Beginning Bobbin Lace

Bobbin lace developed around the beginning of the 16th century as a method of making lace that was faster than needle lace. Bobbin lace is basically off-loom weaving that is made on a lace pillow, using bobbins wound with thread and pins to hold the stitches in place. This enables weft threads to become warp threads and vice versa. Bobbin lace is made with two movements, using only four bobbins at a time.

No prior experience is necessary! This class is designed for those who are new to bobbin lace making or those who have been away from lace making for a while and need to get back to basics. We will review the equipment used to make bobbin lace, including the different types of lace pillows and bobbins, thread selection, how to prepare a pattern and how to wind the bobbins. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of bobbin lace and regional differences.

We will make a sampler strip using colored threads to make it easier to see how the threads are moving and to help master the basic movements and stitches. Then continue with making a bracelet (either with or without beads) and a mini bookmark.

Skills and Techniques:

• Bobbin lace terminology – equipment and lacemaking terms
• How to prepare the pattern and bobbins
• Basic stitches in bobbin lace
• How to start and finish
• How to read a pattern and/or working diagram

Materials Fee: Materials charge: $10 paid directly to the instructor. An optional complete lace-making kit can be purchased from the instructor for $75.

Special Tools or Equipment: All necessary equipment will be provided on loan (bobbins, lacemaking pillow, thread, pins, patterns, pincushion, pricker), as well as printed handouts. Students who already have their own equipment should inform the instructor and bring it along to the workshop.

Workshop Policies: Please be sure to read our 2025 policies before you register for a workshop which can be found here Workshop Policies