The Ultimate Guide to Handwoven Christmas Gifts for Her
- Emma Baker
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
For most of the people that select an Emma Baker Handweave as a gift their decision is often centred on the desire to give someone a gift that has been handmade and is a unique one of a kind. If you are looking for a gift which would be appreciated for its quality, craftsmanship and quiet luxury then a handwoven piece might be exactly what you are looking for.
Here I outline why a handwoven gift makes such a wonderful Christmas present with a few ideas to help you choose the right gift.
Why Choose Handwoven This Christmas
Mass produced accessories are everywhere, often with little unique character. A handwoven scarf or snood stands apart for a few simple reasons:
No two items are quite the same. From Emma's handweaving loom come small collections of scarves and snoods with a single warp being woven to create accessories with each piece having its own character as a genuine one of a kind.
The materials matter - Emma weaves with natural fibres like merino lambswool, hand spun yarns and cottons which all feel cosy against the skin with a luxury look.
Each scarf, shawl or snood is gift wrapped beautifully in a gold embossed branded box creating a stunningly luxurious gift.
A handwoven purchase supports real craftmanship - weaving is a slow and skilled process. Choosing handwoven is choosing to keep that craft alive.
A handwoven gift says something special - it tells the recipient you thought about them, perhaps commissioning a one off piece or having chosen to plan ahead rather than having made a last minute off the shelf purchase.
Gift Ideas for Her
A Merino wool Snood
A handwoven snood is a gift that gets used all winter, every winter. They are the most popular gifts purchased from my online shop. Many in the collection have been woven with a range of bright and vibrant colours so they co-ordinate with lots of different colours of jumper, cardigan or coat making them a super versatile accessory.
A snood is the perfect choice for someone who finds scarves fiddly - no wrapping, no unravelling, just pull it over you head and go. They are especially lovely for cold commutes and dog walks but they also are perfect for wearing indoors where a pop of colour and warmth around the neck is required.
A Merino Wool Scarf
Everyone needs a scarf and a handwoven merino scarf is one that will be worn for many years. For an item that stays in your wardrobe for many years it will be loved and appreciated time over. Merino is warm without the bulk which makes it easy to wear from the school run to a smart coat over an evening dress.
A Blanket Scarf or Shawl
Oversize scarves, shawls and blanket scarves are making a comeback - celebrated for warmth and comfort but also for their ability to be styled in many different ways. They are a super versatile wardrobe staple! Blanket scarves are big enough to use as a blanket and Emma has woven a beautiful collection in a wide range of colours and designs. Their generous size means they can be knotted and they are cosy on a cold morning, draped loose worn over one shoulder, or belted and pinned into something closer to a wrap. You can see 9 different ways to style a blanket scarf by clicking here.
A Triangle Scarf
The triangle scarf is on trend and is one of the most versatile accessories - worn as a neckerchief, draped over a jumper, layered under a jacket or tied loosely over a coat, it works beautifully in almost any setting. The distinctive triangular shape gives just the right amount of coverage without bulk. Subtle textures and thoughtfully chosen colours make every piece entirely one of a kind.
A Cotton Wrap for the Milder Days
Not everyone likes wool so for the non wool lovers a cotton scarf or snood might be the perfect gift. Cotton is lighter, breathable and works well for those in milder climates or for layering indoors.
A Handwoven Scarf made from Hand Spun Yarn
This collection of handspun and handwoven scarves represents the most extraordinary pieces Emma makes. Before a single thread is evevn woven, Emma sits at her spinning wheel and spins the yarn herself from raw merino fibre - a process that takes considerable skill and time, and produces yarn with a texture, character and warmth that no machine-spun alternative can replicate. The yarn is then woven on a loom in her studio, creating scarves that carry two layers of handcraft in every centimetre of fabric. Some pieces also incorporate bamboo or silk alongside the merino, adding lustre or drape to the natural warmth of the wool. Each scarf is soft, breathable and designed to be worn in all seasons. These are true slow fashion pieces, made from scratch, by hand, start to finish - these are beautiful and meaningful gifts.
Homeware
Emma weaves a small and considered collection of homeware alongside her scarves and accessories - table mats, napkin rings, table runners, tea towels, cushions, wall hangings and more, all made by hand on a traditional floor loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Most of the tableware pieces are woven from organic cotton, chosen for its durability, washability and sustainability. Every piece is one of a kind: the slight irregularities of the handweave are part of what makes it individual and what sets it apart from anything machine-made.
A Handwoven Bauble
Each bauble is made by Emma Baker in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The fabric is woven on a floor loom using fine merino lambswool in red, green, beige and yellow, then mounted inside an 8cm wooden embroidery hoop that frames the woven surface. A ribbon loop is tied to the top for hanging on a Christmas tree branch. Each bauble is unique and makes a lovely stocking filler, a teacher or colleague gift given alone or it can be paired with a scarf, snood or shawl creating a real Christmas moment.
A Handwoven Cosmetic Bag
These cosmetic bags have an exterior fabric woven with fine merino lambswool, with some cotton variations and is finished with a zip fastening and lined with repurposed cotton or linen shirt fabric, giving each bag a considered, sustainable quality you won't find on the high street.
If you are unsure which handwoven accessory to pick for her then think about the following:
her existing wardrobe colours - does she lean towards neutrals, jewel tones or pastels?
How she will actually wear it - daily commute, weekend walks, indoors with a jumper or on smart occasions?
Sensitivity to wool - if in doubt cotton is a safe yet still a luxury alternative
A handwoven piece from Emma Baker Handwoven Textiles, made in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is designed to be loved, worn for years for many seasons - a gift that will be appreciated for many years.
Ready to shop: You can find the full range of handwoven items in my website shop: Shop handwoven accessories and gifts for for delivery within the UK, to Canada and USA,
If you are interested in knowing what is on the loom, off the loom, and workshop dates, do sign up to receive my weaving news emails by clicking here.
