Furniture Making Course: Traditional Seat Caning (2-day Course)

Skill Level: Beginner  (Is this course right for me?)

Course Overview

This 2-day introductory course on seat caning is perfect for beginners looking to dive into the traditional craft of hand caning. Over two days, you'll explore:

• Cane and rattan materials used for weaving.
• The history of seat caning in Europe and the UK.
• The distinctions between hand caning and pressed caning, focusing on the strengths and challenges of each technique.
• Practical skills with a step-by-step introduction to the six-way weave, where you'll engage in hands-on practice.
• Edge binding, demonstrated and practiced to complete your piece.

By the end of the course, you’ll have crafted your own practice frame to take home, showcasing your new skills.

Hand caning is a time-honoured craft known for its intricate patterns and durability. You'll learn how to weave strands of cane through a wooden frame, creating the distinctive mesh that forms the seat. Once mastered, this skill produces beautiful, long-lasting furniture, steeped in tradition.

No prior experience is needed, making this an ideal opportunity to start your journey into traditional hand caning.

This course is run by Chrissy, a very talented restorer, specialising in the art if furniture caning. She has a passion for history and crafts and thoroughly enjoys sharing her skills and experience with students.

Fees: £325 (materials and tools are provided for the course)

Duration: 2 Days (9am to 4pm)

To ensure individual attention, there are never more than six students taught by one of our experienced tutors.

We provide tea and coffee throughout the course but you will need to arrange your own lunch. I recommend that you bring a packed lunch each day. However we are only a few minutes by car from Farnham town centre if you need anything.

Accommodation is not included, but there are many excellent hotels and B&BS in the area. Click this link to see a selection offering special rates.

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18 at the start of their course.

Here is a summary of course dates:

08-09 February 2025

26-27 April 2025

If you would like to be notified when new course dates are available, you can do so via our Newsletter here.

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