The Handwoven Snood Scarf: The Cosy, Versatile Accessory You Will Reach for All Winter
Updated: 5 days ago
There is a moment every October when the air turns sharp and I reach for the same thing every single time: one of my handwoven snoods. It is the accessory that I wear more than any other and, unsurprisingly, the one my customers come back for again and again, especially as a one of a kind Christmas gift.
A handwoven snood adds an instant pop of colour to an outfit and wraps genuine warmth around your neck, indoors or out. If you have never tried one, her is why I think it deserves a permanent place in your wardrobe and on your gift list too!
What exactly is a snood scarf?
A snood is a continuous loop of fabric that slips easily over the head and sits comfortably around the neck - you many also hear it called a cowl or an infinity scarf. Unlike the traditional scarf, there is no loose ends to tuck in or to rearrange, which makes it wonderfully easy to put on the moment you need the extra warmth.
Three snood styles I weave
I create a variety of different styles of snoods, the style is determined by how th handwoven fabric is finished in the final stage:
The classic snood - the fabric is sewn into a circle with a concealed seam then folded over for a cosy double thickness around the neck.
The twisted snood: sewn into a circle with a twist in the fabric for a slightly different look, as seend in the red and navy version.
Infinity snood: sewn into a tube and sealed with a twisted seam. This example shown below is woven in fine organic cotton.
How I make each one
Every snood begins as an idea on the loom, with colours and design chosen thoughtfully befoe I ever start weaving. I typically weave a warp of around 10m, which yields three scarves and four snoods. By varying the lifting pattern and weft colours, I make sure that almost all of my pieces are genuinely unique - nearly all the scarves or snoods from my loom are unique one of a kinds. That is part of the charm, and it is simply not something mass production can replicate.
How to wear your snood
Part of the joy of a snood is how effortless they are to wear. They are perfect for 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
Add some extra warmth around the neck on those in between 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.
Snood or Scarf - which should you choose?
If you love the drama and drape of a long scarf, there is still a place for that but a snood is unbeatable when you want something secure and practical.
Snoods stay put - great for cycling, walking, or travelling.
Packs small - easy to slip in a bag, and never trails or tangles.
One-size-fits-all - a genuinely safe and thoughtful choice when buying for someone else.
Merino wool or a cotton - which is right for you?
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 the feel of cotton, or would rather avoid wool altogether and a cotton snood is just as beautiful a choice.
Caring for your handwoven 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 out excess water.
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
Snood sales start to pick up in October with many being purchased through November and December as beautiful one of a kind Christmas gifts. They are especially popular with walkers and especially dog walkers! Every snood arrives in a beautiful gift box, which adds a lovely finishing touch to the whole gifting experience.
Quick questions, answered:
Is a handwoven snood warm enough for winter?
Yes - merino lambswool in particular provides genuine warmth without bulk, and many customers wear theirs right through to March or April, indoors or out.
Will a snood suit any outfit?
Because each one is handwoven in a range of colourways, there is a shade to lift almost any coat or jumper and being one-size, its an easy, safe gift for someone else's wardrobe too.
How is a handwoven snood different from a shop bought one?
Each snood is woven individually on a traditional floor loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire, with the colours and pattern chosen by hand.
Ready to find your snood?
My handwoven scarves, snoods, and accessories are available for purchase in my website shop for delivery within the UK, Canada and USA.
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.
