Net Making Equipment

What I really love about net making is that the initial set-up cost is relatively cheap and it is easy to get hold of. For making a net you will need the following equipment:

More Net Making Information

Here are some more Net Making Posts that may be of interest to you.

Netting Needle

Netting Needles come in many different sizes. So now comes the difficult bit, what size do you need? The size of the netting needle is really determined by what size mesh (hole) you want in your fishing net. The netting needle needs to be small enough to pass through the mesh of the net that you are making. So for the sake of just learning to make a fishing net, in my lessons I used a xxxxx sized needle. To be honest, netting needles are so cheap you may want to buy a range of them? Also their design is so simple, you may also want to make your own netting needles.

In the videos I use the netting needle with the blue twine attached; 20cm long x 2.3 cm wide

Net Card or Net Gauge

Now this is something that you will need to source yourself, well put it this way, I have not seen them for sale. The Net Card or Net Gauge determines the size of the mesh (hole) that you want in your fishing net. A credit card would do well or you could even make some up from old bits of wood or aluminium like mine. The bottom one is 13cm x 5.5cm. On the top one you notice that there is a curved edge. Some people like this as it allows the net to be slipped off easier. Personally, I found no benefit from this.

Net Making Twine

There are a wide range of colours and materials out there that you can use for net making. When I first started out I used some natural twine, as it was less prone to slipping. I have made nets from very thin twine to tarred line to Paracord. Yes, it you can also net with Paracord, but I would say that you would need to make your net with the Single Knot Method. The problem with paracord or any material that thick, is that the actual knots become more pronounced.

Seamless Rings for Net Making

If you want to make a round net or a purse net, then you may want to purchase some seamless stainless steel rings. However, this is not essential as you can make your own rings by using some cordage to create your own rings. However, if you are making a purse net, then a SS ring would be better. The reason being is that these rings are part of the tripping mechanism for trapping a rabbit.

Casting onto a Ring

Casting onto a ring when net making can be a bit tricky, in this video, you will learn how to cast onto a ring using the Clove Hitch method. I have used oversize cordage, so that it is easier for you to see how the Cow Hitch is formed over the ring.

Net Making Knots

In the videos I use two similar knots. I know them as the single knot and the double knot method. When I first started out, when I used the single knot method (Sheet Bend) I noticed that on occasion, rather than tying a sheet bend I tied a slip knot. The video below will highlight this problem, so that you quickly understand what is going wrong! As I started to learn net making, I noticed that when I used the double knot method, I was less prone to making a mistake. Now when I make a net, I still use both methods, just depending on how I feel.

Adding More Line When Making a Net

I am often asked what knots I use when changing the colour of my nets or adding more line. I usually tell people to use their favourite knot that works. However, when I add more line when making a fishing net, I use the Weaver’s Knot or the Surgeon’s Knot. I find that with most to the yarn that I use, the Weaver’s Knot will suffice. Once you have tied the Weavers Knot and dress it smartly and tightly, pull, push and wriggle the line to see if the knot falls apart. If the knot does have a tendency to come apart, I will then tie it with the Surgeons Knot.

How to Tie the Weaver’s Knot Video

This is a quick short and to the point video on how to tie the Weaver’s Knot. For those of you that recognise your knots, you will see that this is actually a Sheet Bend, but tied differently. The reason for tying it as Weaver’s do, is that it is a little easier when using floppy yarn.

How to Tie the Surgeon’s Knot

In this short video you will learn how to tie the sturgeon’s knot. Another good knot for joining line for net making

Net Knots Videos

How to Make a Purse Net

In this short video you will learn how to make a Purse Net. In essence a Purse Net is a net that is shaped like a hammock. So not only for hunting, but a Purse Net also makes a great way for keeping stuffed toys etc stowed away in their own hammock!

How to Make a Small Net Hammock

Purse Net Hammock

Here is an example of a purse net used as a toy hammock (for my dog).

How to Make a Fishing Net

If you just want a nice rectangular fishing net, then this is probably the easiest of all the types of net that you can make.

How to Make a Round Net

I would say that this is the most difficult of all the net making processes, well it was for me. The reason being is that your are following more of a set pattern in order to increase the size of your round net.

Make Your Own Netting Needle

One thing that I do like about net making, is that everything about it is cheap and easy to get hold of. Netting Needles are really cheap for a full set, but to make your own netting needle is even better! It only takes a little bit of time, effort and a couple of simple tools to carve out a netting needle.

For the above netting needle, I just went into my local wood with my trusty hound, Bear. I then selected a piece of Hazel that was close to the width that I needed for my netting needle. Cut off a length, then returned back to net making HQ, to finish the job. Using my trusty Opinel, I was able to carve out the rough shape that I needed. Next step will be to sand all rough edges, add some wax polish, then get back to making a net.

Knotting Knives for Sale:

How are Fishing Nets Made?

Fishing nets are mostly made by machine. However, if you are interested in making your own fishing net, then you will find the above videos of great use.

How to Use a Netting Needle?

Not only will you learn how to make a net, you will also learn the basics of how to load and use a netting needle.