Net Weaving Shuttles

A net weaving shuttle is one of the oldest and most efficient tools humans ever used for survival. Long before modern rods and reels existed, people caught fish, trapped small game, dried food, carried supplies, and even protected sleeping areas with handmade nets.

A net shuttle is what makes all of that possible — it stores cord, feeds it smoothly, and helps you tie uniform, tight loops without tangles.

→ Explore All Tools Featuring Shuttles

For a modern EDC or survival kit, a flat shuttle is an incredible high-value, low-space tool. It lets you:

• Build fishing nets

• Make gear bags

• Repair damaged nets

• Weave storage hammocks

• Make cargo nets

• Build traps and snares

• Repair mesh pockets

• Weave shelters from natural materials

• Create drying racks

• Fix torn packs and gear

This guide teaches beginners everything needed to start weaving, repairing, and improvising nets.

What is a Net Weaving Shuttle

A net weaving shuttle is a flat tool with two arms and a center spine.
It has two functions:

1. Cord Storage

The shuttle holds cord neatly so it doesn’t tangle during weaving or repairs.

2. Cord Delivery

Its shape allows cord to feed smoothly through loops, knots, and meshes without binding up.

A good shuttle lets you:

• Tie uniform loops

• Maintain even tension

• Control mesh size

• Work quickly without knots forming

Flat survival shuttles are ideal for pocket kits, Altoids tins, and EDC repair cards.

Cord multiplier

Turning cord into netting increases its usefulness dramatically, letting you turn 10 feet of cord into a 3-foot net with dozens of attachment points.

The Basics of How a Net Shuttle Works

1. Choose Your Cord and Mesh Size

Cord options:

• Bank line (best all-around)

• Paracord inner strands

• Jute (for bushcraft nets)

• Fishing line

• Heavy sewing thread (for repair nets)

• Plastic Cordage → Explore All Cordage Making Tools

Mesh size (the size of each opening):
This depends on what you want to catch or carry.

Small mesh = small fish, fine repairs
Large mesh = gear nets, hammocks, drying racks

Use a gauge (mesh stick) to keep mesh size consistent.
A credit card, small ruler, or stick works fine.

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2. Load the Shuttle

Wind your cord in a figure-eight between the arms of the shuttle.
This keeps the cord from tangling.

Keep the cord snug but not tight
and secure the end in the shuttle notch.

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3. Tie Your Anchor Line (the “Top Rope”)

Your net needs a starting point.

Tie a piece of cord horizontally between:

• Two trees

• Two stakes

• Backpack straps

• Nail heads

• A table leg and chair leg

• Anything fixed and slightly wider than your net

This anchor line supports your first row of loops.

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4. Tie the First Row of Loops

This is where the net begins.

Step-by-step:

1. Hold your mesh gauge against the anchor line.

2. Wrap cord from the shuttle down the front of the gauge, under it, then back up behind the anchor line.

3. Tie a simple sheet bend, half hitch, or overhand-on-a-bight around the anchor line.

4. Slide the knot until it sits against the gauge.

5. Repeat this across the whole anchor line.

By the end, you’ll have a row of identical loops hanging down.

This is Row 1.

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5. Begin Weaving Row 2

Each new row attaches to the loops from the row above.

Here’s how:

1. Hold the mesh gauge under the Row 1 loops.

2. Insert the shuttle up through the first loop of Row 1.

3. Pull enough cord to wrap around the gauge.

4. Bring the shuttle down and tie that new loop to the loop above with a sheet bend.

5. Slide the knot against the gauge for consistent mesh size.

Repeat across the row.

Now you have Row 2.

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6. Continue Weaving Each Additional Row

Each new loop attaches to the loop directly above it.

The motion becomes a rhythm:

1. Insert shuttle up through loop

2. Pull cord

3. Wrap around gauge

4. Tie knot

5. Slide knot against gauge

6. Move to next loop

Repeat.

This rhythm is why nets can be woven very quickly even with small cordage — once you “feel” it, it becomes automatic.

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7. Maintain Even Tension

This is what makes a net strong and clean.

Tips:

• Don’t pull knots too tight — nets need flexibility.

• Keep each knot sitting neatly against the gauge.

• Keep loops aligned.

• Keep cord from twisting as it feeds from the shuttle.

Proper tension = durable net.

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8. Remove the Gauge and Start the Next Row

Once an entire row is tied:

1. Slide the gauge out

2. Move it down to the next row

3. Repeat weaving

Removing the gauge after every full row prevents uneven sizes.

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9. Repeat Until Net Is Desired Length

You can weave:

• A few rows for a repair patch

• A couple feet for a cargo net

• Dozens of rows for a fishing gill net

• Several feet for a hammock

There is no size limit — the shuttle determines workflow, not net size.

