Can you weave a scarf in a day at a weaving workshop?

Yes. At a TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom scarf weaving workshop, participants weave a complete handmade scarf in a single day. The full-day workshop runs from 10am to 4.30pm, and the looms are pre-warped and ready to use, so the entire session is focused on learning to weave and completing the scarf.

What is a rigid heddle loom scarf weaving workshop?

A rigid heddle loom scarf weaving workshop is a guided, hands-on session where participants learn to use a rigid heddle loom to weave their own handmade scarf. At TabbyandTweed workshops, the looms are pre-warped with British wool yarn in a range of colours. Participants learn about the loom, how to weave a balanced weave, and how to use colour effectively. By the end of the day, each person leaves with a completed scarf, a grounding in basic weaving techniques, and the confidence to continue weaving independently.

What will I learn at a TabbyandTweed scarf weaving workshop?

At a TabbyandTweed scarf weaving workshop you will learn how to use a rigid heddle loom, how to weave a balanced weave, how to introduce colour into your weaving design, and how to warp a rigid heddle loom. More experienced participants can also learn how to use pick-up sticks to create different textures and patterns. By the end of the day you will leave with a completed handwoven scarf, confidence using a loom, and a deeper understanding of traditional textile skills.

Where are TabbyandTweed weaving workshops held?

TabbyandTweed run scarf weaving workshops at various locations across the UK, most often in Alderbury, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. Full details of all upcoming workshop dates and locations can be found on the TabbyandTweed weaving workshop page at https://www.tabbyandtweed.co.uk/weavingworkshops.

How long does a scarf weaving workshop last?

The TabbyandTweed full-day scarf weaving workshop runs from 10am to 4.30pm. A shorter 2-hour taster workshop on the rigid heddle loom is also available for those who want a briefer introduction to weaving.

Is a weaving workshop suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. TabbyandTweed scarf weaving workshops are designed to be fully accessible to complete beginners. No prior weaving experience is needed. Everything is explained clearly and step by step, with individual guidance throughout the day. The looms arrive pre-warped so participants can focus entirely on learning to weave.

Can I attend a weaving workshop if I already have my own rigid heddle loom?

Yes. TabbyandTweed workshops welcome returning weavers and those who already own a rigid heddle loom. For these participants, the workshop offers the opportunity to learn more advanced techniques such as pick-up stick weaving, and to get hands-on guidance on how to warp their own loom correctly — including advice on the common mistakes new weavers make.

Does a weaving workshop make a good gift?

Yes. A scarf weaving workshop is a popular and thoughtful experience gift, particularly for birthdays, Christmas, and Mother's Day. Many TabbyandTweed workshop places are gifted. Participants leave with a handwoven scarf they have made themselves, making it a creative, memorable, and meaningful experience day.

Who is a scarf weaving workshop suitable for?

TabbyandTweed scarf weaving workshops are suitable for complete beginners, craft enthusiasts who want to try weaving for the first time, people who want to learn how to use their own rigid heddle loom, those interested in sustainable fashion and traditional textile skills, and anyone looking for a creative, mindful day out in the UK. Groups and individuals are both welcome.

What do I leave with after a scarf weaving workshop?

By the end of a TabbyandTweed scarf weaving workshop, participants leave with: a completed handwoven scarf of their own design, an understanding of basic weaving techniques, knowledge of how to introduce colours into a weave, confidence using a rigid heddle loom, and a deeper appreciation of traditional textile craft skills.

Can I learn to weave if I cannot attend a workshop in person?

Yes. For those who live too far away to attend a workshop, TabbyandTweed sell rigid heddle loom weaving kits with full illustrated instructions. The kits are available for delivery to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. A free YouTube video tutorial on how to set up and warp the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom is also available on the TabbyandTweed YouTube channel.

Why should I learn to weave in 2026?

