status: Replaced by the Mira
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features: Similar to the Fanny but without folding back beam. This early version of the Mira was produced when Leclerc just used letters to designate their models. Leclerc started calling this loom the "Mira" sometime around 1955 when they replaced the ratchet brake and slip band on the warp beam with a friction brake. See our Counterbalance Design Changes for more information.
Estimated Age: We believe the original was made in 1924 but Leclerc's oldest loom, appears in the 1937 catalog and all catalogs after that as either the "M-Series" or the "Mira" until it was discontinued in 1986 and later replaced by the Mira II in 2000.
Serial Number Prefixes: "M-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Mira


Status: Replaced by the Mira II
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features: Similar to the Fanny but without folding back beam. Early versions were refered to as "Series M" looms before Leclerc started naming looms. Around 1955 Leclerc started referring to the loom as the "Mira" about the time the ratchet brake was replaced with a friction brake on the warp beam. See our Counterbalance Design Changes for more information.
Estimated Age: We believe the original was made in 1924 but Leclerc's oldest loom, appears in the 1937 catalog and all catalogs after that as either the "M-Series" or the "Mira" until it was discontinued in 1986 and later replaced by the Mira II in 2000. In 1998-2000 Leclerc produced an Upgrade kit to transform a Mira into a Nilus 8 shaft Countermarch (with front hinge treadles).
Serial Number Prefixes: "M-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Mira II


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Counterbalance
Shafts: 4
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60"
Features: Similar to the Fanny II but without folding back beam. Shed Regulator included as standard.
Estimated Age: Introduced in the 2000 catalog.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Multiple Harness Nilus


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 8, 12 (also 4 shaft)
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60"
Features: The predecessor to the Nilart, this loom had grooves in the inside of the wooden castle to guide the shafts and a cast iron jack system (see picture of mechanism here). On some versions there is a rectangular hole cut in the side of the castle.
Estimated Age: First appeared in the 1957 catalog as the "Multiple Harness Nilus" and then by 1966 was referred to as the "Nilart" for a short time. Between 1966 and the 1969 catalog, the cast iron jacks had been replaced with wooden version and the grooves for the shafts in the side of the castle had been replaced by metal rods making the loom what we normally refer to as the the Nilart. Many of the looms built before the "Nilart" name was used had a "Nilus" red sticker.

Nilart


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack, Countermarch (rare)
Shafts: 8, 12, 16 (60" only)
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60"
Features: Treadles can be attached to front of loom for 8 and 12 shaft, treadles can be attached to rear of loom for 12 and 16 shaft, back beam folds for storage, 8 to 12 and 12 to 16 shaft upgrades and jack to Countermarch conversion kits were available, Computer-Dobby 12 and 16 shaft versions (in both 45" or 60") produced.
Estimated Age: Version with wooden jacks first appeared between 1962 and 1966 in 8 or 12 versions both with a 12 shaft castle and in 36, 45 and 60 inch weaving widths. In 1971 the 36 inch was discontinued leaving just the 45 and 60 inch versions.

In 1973 we believe Leclerc added nylon Jack Supports to the ends of the Jacks for the shafts to sit on as well as using a "L" shaped jack design.

In 1975 Leclerc changed from using vertical metal rods on each side of the castle as shaft guides to the current nylon pegs (see pictures here).
In 1980 a slightly deeper version with 16 harnesses and Back-Hinge Treadles was introduced as well as a Back-Hinged Treadle option for the 8/12 shaft version. A Countermarch conversion kit was announced in 1997 and a Computer Dobby version of the 16 shaft in 1999. In 2000 all versions of the Nilart except for the Computer Dobby were discontinued. In 2004 with the introduction of the Weavebird, all Computer Dobby looms including the Nilart were discontinued.
Serial Number Prefixes: "N-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Nilus (early design)


