You've probably seen them around: those small, skinny silk scarves that people tie on their wrists or bags. That's a twilly. It’s a simple accessory that’s become a huge deal, especially with the trend of looking elegant in an understated way. 

It’s like a tiny piece of art you can wear, and a great way to show off your personal style or your brand's personality.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the art of the twilly. We'll cover why they're so popular and then get into the practical steps of how to design and source small-format silk scarves. 

Let’s dive in!

A Small Scarf with a Big Legacy

To appreciate why the twilly is such a great product, it helps to know a little bit about its history and why it’s so popular today. This small scarf has a rich background that adds to its modern appeal.

From Hermès Heritage to Modern Icon

At its simplest, a twilly is a long, narrow, double-sided silk scarf. It’s typically about 2 inches wide and around 35 inches long. The name "Twilly" comes from the silk "twill" weave it's made from, a fabric known for its durability and distinctive diagonal texture. The luxury brand

Hermès first introduced the twilly back in the 1930s, and many of its early designs featured equestrian themes that honored the company's history of making horse harnesses.

The Versatility of the Twilly Scarf

A huge part of the twilly's charm is that you can wear it in so many different ways. Its most famous modern use is as a handbag accessory. 

People wrap twilly scarves around the delicate leather handles of luxury bags, like the famous Kelly bag, to protect them from wear and tear while adding a personalized pop of color. 

It’s also commonly used as a chic hair accessory tied around a ponytail or as a headband. You can also wear it as a classic neck scarf, wrap it around your wrist as a unique bracelet, or even thread it through belt loops as a creative belt.

Why the Twilly Is a Smart Addition to Your Brand

From a business perspective, the twilly is a very attractive product. For high-end brands, it can be a "gateway" item, allowing new customers to buy an authentic piece of the brand at a more accessible price. 

For independent designers, it’s often a high-margin, low-return product. Because it’s small, its material and shipping costs are lower than larger clothing items, and it doesn't take up much storage space. Its beauty and versatility also make it a perfect and thoughtful gift, which adds to its appeal as a retail product.

The First Step: How to Design a Signature Twilly

A great twilly design is a way to tell your brand's story and connect with the specific customers you want to reach. Before you start drawing, it’s important to have a clear creative strategy.

Translating Your Brand's Story into a Visual Narrative

Before you pick up a pencil, think about who you’re designing for and what your brand is all about. A busy professional might prefer a clean, minimalist design, while a more fashion-forward person might want a bold, expressive pattern. Once you have a clear idea of your customer, you can adapt popular design themes to fit your brand’s personality. These can include:

• Floral and Botanical: A timeless category that can range from delicate, hand-painted flowers to vibrant, tropical leaves.

• Geometric and Abstract: Modern patterns like stripes, checkerboards, or artistic shapes offer a versatile and contemporary look.

• Narrative and Whimsical: Designs that tell a story with charming animals, mythical creatures, or detailed scenes invite a closer look.

Design Considerations for a Long, Narrow Canvas

The main challenge when designing a twilly is its long and skinny shape, which is typically only about two inches wide. This narrow space means that very large or overly complicated patterns can get lost or look distorted. 

Designs with smaller, repeating motifs often work best. The pointed ends of the twilly are the most visible parts, especially when you tie a knot, so it’s a good idea to treat them as the main focal points of your design.

The Creative Challenge of Double-Sided Designs

One of the coolest features of a twilly is that it's double-sided, which gives you a great creative opportunity. You can offer your customers two different looks in one accessory. You can create a mirrored design where both sides are the same for a classic look, or a contrasting design with a different pattern or color on each side. 

This does bring a few technical challenges. Your two design files need to line up perfectly. You also have to consider "color bleed," which can happen when a dark, saturated color on one side shows through to a lighter-colored side, especially on thinner fabrics. 

Choosing Your Fabric: A Guide to Silk and Its Alternatives

The fabric you choose is a huge part of your twilly's identity. It determines how the scarf feels, how it drapes, and what it costs, so this decision says a lot about your brand. While silk is the top choice, there are several options to consider.

The Gold Standard: Why Silk Twill Defines the Luxury Twilly

For high-end twilly scarves, 100% silk is the go-to material. The most classic and respected choice is silk twill. This fabric has a visible diagonal pattern that makes it feel both durable and soft, often described as "soft yet crisp". This unique texture is more resistant to wrinkling and is perfect for holding knots securely, which is why it's the top choice for luxury brands.

Exploring Other Silks: Satin and Habotai

If you're looking for a different feel, there are other beautiful silk options:

• Silk Satin: This fabric is known for its super smooth, glossy finish and a fluid, liquid-like drape. It feels incredibly soft and is a perfect choice for more elegant or feminine designs that need a lot of shine.

• Silk Habotai: This is a lightweight and airy silk that is often more affordable than twill. It has a soft, subtle sheen and is ideal for creating delicate looks.

