Net making
The making of nets, an open textile in which threads are fused, looped or knotted at their intersections, historically for fishing and trapping animals.
Status | Currently viable |
Historic area of significance | UK, especially rural areas |
Area currently practised | UK |
Origin in the UK |
History
Historically nets were used for fishing and animal trapping. Today, hand-knitted nets are are rarely used for fishing (instead, industrially produced sheet netting is used), a notable exception being the hand-knitted nets used by the Black Rock Lave Net Heritage Fishery in Wales. Hand-knitted nets are still used for pest control and for sport, such as ferreting for rabbits. Today, there are very few commercial net makers – but there are many makers knitting nets as a hobby and for their own use.
Purse net making in particular is strong and popular, carried out on a small scale by many people for their own use and local sales. No large scale commercial hand making. Long net making is less common.
Techniques
Local forms
Sub-crafts
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purse nets (for rabbits)
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fox nets
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gate nets
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long nets
- lave nets
Issues affecting the viability of the craft
- There has been a marked reduction in rabbit populations over the last couple of years – if this continues many net makers will stop.
- Availability of materials.
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Viability of the sport these nets support, i.e. ferreting.
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A change in the law could end it.
- The internet and YouTube have been a huge help in documenting and transferring the skills.
Support organisations
No formal organisations – but plenty of Facebook sites and YouTube channels
Craftspeople currently known
- M and L Nets – Fourth generation net making company
Other information
References