Status: Replaced with the Nilus (without grooves in castle)
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60", 90"
Features: This early version of the Nilus used shafts with metal loops in each of the four corners that slide in grooves in the castle like the "Multi-Harness Nilus model". The first version also used a system of cast iron metal levers under and attached to the shafts similar to the "Multiple Harness Nilus". (see picture of shafts and the lever mechanism here). By 1960 Leclerc had replaced the metal levers with wooden jacks and lamms but the jacks were still attached to the shafts on the right and left side using a short metal bar. This is unlike the current version of the Nilus where the shafts rest on the outer end of the jacks.
The initial version of this loom did not have a folding back beam but later versions did. The jack mechanism was also available as a kit to convert "M-Series" counterbalance looms to this new Jack mechanism.
Estimated Age: First appeared in the 1955 catalog (but not 1952) as the first Leclerc Jack loom with a fixed back beam like the Mira. By 1957 it was shown with a folding back beam. By 1965 the design was changed to the current Nilus design with wooden jacks and the current shaft design without the loops. Vertical metal bars on each side of the castle acted as guides for the shafts.
Serial Number Prefixes: "N-", "NC-"

Nilus


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features: Unlike the early "metal" Nilus the back beam folds in for storage. Ability to buy as a 4 shaft and add 4 more shafts later, 8 shaft version with back hinge treadles is available. This. Note that because the company name was "Nilus" many Leclerc looms are incorrectly referred to as "Nilus" models because of the company name on the side.
Estimated Age: By 1965 the Nilus design was changed to wooden jacks like the current design and vertical metal rods were added to each side of the castle to guide the shafts instead of the grooves.
In 1973 Leclerc added nylon Jack Supports to the ends of the Jacks for the shafts to sit on.
In 1975 Leclerc changed from using vertical metal rods on each side of the castle as shaft guides to the current nylon pegs (see pictures here).
In 1982 an upgrade kit to turn a 4 shaft into an 8 shaft loom by attaching another 4 shaft castle was released. Also, sometime in 1986/1987 the Nilus was removed from the catalog but re-appeared in 1997 in 4 and 8 shaft versions with the single castle unit that is available today. In 1998-2000 Leclerc produced an Upgrade kit to transform a Nilus, Fanny or Mira into a Nilus 8 shaft Countermarch (with front hinge treadles).
Serial Number Prefixes: "N-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Nilus II


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack, Counterbalance or Countermarch
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60", 72"
Features:Folding back beam with stabilizer feet, convertible between Counterbalance, Jack and Countermarch, "4 Shaft Now, 4 Later" version can be easily upgraded to 8 shafts, Counterbalance version has integral shed regulator, optional versions of the jack loom are available with back hinge treadles.
Estimated Age: First appeared in the 1985 Price List with 4 shaft Jack and Counterbalance versions plus a the "4+4" kit to Upgrade the Jack to 8 shafts. A Countermarch version was introduced in 1997.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Therapeutic Nilus


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: Unknown
Weaving Widths: Unknown
Features: Modified Nilus Loom with adjustable tension settings to allow the loom to be used for rehabilitation purposes, loom allows graded resistance in elbow, wrist, plantar and shoulder movements and the base has been adjusted to fit a wheelchair.

Treadle Stands


Status: Dorothy, Meco and Medico Treadle Stands still Available
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4 or 8
Weaving Widths: 15", 15 3/4", 22", 24"
Features: A number of the Table Looms could be ordered with Treadle Stands that turned them into floor looms. This included the Jano, Meco, Medico and currently the Dorothy models. See Table Loom section below for more information on these looms.

Weavebird


Status: Replaced by the Weavebird v2
Mechanisms: Countermarch
Shafts: 16, 24 or 32
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features: A Computer-Dobby Loom that uses counterweights to deliver effortless treadling regardless of the shafts being selected.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 2002 as a 16 shaft, the 24 shaft was added in 2004 and the 36 shaft in 2008.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Weavebird v2


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Countermarch
Shafts: 16, 24 or 32
Weaving Widths: 27", 36", 45", 60"
Features: A number of enhancements to the Computer-Dobby Loom to reduce adjustment and make treadling easier.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 2010.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Table Looms

