Learn to weave a supportive, comfortable seat with rattan strands threaded through holes drilled into a chair frame. No experience necessary. Moderate hand strength and the ability to work standing up is required. Modifications can be made for various conditions.
IMPORTANT: Please read our Workshop FAQs before signing up.
Don’t have time for a 5-day class? Buy a Book. Watch our YouTube Video(s). And/or Schedule a One-on-One Tutorial. In-person, Zoom & FaceTime available!
General: Hand-Woven or Laced Caning is also called “the seven step method”or “six way pattern.” Caning requires hours of concentration and practice. Each step has its own subtleties. It takes completion of many seats to REALLY get the hang of it…so be patient with yourself, and enjoy learning this skill.
Chair Identification: Holes in the chair frame are found at the edge of the cane panel. The holes are typically covered with a larger piece of binder cane sewn around the perimeter…sometimes each hole is pegged. Loops/beads hold the strand in place. Under the chair, loops of cane are found in between the holes
Class Length: 5 Sessions [10am-5pm]; Yes, it will take all 5 days.
Class Size: 1-6 students
Cost: Includes 35 hours of instruction, appropriately sized cane, and all tools/additional materials necessary to complete your project. Additional fees for structural repairs and material for future projects.
BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair): Or notify us in advance and we can provide one for you for ~$50-75 depending on the style/amount of work involved in refurbishing. Considerations when choosing a class project: NOT ALL CHAIRS ARE BEGINNER FRIENDLY!
Chairs that have a removable frame and holes covered, must have the frame removed before weaving can begin. This requires work before/after to remove/replace the frame and will cost ~$100. You can schedule days to bookend your week of caning class or have the removal/replacement done by your favorite furniture repair person.
- Round/Oval chairs are common, but challenging due to small cane requirements and irregular edges.
- Chairs with over 100 holes often take more time to complete than the allotted 5 days. Small cane and lots of weaving demands a lot from a first-time student.
- Projects that are beyond the scope of this class:
- Compound-curved chair backs. Flat panel and single-curve projects are fine.
- Chairs, often bentwood, with recessed grooves underneath.
- Holes that do not go all the way through the frame or share a seam with other panels of cane.
Before Class: 1 month before class we need to inspect your chair for structural issues and make sure we have the correct size material for your project. You can make an appointment to visit us in-person, or send us photos of your chair via text or email.