Make a Willow Crab Pot
Workshop with Sue Morgan
Saturday 4 July 2026, 10.30am - 4pm
£75
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: Beginners
a Green Maker Initiative workshop
Sue is exhibiting in our fascinating exhibition Staying Alive: Endangered crafts of the Southwest of England, co-curated by Heritage Crafts, on show in our Jubilee Gallery 2 May - 4 July.
Come and learn about this traditional rural craft with one of our Staying Alive exhibitors, Sue Morgan.
You will be making a miniature crab pot in the South Devon style, as used from Hallsands / Beesands along the coast to Salcombe and Hope Cove. The techniques of weaving the full size pot are replicated exactly using smaller gauge willow.
The basic technique is a paired weave, starting with the funnel attached to a former or mule, then progressing to the round inkwell shape using fitched pairing in a spiral weave.
The flat base is again pairing but with large bundles of weavers. Finally the ends are finished off with plaits woven through the base.
Please bring a pair of garden secateurs for the day. All other equipment and materials will be provided.
No previous experience of signwriting is necessary. This workshop is open to complete beginners and also for people with experience of willow weaving etc.
Participants must be aged 18 years or older.
For more information on the heritage craft of withy / crab pot making:
This centuries-old British tradition might soon be lost | National Geographic
Willow crab pots to play role in Cornwall fishing's future - BBC News
On the Day
Please bring a pair of garden secateurs for the day. All other tools and materials will be provided. Please do wear comfortable / old clothing - aprons will be provided if needed.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. There will be a short lunch break during the workshop and participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop.
Workshop participants get 10% off in Rodney’s Café, our exhibitions, and our shop on the day of the workshop! Just show your booking confirmation email or your ticket at the till to receive your discount.
On arrival, please enter the building via the shop, follow the arrows to the café, through the galleries and up the internal stairs. Make your way through the café and through the glass double doors to the workshop. Please let us know if you require the lift.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.