Learn to weave a comfy woven seat with cotton strapping in a checkerboard weave. Feeling bold? Try a fun colors or a more advanced pattern! No experience necessary. Moderate hand strength and the ability to work standing up is required. Modifications can be made for various conditions. Note: This is the best beginner friendly class!
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: Shaker tape is woven in a Warp/Weft method. The class is taught with 1-over/1-under checkerboard pattern on the top and 2-over/2-under twill pattern on the bottom. Students can explore other patterns with approval before class.
Class Length: 1 Session [10am-4pm]
Class Size: 1-6 students
Class Fee: Includes 5-6 hours of instruction, 1 or 2 colors of Shaker tape and all tools/additional materials necessary to complete your project. A $15-25 special order fee applies to Flame Stitch material. 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 ~$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 Shaker tape. You can replace Rush, Splint, Binder Cane, etc.
- Square/rectangular rails aren’t ideal, but the edges can be eased to make it easier on the material. Curved seat rails are not appropriate and will cause the tape to bunch up.
- You must be able to turn your chair upside down and back upright frequently.
Before Class: 1 month before class we need to inspect your chair for structural issues and make sure we have the correct 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.
1 month before class, the student must choose the color(s) of Shaker tape they intend to use. This is necessary due to potential supply/backorder issues. Last-minute sign ups can choose from in-stock Shaker tape colors.
Considerations when choosing your color(s):
- The class was designed with ⅝” Shaker tape for seat stability and repetitive skill building. 1” and ⅞” Shaker tape weave very quickly and has a blocky appearance. Ultimately, choose the material that results in the seat you’re envisioning.
- Pick a “Second Choice” color combination in case of availability issues.
- Using a single color on warp and weft creates a more subtle look, a “texture” instead of a contrasting pattern. A neutral color in this manner best mimics splint reed or rush chairs.
- Dye lots vary and the color you see may not be exactly what you get. If you have multiple chairs, we can order material for them all at once to help with color continuity.
- Fading is an issue when exposed to direct sunlight, especially darker colors like black or olive drab.
