A handwoven scarf is an heirloom that can be handed-down from generation to generation. These scarves would tell a story–if they could speak–about the person who made them. It would possibly tell of the time and love that went into each one. The art of making scarves by loom isn’t as popular as it once was, but it is still done by many artist today. The loom has been replaced by mass production and the care and love that a handwoven scarf has been removed.

Handwoven scarves can be made from a variety of yarns. The most popular scarves are made of silk, rayon, and cotton. They can be the traditional size scarf–the one that you wear with your overcoat–or they can be made wider to make a larger shawl. The infinity scarf is a style that is popular for its versatility. This handwoven scarf is called this because it is an continuous hoop with no beginning or end. It can be double wrapped and worn around your neck or pulled up like a hooded scarf.

The benefits of handwoven scarves are many. A machine made scarf is not giving the care put into one that is handwoven. The quality of a handwoven scarf isn’t sacrificed like that of a machine made scarf. It is a much slower process but when you wrap your grandchild in a scarf or blanket that is handwoven, as opposed to one that is machine made, she will feel the love touch her skin.

The same care that went into making handwoven scarves should be given when caring for one. You could dry clean your scarf but it is not necessary. In most cases hand washing will suffice. Must like your fine washables, it depends on what it is made of. Silk scarves might be best to have dry-cleaned, as the dry cleaner is familiar with how to treat silk. Cotton and rayon scarves can be hand washed and laid flat to air dry.

Handwoven scarves make great gifts. The next time you really want to show someone you really care give them this gift of love. It is a gift that will last.