Hand weaving nets

Learn to make nets by hand

Nets have long been made by hand for fishing, as textile, to carry materials, and so many other uses. Traditionally they would have been hand woven and repaired using a net needle similar to a shuttle used on the loom.

In this workshop we'll learn some basic net-making techniques including how to 'cast on' to use a common knitting term, and how to knit the open weave. We'll learn how to load your net needle, traditional net-making materials, and how you can use local and invasive plants to make your own twine at home. And we'll talk about the history of fishing on the Fraser, from Musqueam seasonal fishing sites to the canneries to the way Steveston is today.

Ticket options

There are two sessions to choose from and both will take place at Branscombe House:

10am to 12pm

1pm to 3pm

What to bring

I'll have a variety of net needle sizes and some cotton and jute twine. If you have a particular twine or thread you'd like to work with, feel free to bring it along. The needle sizes should work well with a range of thread thicknesses up to about 2mm. Avoid very fine embroidery-type thread as this will be too fine for the mesh.

About the Branscombe Artist Residency

Branscombe House is one of the earliest settler homes in Steveston and is significant for its historical association to the development of the area, both as a residential building and through the Branscombe family’s general store. Cat Hart is the current artist in residence exploring this history through eco-arts processes.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at Y2F0aHJ5bmhhcnQgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==.

Also check out other Arts events in Richmond, Workshops in Richmond.