The handwoven snood scarf: warm, cosy, stylish and a versatile accessory
- Emma Baker
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
When the weather turns cooler in Autumn with winter on its way this is the time that I start to wear my own snood scarves for added warmth and comfort. My handwoven snood scarves are a popular accessory and are often purchased as one of a kind gifts, in particular at Christmas time. A handwoven snood scarf is perfect for adding a pop of colour to an outfit and for adding a superior warmth around your neck for both indoor and outdoor wear. This blog discusses different types of snoods and demonstrates why I believe they deserve a place in every wardrobe.
What exactly is a snood scarf?
Historically, the term “snood” referred to a type of knitted hair net worn by women in the Middle Ages and Victorian eras. Today, it has evolved into a modern, versatile accessory that balances style and practicality.
A snood is a type of scarf worn around the neck sometimes given the term a cowl or infinity scarf. It is a continuous loop of fabric which is designed to slip easily over the head and sit comfortably around the neck. Unlike a traditional scarf, there are no loose ends to tuck in or re-arrange so it is easy to wear and to slip on when some additional warmth is needed.
I create a variety of different styles of snoods, the style being determined by how the handwoven fabric is sewn in the final stage:
The classic snood is where the fabric is sewn into a circle with a concealed seam. The snood being fashioned below has been folded over to give a double thickness snood which fits cosily around the neck
The twisted snood is where the fabric is sewn into a circle with the fabric twisted to create a slightly different look to the classic snood. If you look at the red and navy snood below you can see that there is a twist in the fabric.
Infinity snood where the fabric is sewn into a tube and sealed with a twisted seam. An example of this type of snood is shown here with this snood having been woven using fine organic cotton.
Creating a handwoven snood scarf
I weave a range of snoods and cowl scarves each year using either merino lambswool or cotton. Each handwoven snood begins as an idea on the loom with colours and the design chosen thoughtfully. I usually weave a warp of around 10m on my loom which allows me to create 3 scarves and 4 snoods. By varying the lifting pattern and the weft colours I am able to make each scarf and snood totally unique. No two scarves or snoods from my loom are quite alike, which is part of their charm and is not to be replicated by mass production.
How to wear your snood
One of the joys of the snood is how easy it is to wear. Its simplicity makes it perfect for both country walks, city commutes as well as for indoors when extra warmth is needed. Some of the stylish choices for a snood are detailed here:
A snood can be layered with a gilet and jumper for the cool but not cold days
A snood can be layered with coats during colder days or walks outside
Snoods work beautifully under coats and jackets, without the bulk or fuss of long scarf ends.
Worn Indoors for additional style and warmth
I will wear a snood from October to March indoors. As a weaver I find a snood really easy to wear with no long tails to get in the way of my work. I also like a snood as it adds a beautiful pop of colour to what could otherwise be a rather drab outfit.
Snoods vs. Scarves - which is the best accessory to choose?
If you love the drama and drape of long scarves, there is still a place for them but a snood is unbeatable when you want something secure and practical.
Snoods stay put, making them great for cycling, walking, or travelling.
They pack small, are easy to pop in a bag, and never trail or tangle.
For gift-givers, they are a one-size-fits-all, an ideal choice for anyone who loves handmade textiles.
Merino wool snood or a cotton snood?
This is a question I am often asked. Merino lambswool is a beautifully soft and warm yarn which creates cosy accessories which are enjoyed by most people. Course wool can feel itchy on the skin but softer fine wools like merino have fibres which are less than 22 microns which make them the best choice for sensitive skin. This being said, some people still prefer a cotton snood and especially those who are concerned about wearing wool.
Caring for your handwoven merino wool or cotton snood
A few gentle habits will keep your snood looking beautiful for years. Most snoods don't really need washing very often. With merino wool snoods I recommend hanging them outside on a dull damp day before bringing them in to dry. This process freshens up the snood. This being said with long term wear you may wish to wash your snood and the following is the approach I would recommend.
Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent or wool wash.
Rinse gently, squeeze (never wring) excess water out.
Reshape and dry flat on a towel.
Press when dry
Store folded, not hung, to avoid stretching the weave.
Like all handwoven textiles, a little care goes a long way.
A snood scarf is a popular gift
Sales of handwoven snoods start to pick up in October with many being purchased in November and December as beautiful one of a kind gifts. Popular for walkers and especially dog walkers!
My handwoven snoods are sold in a beautifully gift box which simply adds to the gifting experience.
My handwoven scarves, snoods, and accessories are available for purchase in my website shop for UK delivery.
Interested in learning to weave? Then my workshop page has all the details. Click here for details of scarf weaving workshops.
If you are interested in knowing what is on the loom, off the loom, and workshop dates, then do sign up to receive my weaving news emails by clicking here.
