I am drawn to antique lace as I would be to any piece of fine art. I have studied it avidly for ten years. I am not a lace-maker, and I haven’t yet attempted to learn the skill, any more than I have tried my hand at painting sunflowers. Be that as it may, today I am sharing with you a few photographs and two very short videos of what it takes to make bobbin lace - what the process looks like. You may find it as astonishing as I do.
Bobbin lace, first made in Europe in the 16th century, is made by twisting and plaiting lengths of thread that are wound on bobbins for ease of handling as one works. As the lace is being formed, the threads are held in place with pins stuck into a lace pillow. The placement of the pins is usually determined by a pattern or “pricking” pinned on the pillow.
One would naturally assume that making bobbin lace requires a logical brain, a good memory, and great dexterity. However, my teacher tells me, “Young children can make bobbin lace - four years of age is not too early to begin! And ninety-four is not too late! Everyone begins with ten to twelve bobbins,” she says. “Anyone can do it. It is easy.” She is a nationally-known lace-maker and a woman to be trusted, so I believe her.
Some simple bobbin laces require only 8 bobbins — which is also a good number with which to begin learning.
Some laces require many, many more bobbins, but my lace teacher assures me that nothing in this lace is more complicated than the first day work — there is just lots more of it all at one time!
Simple lace trim can be made with 14 to 20 bobbins.
🌀 Watch an entry level lesson with 12 bobbins - HERE I think even I could do this!
🌀 Watch a Belgian woman working with 100+ bobbins - HERE It will take your breath away!
There are hundreds of types of bobbin lace made all over the world. Here are three just from Belgium alone — and the Belgians make many many others!
My teacher, Kate assures me that she could have me making bobbin lace in no time. She is absolutely convinced I can do it. She has been encouraging me for over ten years. One of these days I might surprise her and actually try.
How about you? Is lace making a skill you would like to learn? Have you ever tried it?
Sharron, both of you are remarkable ladies, quite the Role Models!
Very nice, bravo to Kate, she is Great - you should ask her for the photos from the fair were she was actually teaching children and adults to make bobbin lace! And Bravo to you for excellent writing and Lace Education!