Basket Weaving: Introduction to Seat Weaving

The Basket Weaving Introduction to Seat Weaving class at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum provides a comprehensive, hands-on overview of traditional chair seat weaving methods and materials.

📅 Class Details 

Saturday, February 28, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (EST)

Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

Tuition:
$90.00 – $105.00

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

The Basket Weaving Introduction to Seat Weaving class is a foundational, full-day workshop for students interested in learning the traditional techniques for weaving and repairing chair seats. This class is essential for anyone planning to advance into more complex chair weaving projects and is required before enrolling in the Advanced Caning Class or the Advanced Ladder-Back Chair Class, where students will weave full chair seats on their own furniture.

During this workshop, participants will explore the most common historic and modern seat weaving techniques, gaining an understanding of which materials and methods work best with different chair styles. Instruction includes an overview of hand caning, pressed caning, French caning, Shaker tape weaving, rushing, and splint weaving. Students learn not only how each method is executed, but also how to evaluate a chair frame to determine the appropriate weaving technique.

A significant focus of the class is understanding the fibers and materials used in seat weaving. Participants will examine cane, rush, splint, tape, and other weaving materials, learning their strengths, limitations, and proper preparation. This knowledge is critical for anyone interested in restoring antique furniture, maintaining historic chairs, or developing professional-level seat weaving skills.

Following demonstrations and discussion, students will complete a hand-caned sampler to practice proper spacing, tension, and pattern formation under instructor guidance. The sampler provides a practical reference tool that students can take home and use for future projects. This hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares students for the more demanding techniques taught in advanced classes.

The Basket Weaving Introduction to Seat Weaving class is taught by Joan Betzold, a nationally recognized basket weaver and instructor with more than 30 years of experience. Joan attends over 40 art, folk art, colonial, fiber, and gardening shows annually and has been honored as a Featured Artist at several nationally recognized events. She designs, dyes, and weaves her original baskets and seating using centuries-old techniques that rely solely on skill and craftsmanship—without nails, glue, staples, or molds.

Joan has taught basket and seat weaving at museums throughout the region as well as in private workshops. She is also frequently asked to serve as the basket-weaving judge at the Maryland State Fair, reflecting her expertise and respected standing in the field. Students benefit from her explicit instruction, methodical teaching style, and deep understanding of traditional furniture craftsmanship.

This workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and includes a full day of hands-on learning. The class is suitable for beginners with good hand dexterity and for experienced makers who want a solid technical foundation before progressing to advanced chair weaving.

🧺 What to Bring

Students should bring:

• Measuring tape

• Sharpened pencil

• Brick wrapped in plastic wrap

• 12 large wooden clip-style clothespins

• Old towel

• Scissors

• Pocket knife

• Small regular screwdriver

• Spray bottle

• Pail or dish pan (to hold approximately 2 gallons of water)

• Lunch, drinks, and snacks

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on craft work.

⚠️ Important Notes

• This class is a required prerequisite for advanced seat weaving courses

• Class is held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom (one flight of stairs)

• All sales are final. No refunds

• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum