Summer 2024
August 26 - 30

In this five-day course we will learn machine and hand tool methods to cut joinery, shape, and smooth elements of a simple frame stool with a Danish cord woven seat. We will assemble, apply finish, and learn to weave the seat using contemporary seat materials rooted in Danish modern methods. This simple and elegant project is a great skill-building exercise and practice for all skill levels, and the end result is a beautiful stool by the end of the week. 

The woven seat dates back just about as far as the chair itself; it provides structure and support, as well as a bit of natural cushioning and spring. Every region of the world developed their own materials and methods for creating a woven seat, and many developments have transformed the process into an art form in and of itself.

This class is designed to introduce you to one of the most useful variations of the woven seat, while also diving into basic post and rung construction. The skills, techniques, and materials you will learn about in this workshop will open the door to a huge array of opportunities: from furniture repair and restoration to one-of-a-kind custom furniture. This project will captivate, engage, and challenge you in your woodworking journey. 

In this weeklong course, students will be introduced to the basic functions of hand tools used in post and rung chair construction. This simple frame and assembly method will then be finished off with a woven Danish cord seat top. Students should leave the course with a completed stool, practice with post and rung construction methodology, a deeper understanding of hand and power tools, and practical knowledge of cord weaving in furniture applications. 

For the first part of this course, it would be helpful, although not crucial, to be comfortable with hand planes, spokeshaves, and handsaws and chisels. The woodwork is minimal and we will teach the necessary basic skills to build the frame while offering the opportunity for more advanced students to personalize their stool’s component shapes and textures. The stools will need to be glued up and finished in order to weave the seat properly.

The second part of the course requires no previous experience or knowledge and is meant to be accessible to all students. The weaving does require modest to challenging finger and wrist activity to achieve a consistent result. If you cannot grasp and firmly pull ⅛” cord, this course may not be suitable for you.

Tools 

Required:

• Small (½” - ¾” cutting edge) diagonal wire clipper 

• Small (4-9 oz.) metal hammer (a Warrington pattern, cross peen hammer is ideal for this project if you own one, but any small metal hammer will work)

Recommended:

• ⅜” bench (or mortise) chisel

• Small rip back saw (dovetail saw)

• Small crosscut back saw (carcase saw)

• Smoothing plane

• Block plane

• Flat bottom spokeshave

Prerequisites

Open to all.

Class Information and Registration

Class is 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.

Class size: 12
Cost: $895
Materials Charge: $100

When you click on the Register link you will be able to register for the class or, if the class is full, sign up for the waitlist.