Rush Weaving Class [2 Sessions]

IMPORTANT: Please read our Workshop FAQs before signing up. 

Don’t have time for a full class? Buy a Book. Watch our YouTube Video(s). And/or Schedule a One-on-One Tutorial. In-person, Zoom & FaceTime available!

General: Rush as a method of weaving is named for the materials originally used [Cattail Rush, Bulrush, etc.] If your chair has natural rush it will appear grassy and the old material may be brittle to the point of shedding. Paper rush is the best way to learn the pattern due to its uniformity, lack of stretch and low cost. Weaving rush on a standard, trapezoidal chair with four rails is the best way to learn. Curved seats are trickier too. A square/rectangular project leaves out the nuances of dealing with a chair frame with non-90 degree corners. Some common chairs with rush (Windsor and Hitchcock chairs) require significant work before and after weaving the chairs. We can schedule time for this a day before/after the class, you can work with your preferred woodworker, or we can send you home with instructions.This is a 2-day class from 10-4 each day. It is the most strenuous type of weaving. The new seat will need to be sealed with shellac after drying overnight. This is something you can do easily on your own. Or you can return the next day to seal it-wait 30 minutes, and it will be dry enough to transport. We can also do this for you and you can return to pick it up. 

Class Length: 2 Sessions [10am-5pm]

Class Size: 1-6 students

Class Fee: Includes 12-14 hours of instruction, paper rush and all tools/additional materials to complete your project. Additional fees for structural repairs, material for future projects, and for removal/reattachment of wooden elements around the char seat (Windsors/Hitchcocks).

BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair): Or notify us in advance and we can provide one for you for ~$40-60 depending on the style/amount of work involved in refurbishing. 

Considerations when choosing a class project: 

• Almost any chair with 4 rails/posts is a candidate for Paper Rush. You can replace Splint, Shaker tape, Binder Cane, etc.
• Large rocking chairs are not suitable for this class. Due to their size and weight, restoring these chairs requires a lot of strength and more time than this class allows. Learn on a smaller chair and apply those skills to your rocker project.
• Windsors/Hitchcocks: If your chair has wooden edging to remove from the sides of the seat, this must be done before class. We can remove and re-attach the skirts for a fee but this should be done AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE CLASS and will require 1-2 days after the class to reattach and match color. 

Before Class: 1 month before class we need to inspect your chair for structural issues. You can make an appointment to visit us in-person, or send us photos of your chair via text or email.

After Class: Your seat should be sealed after drying completely (overnight). We use a clear Shellac. We can do this for you, you can return and do it yourself or we can send you home with simple instructions.