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.

A Beginner's Guide to weaving on an inkle loom including a Free Pattern

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

Emma and Gillian
Jun 30
3 min read

Inkle weaving is a method of making narrow woven bands using a small, table-top loom called an inkle loom. The technique uses a fixed warp wound around pegs, with threads alternating between heddled and unheddled positions; raising and lowering these creates a gap, or shed, through which a weft thread is passed back and forth to build the band. It is commonly used to make straps, belts, trims, and similar narrow textiles. This guide explains the basics and includes a simple pattern you can use to weave your first band.

Wooden table loom with blue, white, and orange yarn spools and woven blue-red straps on a gray surface; TabbyandTweed text.

Shop Inkle Loom Weaving Kit

What Is Inkle Loom Weaving?

Inkle weaving is an ancient technique used to create narrow woven bands: bookmarks, braids, bag straps, hair ties, and decorative ribbons. Inkle weaving is a warp-faced technique, which means the pattern comes entirely from the arrangement of the warp threads - the threads stretched across the loom - rather than from the weft (the thread you weave across). The inkle loom holds your warp threads under tension so you can weave with both hands free, building up beautiful warp-faced patterns row by row. It’s rhythmic, satisfying, and endlessly portable.

Hands weave a pink-and-green striped band on a small wooden loom against a blue background.

Unlike a full-size floor loom, it's compact enough to sit on a table or on your knee and doesn't need a dedicated space, so it can be set up and used in short sessions.

Close-up of a weaving loom with a purple, black, and neon green woven band stretched over wooden rods.

The warp is wound continuously around the loom's pegs in a fixed pattern, with threads alternating between heddled and unheddled.

Why People Take Up Inkle Weaving

People often take up inkle weaving because it requires relatively little equipment and can be learned without prior weaving experience. The repetitive motion of weaving is similar to other handcrafts like knitting, and many people find it a relaxing activity. A finished band can usually be completed within a few hours, which makes it a practical project for beginners.

The woven bands produced are also functional: they can be used as straps, belts, lanyards, or trim, rather than purely decorative items.

Our travel size inkle loom weaving kit includes everything you need to start weaving including the loom, yarn, instructions and travel bag to take your project with you. The kit includes the following:

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

Crafting kit with colorful yarn skeins, wooden loom tools, and a teal thank-you card on a burgundy background.

For those new to weaving on an inkle loom we have also created a video Tutorial to help you get started: Click here to watch the Inkle Loom Weaving Tutorial.

A Simple Inkle Loom Weaving Pattern

Woven purple, green, and blue strap stretched on a small wooden loom against a plain green background.

You will need:

An inkle loom

4 colours of yarn – we used 4 ply cotton

A shuttle

This pattern uses 29 warp threads in total. Thread the loom in the order shown below, from left to right. 'Over' means the thread goes over the top peg and has a heddle put over it. ‘Under' means it is a free thread which goes under the top peg

Diagram comparing two color-block rows labeled top row with heddles and row without heddles, showing blue, green, and lavender segments. — Pictural Pattern

Spreadsheet-style table of thread instructions with columns Thread, Under/Over, Heddle, Colour, and Position.

Weave in plain weave, using the purple as the weft colour (the outer colour of the warp threads).

The Final Inkle Woven Band

The final woven band is shown below and has the following dimensions: 2.3cm x 76cm when woven on our TabbyandTweed inkle loom.

Wooden weaving shuttle with red thread beside purple-and-green woven band on green background

What Can You Make with an Inkle Woven Band?

Another blog that we have written is called ’10 beautiful things you can make with an inkle loom’ and shows the reader a range of items that can be easily made using an inkle loom woven band or braid. The decorative bag charm shown below is an example.

Close-up of a blue floral bag with striped trim and a colorful woven keychain hanging against a white wall.

Inkle Loom Weaving is perfect for beginners.

Inkle weaving is suitable for beginners and like any craft takes time to learn and develop the weaving technique. The over-under rhythm of the weave is easy to learn and satisfying from the first few rows.

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.