The traditional finishing touch to the binding process is wrapping the base frame with rattan strips. This final step gives these important joints additional strength.
Rattan Strips - bundle of 20 strips
Item #P043
$20
Craftsman’s Corner
Soak the rattan strips in water before winding around the base frame and the framework strips that make contact with the base frame. Take care not to draw your fingers along the edges of the rattan strips to avoid cuts. The strips will tighten naturally as they dry.
The modern shortcut is to use white fabric strips instead of rattan strips. However, the main drawbacks are: White fabric shows a lot of dirt, fabric is nowhere near as resistant to tears as rattan strips are, and fabric does not protect the joint and the framework like rattan strips do. If you’re building or repairing a lion yourself, you’re probably interested in using materials that will last. Rattan strips are superior to fabric strips.