Strategic Alternatives for Different Market Positions

If pure silk doesn't fit your brand's price point or style, there are other smart choices:

• Polyester Satin: This is a popular budget-friendly material that mimics the shiny look of silk satin at a much lower cost. It's a common choice for promotional products or for brands selling to a mass market.

• Cotton: Though less common for twillies, cotton offers a unique natural, matte finish. It's breathable and a great eco-friendly option, but keep in mind that printed colors won't look as vibrant as they do on silk or polyester.

From Digital File to Finished Product: A Guide to Sourcing Your Twilly

Once your design is finalized, it's time to turn that digital file into a real product. This stage is all about the practical steps of production and finding the right partner to bring your vision to life.

Find the Right Printing Method: Digital vs. Screen Printing

There are two main ways to print your design onto fabric, and the best one for you depends on your design's complexity and how many scarves you plan to make.

• Digital Printing: This modern technique works like a high-end printer, applying ink directly onto the silk. It's the perfect choice for designs with a lot of complexity, unlimited colors, or photographic details. Because the setup costs are low, it's also ideal for small orders or if you have a low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). The turnaround time is also much faster.

• Screen Printing: This is a traditional method that uses a separate mesh stencil for each color in your design. For large orders with simple designs and only a few colors, this is the most cost-effective option per scarf. It produces incredibly vibrant, saturated colors that are very durable. However, the high setup cost makes it impractical for small batches or complex images.

Finishing Touches: The Importance of the Hem

The way a scarf's edge is finished is a small detail that speaks volumes about its quality.

• Hand-Rolled Hem: This is the undeniable sign of a high-end, luxury scarf. In this detailed process, a skilled artisan carefully rolls the edge of the fabric by hand and secures it with tiny, almost invisible stitches. It's the most expensive option, but it provides a beautiful, cushioned border that signals true craftsmanship.

• Machine Hem: This is the standard finish for most retail scarves and is created quickly by a sewing machine. It provides a clean, straight-stitched edge that is cost-effective and perfect for larger production runs.

How to Vet and Select the Right Manufacturing Partner

Choosing the right manufacturer is one of the most important steps. A good partner will ensure your product is made to the highest standard.

When vetting potential suppliers, pay close attention to their communication. Are they responsive, clear, and professional? Vague answers or high-pressure sales tactics can be red flags. Most importantly, never commit to a bulk order without seeing the product first. 

You should always request fabric swatches and order a pre-production sample of your actual design. This is the only way to approve the final print quality, colors, and fabric feel before investing in a large inventory.

Be sure to also ask about their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). This can vary widely, but many suppliers using digital printing offer low MOQs of around 30 to 50 pieces per design, making it much more accessible for new brands to get started. 

Bringing Your Twilly to Market: Packaging and Launching

Once your scarves are produced, the final step is to prepare them for your customers. A great product deserves a great presentation, which is why packaging and a clear launch plan are so important.

Create a Premium Unboxing Experience

Packaging is a huge part of the customer experience and can make your product feel much more valuable. A memorable unboxing moment can make a big impression.

• Packaging Options: For a luxury feel, consider rigid magnetic closure boxes or elegant slide-out drawer-style boxes. Simpler but still sophisticated pillow boxes are another cost-effective choice.

• Branding Details: Don't forget the finishing touches that complete the professional look. These include custom woven labels on the scarf itself, a hang tag that tells your brand story, and a thoughtful care card with washing instructions.

A Simple Framework for Launching Your Collection

A twilly is a wearable work of art that can make a big impression. This guide walked you through the entire process, from the first design idea to the final launch. Understanding the art of the twilly helps you create a beautiful and successful product.

The process has many steps, but you don't have to manage them all yourself. At Ohscarf, we partner with brands on how to design and source small-format silk scarves. We handle the details of production, so you can focus on your brand's creative vision. Contact our design team to get a quote and start your custom twilly project today.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is a twilly scarf used for? A twilly scarf is a narrow silk accessory used to wrap the handles of a handbag for protection and a touch of color. It is also worn in other ways, such as a chic headband, a wrist tie, a small neck scarf, or a decorative accent for a ponytail.

What is the best material for a high-quality twilly? The best material for a high-quality twilly is 100% silk, with silk twill being the most traditional and durable luxury option. For a glossier appearance, silk satin is an excellent alternative, while quality polyester is used for more budget-friendly collections.

What is a hand-rolled hem on a scarf? A hand-rolled hem is a premium finishing technique where a scarf's edge is rolled by hand and secured with tiny, precise stitches. This process creates a plump, cushioned border that is recognized as a hallmark of superior craftsmanship on high-end scarves.

What is a typical minimum order for custom twillies? The minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom twillies using digital printing is between 30 and 50 pieces per design. Screen printing requires higher minimums of 100 to 200 pieces, as its setup costs make it better suited for larger production runs.