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10. Finish the Bottom Edge

To finish a net cleanly:

• Tie a final row of overhand knots

• Or weave a bottom rope/cord through the final loops

• Or braid the bottom loops into a single reinforced edge

This locks everything in place so the net won’t unravel.

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Optional Advanced Techniques

Increasing Net Width

Add two loops per row by tying new loops onto the sides.

Decreasing Net Width

Skip loops at the edge to taper.

Reinforced Edges

Weave braided cords through edges for strength.

Double Mesh Nets

Tie knots in alternating patterns for tighter structure.

If you want, we can add an “Advanced Net Weaving” chapter later.

 Example: Building a Survival Fishing Net

1. Make an anchor line 3–4 feet wide.

2. Tie 12–20 loops on Row 1.

3. Weave 15–50 rows depending on desired net depth.

4. Add floats (bark, sticks) to top rope.

5. Add weights (stones, metal bits) to bottom rope.

6. Deploy between sticks or as a drift net in shallow water.

Extremely effective for passive fishing.

 Example: Repairing a Torn Mesh Pocket

1. Anchor the torn edge to something solid.

2. Add a new row of loops along the torn edge.

3. Weave 1–3 rows inward to rebuild missing mesh.

4. Tie off edges with reinforced knots.

5. Trim and melt synthetic cord ends.

Great for backpacks, tents, and gear bags.

What You Can Make With a Net Shuttle

Fishing Nets

Create:

• Gill nets

• Dip nets

• Throw nets

• Funnel traps

• Minnow traps

Pair with:
→ How to make and use a fishing spear

Gear Carriers and Bags

Nets become instant lightweight bags for:

• Foraging

• Carrying firewood

• Collecting shellfish

• Hunting or trapping supplies

• Organizing packs

Cargo Nets

Tie down gear in:

• Cars

• Boats

• ATVs

• Canoes

• Campsites

A cargo net made from 20–30 feet of cord can secure hundreds of pounds.

Repair Work

Fix:

• Torn nets

• Ripped mesh pockets

• Broken pack panels

• Holes in tents or tarps

• Damaged fishing gear

A shuttle gives you controlled loop placement for clean repairs.

Shelter and Camp Projects

Nets can be used as:

• Hammocks

• Gear hangers

• Drying racks

• Food storage

• Animal deterrent walls

A single shuttle lets you build entire camp systems.

How to Load a Shuttle Properly

1. Hold the shuttle vertical.

2. Wrap cordage in a figure-8 pattern between the two arms.

3. Keep each wrap snug but not tight.

4. Don’t cross randomly — neat layers feed best.

5. Finish by securing the end in one of the side notches or slits.

This prevents the classic “bird’s nest” problem that frustrates beginners.

How to Improvise a Net Shuttle

If you lose your shuttle or need another one, it’s very easy to make one.

1. Carved Wooden Shuttle

Cut or carve a flat stick into an hourglass shape.
Notches on the ends hold cord perfectly.

2. Plastic Bottle or Milk Jug Shuttle

Cut a flat rectangle, shape notches.
Lightweight and waterproof.

3. Cardboard or Credit Card Shuttle

For temporary work or small nets.
Cut notches on both ends for cord.

4. Bone or Antler Shuttle

Traditional and extremely durable.
Carve to shape and notch the ends.

5. Tent Stake Shuttle

Flattened wooden or metal tent stakes can be modified quickly.

All improvised shuttles work as long as:

• They hold cord cleanly

• They fit comfortably in the hand

• They feed cord through loops smoothly

→ Explore All Tools Featuring Shuttles

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Wrapping cord too tightly
Cord won’t feed; the shuttle jams.

Mistake 2: Making loops different sizes
Use a gauge to keep it consistent.

Mistake 3: Pulling knots too tight
Nets need some flexibility.

Mistake 4: Skipping anchor points
Each row must attach correctly, or the net will warp.

Mistake 5: Using random knots
Stick to simple bends and overhand knots until you’re advanced.

Expert Tips for Shuttle Use

• Use bank line for extremely strong nets

• Make smaller nets first — practice builds speed

• Store multiple shuttles loaded with different cord types

• Keep tension consistent by anchoring your base line well

• For repairs, use finer thread on top of stronger base mesh

FAQ

Q: Can you weave a full-size net with a pocket-sized shuttle?
A: Yes — it just takes time. The shuttle only controls cord, not net size.

Q: What’s the best cordage for fishing nets?
A: Bank line or monofilament, depending on the style of net.

Q: Can I repair modern nylon nets with a shuttle?
A: Absolutely. It's what they're designed for.

Q: Can I weave natural-material nets?
A: Yes — vines, grasses, bark strips, and plant fibers all work.

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Related Skill Series Posts

• → How to use the cordage maker tool

• → Learn how to clean a fish

• → How to make and use a fishing spear

• → Making a Fishing Kit

• → How to Choose and Use Fishing Hooks

• → Explore All Tools Featuring Shuttles

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