Learn to Cane Chairs - Introduction to Chair Caning

Looking for a way to restore an antique, flea market find, or family heirloom chair that has a broken lattice-type seat? Many chairs can be easily repaired by re-caning the seats, weaving new strands of cane into a sturdy pattern that will last for years. 

Chair caning has so many possibilities – it’s not only used for chairs but lampshades, baskets and room dividers. It is a craft that has been with us for centuries with different designs and formats.

In this 6-hour workshop series, Michael D’Aversa will be teaching the basics of this craft beginning with a brief history, an overview of the types of caning and then we start weaving! 

Mike has been weaving seats for 35 years, having learned from his father-in-law in Connecticut and has practiced the craft ever since. 

When:

Part 1 - Saturday, October 19th  9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Part 2 - Saturday, October 26th  9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Where: Main Street Studio

786 Charlton Road, Charlton 12019

Workshop Cost: $165 includes workshop instruction, 10” caning ring w/ pegs, rattan reed & binder cane

Class Details:

Each person in the class will be given a round frame with pre-drilled holes to practice on as you learn a traditional seven step weaving pattern. The class is broken into two separate 3 hour sessions which should give everyone plenty of time to complete the caning pattern on the circular test frame. 

You are also welcome to bring in your own chair and get advice on the best way to re-cane the seat or jump right in and start working on that chair instead of the test frame.Since every chair is different, some chairs might take a little longer than the length of the 6-hour class. 

The good thing about chair caning is that it requires very little tools! Once you learn the technique, you will be able to save many chairs and hopefully help us pass this traditional craft down for another generation!