What is a snood and how is it different from a scarf?

A snood is a circular or loop scarf — a continuous tube of fabric that sits around the neck with no trailing ends to tuck in or adjust. Unlike a conventional scarf, it stays exactly where you put it, making it both warmer and more practical for everyday wear. Emma Baker's handwoven merino wool snoods are woven flat and then joined to create the loop shape, giving them the structure and texture of a handwoven scarf with the ease of a snood.

What merino wool snoods does Emma Baker make and what do they cost?

Emma Baker makes a collection of one-of-a-kind handwoven merino wool snoods in a range of colours and patterns — including checked, geometric, striped and multi-coloured designs. Prices range from £40 to £65. Every snood is delivered in a gold embossed gift box as standard. Cotton snoods for warmer months are also available at https://www.emmabaker.org/handwoven-cotton-snoods

Is merino wool soft enough to wear against bare skin?

Yes. Merino wool has a much finer fibre diameter than standard wool, making it significantly softer and far less likely to cause any scratching or irritation. Emma Baker's snoods are worn directly against the neck and are specifically made from the finest merino yarn for this reason. They are suitable for people who find standard wool uncomfortable against their skin.

How do I care for a handwoven merino wool snood?

Hand wash gently in cool to warm water with minimal agitation, rinse once, and dry flat away from direct heat. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Full care guidance is on the Caring for a Handweave page at https://www.emmabaker.org/caring-for-a-handwoven-item

Handwoven Merino Wool Snoods | One of a Kind Luxury Accessories | Made in Wiltshire, UK

Q: Are the snoods suitable as gifts?

Yes. Every Emma Baker snood is delivered in a gold embossed gift box with tissue paper as standard — no additional wrapping is needed. They are popular gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day and other occasions. At £40–£65 they span a thoughtful mid-range gift price point. Gift vouchers are also available.

A snood is one of the most practical and stylish accessories you can wear. Sitting warmly around the neck with no trailing ends to tuck in or adjust, it combines the comfort of a scarf with the ease of wearing something that stays exactly where you put it. Emma Baker’s handwoven merino wool snoods take this everyday practicality and elevate it - each one woven by hand on a traditional floor loom or rigid heddle loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire, using the finest merino yarn.

Every snood in this collection is genuinely one of a kind. The colour combinations, patterns and proportions are designed by Emma and woven slowly, one piece at a time. No two are ever identical. These are not mass-produced accessories: they are individual pieces, each with their own character and story.

Handwoven in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Luxury merino wool yarn - extraordinarily soft against bare skin
One of a kind - no two pieces ever identical
Prices from £40 to £65
Free gift wrapping in a gold embossed gift box
Delivery to UK, USA and Canada
Also available: cotton snoods for those warmer months

Frequently asked questions on merino snoods

Why merino wool?

Merino is not ordinary wool. The fibres are significantly finer than standard wool — fine enough to sit comfortably against bare skin without any of the scratchiness or irritation that puts many people off wool accessories. It is naturally temperature-regulating, which means a merino snood keeps you warm in the cold without overheating when you come indoors. It is also naturally moisture-wicking, odour-resistant and remarkably durable.

For a snood in particular — a piece worn directly against the neck and lower face — the softness of merino makes a real difference. It is the right fibre for this garment.

How are the snoods woven?

Each snood is woven on a traditional floor loom, with the colour patterning created by carefully sequencing the warp and weft threads. Various designs are used including twill and deflected doubleweave with interesting colour combinations. After weaving, each snood is finished by hand and seamed to form the characteristic loop shape. The finished piece is soft, light and warm — with enough structure to hold its shape beautifully when worn.

Snoods, cowls and infinity scarves — what is the difference?

The terms snood, cowl and infinity scarf are often used interchangeably, and in practice they refer to the same basic garment: a continuous loop of fabric worn around the neck. Emma’s pieces are listed as both snoods and cowls across this collection — the names describe the same style. An infinity scarf is typically longer and can be looped twice around the neck; a snood or cowl is generally shorter and worn as a single loop. All of the pieces in this collection work beautifully as a single-loop neck warmer.

