Basic Instructions for Hand Caning

Before you begin, make sure all of the holes are cleaned out throroughly. Find the center of the back and front and mark that hole with a caning peg. Soak the cane in room temp. water, and keep damp throughout process.

Step #1 By using the center holes pull the cane from back to front making sure that you leave at least 3 inches for tying off. Move the cane under the seat to the next hole and run it from front to back...continue this until the entire seat is done. Keep the shiny side of the strands up.

Step #2 Using the back left corner of the chair use the same method as described above only go from side to side. Try not to use the corner holes.

Step #3 Same step at #1 - only place the cane on the right hand side of step #1 placing the strand over step #2.

Step #4 This is where the actual weaving begins. By following step #2 go under over, under over. This step is on the bottom side of step #2. You may only be able to pull through a few at a time.

Step #5 Beginning in the upper right hand side of the chair, use the corner hole. Weave over strands from front to back and under strands from side to side. You will need to double up in the corner holes and you will see it form a "fish head" in each corner. The reason for this is that usually there are more holes in the front than the back, and it will help to form "x's" along each side as well.

Step #6 At the upper left hand side of the chair use the opposite corner hole. Weave under strands from front to back and over strands from side to side. You will notice "x's" forming in the front and back and even along each side. If you don't then you need to adjust your strands to do so.

Binding the Outside: By using Binder or Finishing Cane, cut a piece and lay over the holes. By using a piece of cane, go up through each hole and under each hole to hold the binder in place. After you are finished, you must now tie off the loose strands hanging underneath the chair. Use an awl to pick up the cane, slip the strand under, and then by using the same strand, make a tie. You need to trim any excess cane off. Our PLATO nippers are an excellent tool for this. You can use round reed to "peg" the hole you start and end with.