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.

Weaving a Table Runner: The August Weaving Club Pattern

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

Emma and Gillian
22 hours ago
3 min read

The August pattern for the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle loom weaving club was a pattern for a beautiful table runner. The pink, purple and taupe table runner is woven on a rigid heddle loom using plain weave (tabby) with a border around each of the edges. The result being a predominantly taupe runner with accents of mauve and gentle lilac tones, creating a versatile table runner that would look beautiful on a rustic wooden dining table or with a neutral linen tablecloth.

Purple-and-cream woven plaid table runner with fringed edge on a wooden table, close-up of textured fabric.

Like most of our Weaving Club patterns it is designed for weavers who are comfortable warping their own rigid heddle loom. However for those still building confidence with warping, weavers can always access our YouTube video which has a step-by-step video tutorial on warping a rigid heddle loom.

Click here for video tutorial on warping

Materials for the Pattern

The pattern is woven in Paintbox Cotton DK yarn, a beautifully soft yarn with the final woven runner measuring approximately 23cm wide by 108cm long with a 6cm fringe at each end. The pattern includes the warping pattern using the three colours of yarn with a table showing exactly how many threads of each colour go where along with the matching weft sequence for weaving.

Small wooden loom with a cream-and-plum plaid woven scarf, yarn balls, and a shuttle on a maroon background.

Each month we have a few yarn kits available for purchase which can be pre-ordered and sent with the pattern with any remaining sold on our Weaving Club Shop page.

Skill Development

One of the aims of our Weaving Club is to support rigid heddle loom weavers to have access to new and interesting patterns with each pattern focussing on a particular skill for their development.

Close-up of a hand weaving purple and white fabric on a loom, with taut threads and a wooden frame in warm light.

The table runner pattern walks weavers through some useful techniques including how to check for a balanced weave (matching warp and weft threads per inch), how to change weft colours cleanly and how to finish the woven piece including how this particular fabric can be pressed and steamed rather than washed.

What This Means for Members

Members received the table runner pattern as part of their August subscription alongside the specifications needed to source the yarn and get started. This month's release is a good example of what members get each month, a complete, tested rigid heddle pattern with material list, step by step warping and weaving instructions and guidance on finishing. In addition members also received access to a colour selection tool which enabled them to substitute yarn colours and see the final effect of those choices along with a video resource to support the weaving of the table runner.

In Summary, Weaving Club Membership gets you:

A new pattern every month, each one written to build your skills
Access to short video tutorials referenced throughout each pattern, including this month's dedicated balanced-weave video
A clearly written, tested pattern with materials, warping and weaving instructions laid out so there's no guesswork

Close-up of a wooden loom weaving a multicolored patterned fabric, with bright threads stretched across the frame.

If you would like to learn more then further information on the Weaving Club can be found here: Click here to learn more about the Weaving Club.

Already Missed It? The Back Edition Is Ready and Waiting

If you decide to join the Weaving Club after this month you have no need to worry. Each month's pattern is available as a back edition in the Weaving Club shop, complete with the full pattern and its linked video resources. It's a brilliant standalone project even outside the club, and a lovely way to see exactly what club membership looks like before you commit to future months.

Printed card and cream envelope on a maroon surface, showing Tabby and Tweed weaving club promo with £5 off voucher text.

Thinking of Joining the Weaving Club?

The Weaving Club is open now. UK membership is £5.99 per month (postage included), and international membership for the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is £10.49 per month. There's no minimum commitment - you can cancel whenever you like.

You will need a rigid heddle loom with a minimum weaving width of 10.5 inches (27cm) and both an 8epi (or 7.5epi) and 10 epi heddle. If you don't have one yet, you can browse our rigid heddle loom kits here. Some of our members joined the club at the same time as buying their first loom.