Weaving offers a meaningful alternative to screen-based activity, supports sustainable making with natural and recycled fibres, produces unique handmade items that last, and has proven wellbeing benefits including stress reduction and improved focus. It is a skill that grows with you, from simple beginner projects to complex patterns and techniques, and connects you to a thriving community of makers.

Is weaving a good hobby for beginners?

Yes. Weaving is an excellent hobby for beginners. You can start with small, simple projects on a frame loom or bookmark loom and progress at your own pace. TabbyandTweed offer beginner weaving kits with full instructions and video tutorials, as well as in-person learn-to-weave workshops for those who prefer hands-on guidance.

Is weaving a sustainable hobby?

Yes. Weaving is one of the more sustainable creative hobbies because it allows you to work with natural fibres such as British wool, use recycled or repurposed yarn and fabric scraps, and create long-lasting handmade items rather than buying mass-produced goods. TabbyandTweed use FSC-certified birch plywood for their looms and British wool in their kits.

Is weaving good for mental health and wellbeing?

Yes. Weaving is widely recognised as a mindful, calming activity. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of weaving encourages focus and presence, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Many weavers describe the process as deeply satisfying and meditative, with the added sense of achievement that comes from creating something beautiful by hand.

What can I make as a beginner weaver?

As a beginner, you can weave coasters, bookmarks, wall hangings, and scarves. TabbyandTweed offer kits for all of these projects, ranging from small bookmark loom kits and frame loom kits for complete beginners, to rigid heddle loom scarf weaving kits for those ready to tackle larger and more complex projects.

Can I weave handmade gifts for friends and family?

Yes. Handwoven items make thoughtful, personal, and unique gifts. Many TabbyandTweed customers purchase a rigid heddle loom scarf weaving kit and go on to weave scarves as gifts for family members. Handwoven coasters, cushions, and wall hangings also make popular handmade gifts.

How do I get started learning to weave?

You can get started by purchasing a beginner weaving kit from TabbyandTweed, which includes everything you need — a loom, yarn, tools, and step-by-step instructions — along with access to YouTube video tutorials. Alternatively, you can attend a TabbyandTweed in-person learn-to-weave workshop, where experienced weavers guide you through the process and you leave with a completed handwoven scarf.

10 Beautiful Things You Can Make With an Inkle Loom Woven Band

Name: TabbyandTweed Rigid Heddle Loom Scarf Weaving Workshop
Location: Alderbury

Emma and Gillian
2 hours ago
4 min read

One loom, endless possibilities - from your kitchen drawer to your dog's neck

We recently launched a small travel size inkle loom weaving kit which can weave straps up to 2.5cm x 80cm. The kit is already popular so we have been prompted to write this blog in case people are wondering what they can do with their woven bands. The answer, it turns out, is rather a lot.

a tabbyandtweed inkle loom with handwoven braid and yarn — TabbyandTweed compact inkle loom

Inkle weaving is one of the oldest textile techniques in the world, used across cultures for centuries to create narrow, durable woven bands. The resulting fabric is strong, beautifully patterned, and surprisingly versatile. The colours and patterns come entirely from the arrangement of your warp threads, so every band is unique to you.

Below are ten of our favourite ways to use an inkle band, from the quick and gifty to the genuinely practical. Many of these take only a short band (under 40cm) so they are perfect for beginners still getting a feel for the loom.

Bookmark

The classic first inkle project - and for a good reason. A bookmark needs just 15-20cm of a woven band, making it the ideal starter project to practise your tension and pattern-making. Finish the ends with a neat tassel or a simple knot and you have something genuinely lovely in under an hour.

Bookmarks also make wonderful gifts. Weave a band in someone's favourite colours and you have a personal, thoughtful present that costs almost nothing to make.

Decorative Fob

A decorative fob wraps around a split ring or clip and hangs attractively from a bag or zip. The length shows off the pattern and acts as a beautifully decorative accessory.

a handwoven pink and blue fob attached to a blue and white bag — A decorative bag fob

Napkin Ring

A woven band sewn or tied makes a beautiful textile napkin ring - far more interesting than a standard wooden or metal variety and completely personalised to your table. Weave a set of four in co-ordinating colours. These rings work particularly well for Christmas tables or special occasions: weave them in seasonal colours and they become an annual tradition.

