Description
The Toika Liisa countermarch floor loom is a large traditional Scandinavian floor loom built from high-quality, air and kiln-dried Finnish birch. Its rigid frame is designed to handle a vast array of weaving projects from light transparent fabrics to dense twill cloth and heavy rugs.
Key Features and Benefits
Traditional Countermarch Action. Liisa’s countermarch action both raises and lowers shafts to give a big open shed with light treadling, making long weaving sessions comfortable.
Built for Durability and Longevity. Crafted from high-quality, air and kiln-dried Finnish birch, Liisa is built for durability. Its sturdy frame and robust joinery ensure stability under high warp tension and make Liisa capable of withstanding years of consistent use.
Easy tie-up, threading and sleying. The back, breast and knee beams are removable which makes access to the lamms and treadles a breeze. If you adopt the “top of the lamms” system you can cut the time it takes to tie-up and avoid back-breaking re-tying of the treadles. The large side opening allows for easy access to warp and tie-up.
Upgrade to Toika ES Computer Control
The Liisa loom can be specified with the Toika ES computer control system. A traditional treadled Liisa can also be converted at a later time.
Effortless Shedding with Single Pedal Control. Revolutionizing the traditional weaving process, the Liisa ES eliminates the need for multiple treadles, lamms, and jacks. Instead, a single, light-touch pedal (similar to a sewing machine pedal) effortlessly controls the shed opening. This significantly reduces physical strain and allows weavers to focus on the creative aspects of their work.
True Countermarch Action with Automatic Compensation. The ES unit ensures a precise and even countermarch shed, where programmed shafts rise and others sink, creating a clear and consistent opening for the shuttle. The system automatically compensates the lift height for the shafts furthest from the weaver, guaranteeing uniformity across the entire warp.
Computer-Assisted Design and Error-Free Weaving. Powered by the latest version of WeavePoint software (and also compatible with Fiberworks PCW), the Liisa ES connects directly to your computer via a USB port. Patterns can be designed within the software or downloaded from online sources and further refined. The computer controlled dobby eliminates tie-up and treadling errors, enabling you to explore complex drafts and intricate fabrics with confidence.
Versatile Weaving Modes. Adapt your weaving pace to your project and preference with three distinct weaving modes:
- Normal Mode: Keeps the shed open for as long as the pedal is depressed, allowing even weft placement, and beating with the shed open or closed.
- Fast Mode: Closes the current shed and opens the next with a single pedal press; ideal for quick, rhythmic weaving.
- Slow Mode: Opens the shed with one press and closes it with another, offering more control for delicate work.
There’s also a Reverse Mode: this allows pick-by-pick unweaving, correcting mistakes effortlessly.
Built To Your Specification
Weaving Width. Liisa can be specified in a range of weaving widths: 80cm, 100cm, 120cm, and 150cm.
Number of Shafts. Choose from 4, 8 or 12 shafts and treadles.
Beater. Liisa has a standing (underslung) beater, but if you prefer it can be substituted with a hanging beater at a small extra cost.
Warp Tension Adjustment. Liisa is equipped with Toika’s worm gear warp tension adjustment system as standard. This allows easy control of warp tension, release and warp advance all without leaving the bench. The worm gear can be disengaged and the handwheel at the back of the loom used for rapid beaming.
Beams. You can specify a second warp beam, which naturally includes a second back beam. You can also choose to convert the warp beam(s) to sectional warping.
Flying shuttle. The 120cm and 150cm Liisa models can be specified with a flying shuttle device and steel-tipped shuttle. If you choose this option we upgrade the reed to a Toika “Profile” all-metal reed to better resist a mis-thrown shuttle.
Dimensions
| Weaving Width | Total Width | Weight |
| 80cm | 117cm | 89kg |
| 100cm | 137cm | 100kg |
| 120cm | 157cm | 110kg |
| 150cm | 187cm | 120kg |
| Height | Depth | Depth with Bench |
| 153cm | 136cm | 170cm |
Comprehensive Accessories
We supply each Liisa loom with:
- A minimum of 100 Texsolv heddles per shaft.
- A pre-cut Texsolv cord set and pegs to connect treadles, lamms, jacks and shafts. Let us know if you would prefer the “top of the lamms” tie-up.
- Linen aprons with eyelets and warp bars to reduce loom waste.
- A fixed height “Liisa” bench.
- A Toika “Arctic” stainless steel reed in the density of your choice. If you need more than one reed, it makes sense to order them for delivery with your new loom. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Delivery and Assembly
Your new Toika Liisa loom is built to your specification in the factory in Finland, packed in a custom fitted wooden crate, and shipped direct to your door. Assembly is straightforward with the horizontal elements fitted between the side frames and eight wedges driven into the mortice and tenon joints to tighten the frame up. There are written and video instructions in our Knowledge Base.
Summary
The Toika Liisa floor loom is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s an investment in a lifetime of weaving enjoyment, offering the reliability, versatility, and ergonomic design you would expect from a Scandinavian loom.