Colours and patterns

The snood collection spans a wide range of colourways — from classic navy and white to vivid multicoloured checks, soft pastels and rich jewel tones. Emma uses bold, distinctive colour combinations that are not available anywhere on the high street. Browse by colour on the colour choice page.

Merino snoods as gifts

A handwoven merino snood makes an exceptional gift. It is personal, beautiful, practical and long-lasting - and genuinely unlike anything available in a mainstream shop. Every snood arrives wrapped in tissue paper in a gold embossed gift box at no extra charge, ready to give. Snoods are particularly popular as Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and Mother’s Day gifts. If you are unsure which colour to choose, gift vouchers are available and can be emailed directly to the recipient.

What colour snood should I choose?

Colour is usually the starting point. Think about the coats, jumpers and jackets you wear most and choose a snood that coordinates with at least two or three of them. If your wardrobe is mostly neutral (black, grey, camel, navy), you can afford to go bold with a vivid or multicoloured snood. If your wardrobe already has strong colours, a classic navy, grey or neutral-toned snood may be more versatile. Browse all colours on the colour choice page.

What about the size and fit of a snood?

Emma’s snoods are designed to sit comfortably around the neck as a single loop, with enough volume to be pulled up over the chin or nose in very cold weather. They are suitable for most adults and are not sized - the loop construction means one size works well for the vast majority of wearers.

What is the price of a handwoven snood?

Merino wool snoods in this collection range from £40 to £65 depending on the complexity of the weave pattern and the amount of yarn used. All pieces arrive gift-wrapped at no extra charge, making even the most affordable piece a generous and beautifully presented gift.

Should I choose a merino or cotton snood?

If warmth and softness are the priority particularly for autumn and winter then merino is the natural choice. If you want a lighter, more breathable snood for spring or summer, or for someone who prefers not to wear wool, Emma also makes a range of handwoven cotton snoods available here.

What is a snood?

A snood is a continuous loop of fabric worn around the neck as a warm, stylish accessory. Unlike a traditional scarf, it has no loose ends - it simply slips over the head and sits around the neck. It can be worn as a single loop, pulled up over the chin for extra warmth, or used as a loose collar. Snoods are also commonly called cowls or infinity scarves.

What is the difference between a snood and a cowl?

The terms are used interchangeably in most contexts. Both refer to a looped, tubular neck accessory with no loose ends. A cowl tends to be associated with a wider, more voluminous loop that sits loosely around the neck and shoulders; a snood is often slightly more fitted. In practice, the difference is largely one of naming rather than a distinct difference in garment style.

Are merino wool snoods soft?

Yes - merino wool is one of the softest natural fibres available. The fibres are significantly finer than standard wool, which is why merino sits comfortably against bare skin without the scratchiness or irritation associated with coarser wool. Many people who consider themselves sensitive to wool find merino perfectly comfortable to wear directly against the neck and lower face.

Are handwoven snoods warm?

Merino wool is an excellent insulator and is naturally temperature-regulating, meaning it keeps you warm in the cold without overheating when you come indoors. A merino snood is ideal for autumn and winter wear and provides effective warmth around the neck, the area where heat loss is most significant.

How do I care for a merino wool snood?

Merino wool snoods should be hand washed gently. Full care instructions are included with every purchase, and Emma also has a dedicated care guide on her website detailing how to care for a handwoven item.

What sizes are available?

Emma’s snoods are designed as a one-size-fits-most loop. The construction means the snood sits comfortably around the neck of most adults without needing to be sized.

Are the snoods suitable as gifts?

Handwoven merino snoods make excellent gifts - they are personal, practical, beautifully made and genuinely unlike anything available in mainstream shops. Every snood arrives wrapped in tissue paper in a gold embossed gift box at no extra charge. Gift vouchers are also available if you would prefer to let the recipient choose their own colour and design.

What is the price range for handwoven merino snoods?

Prices range from £40 to £65 depending on the weave structure and amount of yarn used. All pieces include free gift wrapping.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. Emma ships to the UK, USA and Canada.