The Rope & Canvas Sailor

This is a five-day course ending Friday

Hervey Garrett Smith’s classic 1953 book, The Arts of the Sailor, is the inspiration for José’s introductory course on traditional rope and canvas work. While many people have an interest in learning how to sew canvas with a sailmaker’s palm and needle, there is little practical instruction available, and even less information on where to find good, modern substitutes for tools and materials once used by sailors aboard tall ships. Here is a great opportunity to gain some of those skills and plenty of information on knots and ropework, as well.

The week will begin with the fundamentals of palm and needle sewing, discussions of tools and various materials, and basic marlinespike rope work. Students will work on several projects throughout the course. Everyone will make their own ditty bag with a decorative marlinspike handle.

Most “fancy” knots have humble and practical origins aboard ships. José will show you how to create useful items that will look good and feel at home on a small wooden boat. Students might make a monkey’s fist heaving line, a lanyard, small mat, Turk’s heads, bracelets, etc.

At the conclusion of the week, each student will come away with a good set of basic tools, the knowledge to use them, and, hopefully, the inspiration to take on other projects for their boat or around the house.