Instructions for the Rush Pattern in Chair Caning

Soak rush for two hours in a bucket of water immediately before you start weaving to make it soft and flexible. Wrap the rush in a damp piece of burlap fabric to hold in moisture until you are ready to use it.

Label the bottom, left, right and top sides of the chair frame 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Do this in your head.

Take a strand of rush and wrap it under, then over the left end of side 4, where it meets the corner, leaving a 4-inch length of rush at the end. Continue wrapping the strand under, then over the top of side 2, where it meets the corner.

Thread the strand under itself and stretch it taut across the chair frame. Wrap the strand under, then over side 3 next to the corner. Wrap the strand under, then over side 4 next to the corner, tuck the strand under itself and stretch it taut across the chair frame to side 1.

Wrap the strand under, then over side 1 next to the right corner. Wrap the strand under, then over side 3, tuck the strand under itself and stretch it taut across the chair frame to side 2.

Continue this pattern until the entire seat is covered with the rush pattern. When you run out of rush, tie another piece of rush onto the end, using a square knot. Tie the knots on the bottom of the chair to keep them out of sight.

Tuck the last strand under another strand on the bottom of the seat. Allow the seat to dry completely and cut off all loose ends with a pair of sharp scissors.

Apply a coat of shellac or wax to strengthen the rush. Apply a fresh coat of finish once every five years.