Bergere


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Rigid Heddle
Shafts: 1,2 Rigid Heddle
Weaving Widths: 15", 15 3/4", 24", 32"
Features: Currently only the 24" version is being produced.
Estimated Age: The 15 inch model was introduced in 1970 as the "Loom 360" and in 1972 was referred to as the "Bergere Loom No. 360". In 1975 a 24 inch version was added. In 1980 a 32 inch version was added and the width of the smaller model was increased slightly to 15 3/4 inch (40 cm) like the Dorothy and Nilec as part of Leclerc's adjustment to metric. In 1985 the 15 3/4 and 32 inch models were discontinued leaving the 24 inch. A version of the Bergere was also sold under the "Inca" brand name (see Inca description above). In 2010 a version of the 24 inch with 2 Rigid Heddles was introduced.
Serial Number Prefixes: "360-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Dorothy (Green model)


Status: Replaced with the Dorothy model
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 12, 16
Weaving Widths: 11", 15"
Features: Side mounted levers, simple expansion from 4 to 8 to 12 shafts through addition of 4 shaft box. We believe these are early versions of the Dorothy table loom that used a solid (non-folding) frame and warp/cloth beam ends as the "Jano" which required a crank handle with a square hole. The castle had a metal cover that was painted a greenish colour.
Estimated Age: We believe the Blue/Green versions were produced in the early 1960's (between 1963 and 1965) until they were replaced with the folding "Dorothy" looms with the wooden castle.

Dorothy


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 12, 16
Weaving Widths: 11", 15", 15 3/4", 24"
Features: Side mounted levers, loom collapses for easy transport and/or storage, simple expansion from 4 to 8 to 12 shafts through addition of 4 shaft box, optional table for 15 3/4" and stand with treadles for 24" version. There were also some narrow Green painted versions with a non-folding base produced.
This loom is said to be named after Dorothy Rankine, a strong promoter of handweaving in Manitoba.
Estimated Age: 11 and 15 inch versions shown in the 1966 catalog (not in the 1962) and the 11 inch was discontinued in 1969. The 15 inch model was widened slightly to 15 3/4" as part of the metric shift by Leclerc in 1976. It is believed the 24 inch version of the Dorothy was introduced some time from 1994 to 1996 and in 2006 with the introduction of a new treadle stand option it was renamed the Dorothy 24" v2.
Serial Number Prefixes: "D-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Iris


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4
Weaving Width: 32"
Features: Front mounted levers on top of loom, optional legs allowed it to stand on the floor.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1979 and built until the end of 1981.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Jano


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Width: 20"
Features: First Leclerc Table Loom, does not fold, metal side levers, optional treadle stand.
Estimated Age: Introduced sometime before 1937 as a 4 shaft. Sometime around 1950 an 8 shaft version and the treadle stand were introduced and the loom had been discontinued sometime between 1962 and 1966 when the Medico and Dorothy table looms appeared.
Serial Number Prefixes: "J-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Meco


Status: Replaced with the 24" Dorothy
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 12
Weaving Width: 22"
Features: Side mounted levers, loom collapses for easy transport and/or storage, simple expansion from 4 to 8 to 12 shafts through addition of 4 shaft box, optional stand with treadles makes it a floor loom. Meco looms have a removable wooden castle cover with a set of metal pins that stick up to hold it in place. Some Meco 8 shaft models with a single castle section (like the 8 shaft Medico) were produced but may have been special orders as there is no mention of these in the catalogs.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1975 in 4 and 8 shaft configurations with optional treadle stand. 12 shaft configuration introduced in 1976 and the Meco was discontinued in 1985. This loom is often confused with the slightly wider 24 inch Dorothy that replaced it.
Serial Number Prefixes: "ME-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Medico


