Netmakers

Netmakers are craftsmen who create nets for various uses by hand or with light machinery. They may specialize in fishing nets, agricultural bird nets, or nets for sports and industrial applications. The craft is found in coastal and rural communities where nets are a staple tool for livelihoods. In modern times, some netmakers work in small workshops, while others supply larger manufacturers.

Netmaking combines knotting, weaving, and mesh-setting techniques. Traditional nets are made from natural fibers such as hemp or cotton; contemporary nets use synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene for strength and durability. Tools include netting needles, barbed twines, gauge rulers for mesh size, and sharp knives. The process can be labor-intensive and often passed down through families or small guilds.

Types of nets include fishing nets (gillnets, seine nets, cast nets, trawl nets, drift nets), as well as nets for farming (bird nets, fencing nets), and sports nets (tennis nets, basketball backboard nets). Netmakers carefully calculate mesh size and weight to suit the intended use, balancing catch efficiency with bycatch reduction and durability.

History and context: Net making is an ancient craft found in many cultures, with evidence from classical civilizations and coastal societies. Today, artisanal netmaking competes with mass-produced nets; some regions preserve the tradition through apprenticeships, cooperatives, or decorative and ceremonial nets. Regulatory frameworks around net use and mesh sizes influence the craft in fishing communities.