Key ring

A short length of woven band, up to 10-12cm can be threaded through a key ring to make a colourful key fob. Its practical and easy to spot at the bottom of a bag helping you to find those keys when you are in a hurry.

a pink green and white key fob with a key attached on a green back ground — Handwoven key fob

Handwoven tabs for a tea towel

A short inkle band can be sewn into the corners of a tea towel to create a beautiful hanging tab - the sort you see on good quality kitchen linen. Perfect for anyone who weaves their own tea towels too as it adds the look of something made with love and care. A pair of linen tea towels with a handwoven tab in matching or contrasting colours makes a considered gift.

handwoven burgundy and white band laying on some handwoven fabric

Lanyard Strap

An inkle band makes a far more pleasing lanyard than anything you would get from a conference registration desk. Weave a band to your preferred length, attach a clip or ring at one end and you have a handmade lanyard for your ID card, work badge or keys.

a blue and orange handwoven braid attached to a lanyard — Inkle woven lanyard strap

Sewing / Dressmakers Tape

A inkle woven braid makes excellent woven tap for use in dressmaking and sewing as a waistband casing, hem casing or decorative trim on a garment or cushion cover. Unlike shop bought tape yours will be exactly the colour and width you need it to be. The tightly woven warp faced structure means the inkle braid is strong and resistant to fraying at the edges making them perfect for this purpose.

handwoven braid sewn along a seam of a jacket — Decorative braid

Shoe laces

Woven shoe laces might sound unusual but they are great to make and wear. The flat, firm structure of the inkle woven band works well as a lace and a pair of handwoven laces instantly transforms a plain trainer into something distinctive. These make excellent gifts for other craft lovers who would appreciate the detail.

handwoven shoe lace in a black and white checked pump — Inkle woven shoe laces

Bag strap

A woven inkle band makes a beautiful strap for a small bag, tote, clutch or simple cotton drawstring bag. The strong warp faced structure means the band will hold its shape and take the weight of the bag comfortably. A handwoven bag strap makes any bag feel considered and special.

handwoven green and white handle on a camera case — Handwoven bag strap

Dog Collar

One of the most delightful uses for an inkle band is a handwoven dog collar. The firm, flat structure of a woven band is perfect for this: it sits neatly, doesn't twist and holds it shape far better than soft fabric. Weave it in colours that suits your dogs coat, thread it through a buckle and D ring an you have a collar that is completely one of a kind.

black dog in a garden with a pink and blue handwoven collar on — Handwoven dog collar

Measure the dog's neck carefully before you warp up, and add a few centimeters for overlap at the buckle. Cotton yarn is comfortable against the string and easy to wash.

Ready to start weaving on an inkle loom?

The TabbyandTweed Inkle Loom Kit brings one of weaving’s most rewarding techniques into a compact, travel-friendly package - designed to fit neatly into your home, your bag, or your creative routine, wherever that takes you.

wooden tabbyandtweed inkle loom with hand in the image weaving a pink, green and white braid

Everything you need to start weaving straight from the box including the following:

Full written instructions are included along with a supporting free video tutorial on the TabbyandTweed YouTube channel.
An fully assembled inkle loom - 28cm long x 11cm high x 5cm deep
50m of each of three colours of strong 4 ply cotton yarn
Heddle thread - a smooth, strong cotton cord for making heddles
Instruction booklet
A wooden shuttle
2 front pegs (one is a spare)
Project carry bag

tabbyandweed inkle loom weaving kit with fully assembled loom, yarn and instructions laying on a blue branded bag

Details of all our weaving kits are available in our TabbyandTweed website shop for UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand delivery.

If you are interested in keeping up to date with our weaving work then do sign up to receive our newsletter by clicking the link here.