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8
Weaving Width: 22"
Features: Primarily designed to replace the Jano with a wider weaving width, the Medico levers are bent forward making them accessable through the front. The Medico was sometimes refered to in the catalog as a "Medico S" which may mean the 8 shaft but was inconsistently used in the documentation. The loom also had an optional floor stand with 6 treadles. An improved version of the stand is still available.
Estimated Age:The 4 shaft version started shipping in 1963 with a non-folding base that had a wooden beater and warp/cloth beam ends like the Jano. 4 as well as 8 shaft versions (8 shaft called the "Medico S") are shown in the 1966 catalog along with optional stand and the base frame had changed to the folding design with 4 wood rails. The warp and cloth beam ends were switched to the newer design with screw in crank handles. In the early 1970's (1971-1972) the metal finger tabs on the levers were changed to plastic tipped ones and the lever to shaft connecter was simplified. The Medico was last made in 1974 when replaced by the Meco.
Serial Number Prefixes: "S-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Nilec


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 2
Weaving Width: 14, 15, 15 3/4"
Features: Very simple top mounted shaft selection lever, original model used "Jano" non-folding style frame with wooden beater and warp/cloth beams with square ends for the crank. Later versions use Dorothy beater, base, shaft frames and crank handles as Dorothy (pictures here) allowing the loom to fold and be converted to 4 shafts with addition of Dorothy 4 shaft box.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1957 as a 14 inch loom, it became a 15 inch by 1966 (changed wooden shaft frames to narrower metal frames) in 1976 is was widened slightly to 15 3/4" as part of the metric shift by Leclerc and discontinued mid 1984.
Serial Number Prefixes: "N-", "NC-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Voyageur


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Jack
Shafts: 4, 8, 12, 16 (Computer-Dobby 16 version also)
Weaving Widths: 9 1/2", 15 3/4", 24"
Features: Front mounted magnetic colour coded levers, loom collapses for easy transport and/or storage, comes with denim carrying bag, 24" 16 Shaft Computer-Dobby version.
Estimated Age: 9 1/2 and 15 3/4 inch 8 shaft versions introduced in 1998, 12 shaft 15 3/4 inch and 16 shaft 24 inch Computer Dobby in 1999, 4 shaft 15 3/4 inch in 2001, 4/8/12 shaft 24 inch models introduced in 2006.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Tapestry and Other Looms

Cameleon


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Inkle/Tapestry/Table Loom
Shafts: 4?
Weaving Widths: 15"
Features: Described by Leclerc as a "3 Loom Kit", this low cost, portable loom could be configured as an Inkle, Tapestry or very simple 4 harness loom with the harnesses constructed by the weaver using hand tied string heddles that were lifted using a set of dowels. Also referred to as the "3 Way Kit No. 7010".
Estimated Age: We believe this loom was sold under the "Inca" name for a very short period of time in the early 1980's.


More Information:
Manual Download Page

Cendrel


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Inkle Loom
Shafts: n/a
Weaving Widths: 6"
Features: floor standing inkle loom, heddle length is adjustable using the heddle carrier, can also be used as a warping frame to wind a warp up to 30 feet.
Estimated Age: Introduced in either 1971 or 1972 as a combination Inkle loom and warping board, the Cendrel was discontinued in 1984. New improved version re-introduced in 1999.
Serial Number Prefixes: "331-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Gobelin


Status: Still in Production (36, 45, 60 & 100)
Mechanisms: Tapestry
Shafts: 0, 2 (all except 100")
Weaving Widths: 36", 45", 60", 80", 100"
Features: Vertical Tapestry Loom modeled after those used in the Gobelin school in Paris, can be ordered without shafts/beater or with 2 shafts/treadles and vertical beater, heavy screws lower the bottom beam to create a high tension on the warp.
Estimated Age: In their 1969 catalog Leclerc introduced a vertical Tapestry Loom called the "Gobelin" in 36, 45 and 60 inch widths that had a very light frame. On the same page a section called "Special Order Looms" has a picture of a loom that more resembles the current Gobelin design. This "Gobelin light" is shown a stronger frame in the 1972 catalog and by 1976 more closely resembles the Gobelin loom of today. In 1974 to 1976 the 36 inch model disappeared from the catalog and in 1978 an 80 inch version was added to the 45 and 60 inch models being sold. Between 1994 and 1997 the 80 inch Gobelin was discontinued, the 36 inch was re-introduced and an optional 2 shaft kit was added. In 1998 a 100 inch version was added.
Serial Number Prefixes: "GOB-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Hooked Rug Loom


Status: No Longer Produced
Shafts: n/a
Weaving Widths: 36"
Features: Floor standing loom with two beams designed to hold burlap under tension for rug hooking. Made in a number of variations over the years and originally called a "Carpet Loom".
Estimated Age: Introduced sometime between 1938 and 1940 there were varios versions of this loom which was discontinued in 1976.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Inca Frame


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Frame
Shafts: 0
Weaving Width: 15 3/4", 24"
Features: Weaving Frame with warp tension controlled via 2 screws at the top. Also marketed unter the separate "Inca" brand as well.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1980 and discontinued in 1985.

Maya


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms:1 Rigid Heddle
Shafts: 0
Weaving Width: 15 3/4", 24"
Features: Back-strap loom for teaching basic weaving techniques.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1972 in a 15 inch with a 24 inch model added in 1975. In 1976 the 15 became a 15 3/4 inch (40 cm) with Leclerc's adoption of the metric system. Both models discontinued in 1985.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Penelope


Status: Replaced with the Penelope II
Mechanisms: Tapestry
Shafts: 0 or 1 (via Rigid Heddle)
Weaving Widths: 22", 24"
Features: Vertical Tapestry Loom using a single rigid heddle, folds for easy transport.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1970 as the "Table Model Tapestry Loom No 375" with a 22 inch weaving width and became the Penelope 375A in 1972 when Leclerc added a rigid heddle to the design. Basically a small table top version of the Tissart, it dissapeared from the Leclerc catalogs in 1985 but re-appeared sometime between 1994 and 1997 with a 24 inch weaving width until it was replaced with the Penelope II in 2001.
Serial Number Prefixes: "TA-", "T-"

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Penelope II/III


Status: Still in Production
Mechanisms: Tapestry
Shafts: 2 Rigid Heddles
Weaving Widths: 22 1/2"
Features: Vertical Tapestry Loom using 2 rigid heddles, folds for easy transport.
Estimated Age: This is a small table-top tapestry loom modeled after the earlier floor model Tissart. Introduced in 2001 replacing the slightly wider Penelope model it has 2 Rigid Heddles instead of the single one supported by earlier Penelope looms. In 2017 Leclerc made some minor modifications including adding an upper breast beam and started calling the loom the Penelope III.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Rogelec


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Tapestry
Shafts: 0
Weaving Width: 45"
Features: Vertical tapestry frame with 2 tension control screws on top.
Estimated Age: Introduced in 1980 and discontinued in 1984.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Tissart


Status: No Longer Produced
Mechanisms: Tapestry
Shafts: 2
Weaving Width: 24", 36", 45", 60"
Features: Billed as "A Tapestry Loom for Artists" this vertical loom has two counterbalanced shafts that slide horizontally along with 2 foot treadles and a beater that moved up and down.
Estimated Age: Introduced sometime between 1946 and 1947 and orginally called the "Tapestry and Rug Loom" with a 45 inch weaving width. By 1951 there were both 24 and 45 inch versions with the 24 inch disappearing from Leclerc catalogs by 1955. By 1966 it was known as the Tissart and in late 1969 both 36 and 60 inch versions were released with the 36 inch being discontinued in 1973 or 1974 leaving just the 45 and 60 inch until the Tissart was discontinued in 1988 or 1989. This collection of catalog pictures shows how the loom shape changed over the years.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Leclerc Accessories

Horizontal Warping Mill


Status: No Longer Produced
Features: Warping Mill with built-in counter to measure and then warp the loom directly.
Estimated Age: Initially appeared between 1953 and 1955 and then discontinued in late 1969.

More Information:
Manual Download Page

Leclerc Spinning Wheels


Status: No Longer Produced
Features: A number of models were manufactered by Leclerc over the years. Everything we know about them is on our Leclerc Spinning Wheel Information Page.

Other Leclerc Manuals


We have a collection of other manuals and Leclerc Documentation covering a wide range of products such as:
Full Manual Index

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Last Updated: Friday January 23rd, 2024