Bobbin Lacemaking Course

Lesson 1 • Setting Up Your Workspace

Establish an ergonomic, well-lit lace-making station with organised tools. A correctly arranged workspace reduces errors and supports sustained practice.

Lesson 2 • Reading Lace Patterns and Diagrams

Decode pricking diagrams, dot grids, and working diagrams used in bobbin lace. Pattern literacy is prerequisite to executing any structured lace design.

Lesson 3 • History and Traditions of Bobbin Lace

Survey major European lace-making traditions and their regional styles. Contextualises craft origins to inform design choices throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Pin Placement and Tension Control

Use pins to anchor stitches at precise pricking points and regulate thread tension. Accurate pinning is the mechanical foundation of pattern fidelity.

Lesson 2 • The Cross and Twist Movements

Practise the two fundamental thread movements underlying all bobbin lace stitches. Correct hand mechanics here prevent errors in every subsequent technique.

Lesson 3 • Whole Stitch Technique

Execute the whole stitch (cross-twist-cross) and compare its texture to the half stitch. Whole stitch creates denser fabric used in tallies and cloth stitch bands.

Lesson 4 • Half Stitch Technique

Construct the half stitch (cross-twist) and apply it in a simple strip. This stitch forms the basis of Torchon ground and many filling patterns.

Lesson 1 • Working Torchon Ground

Execute the standard Torchon ground stitch sequence across multiple rows. Consistent ground is the benchmark of technical control in Torchon lace.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Torchon Grid Structure

Analyse the 45-degree diagonal grid that organises Torchon lace pin positions. Grid comprehension enables accurate thread path planning before working begins.

Lesson 3 • Completing a Torchon Sampler

Assemble all Torchon elements into a finished sampler strip with consistent ground, motifs, and edges. The sampler serves as a personal reference for future projects.

Lesson 4 • Footside and Headside Edges

Form straight footside and decorative headside edges that frame the Torchon ground. Edge technique determines the lace's attachment and finishing quality.

Lesson 1 • Joining and Crossing Bands

Cross two cloth stitch bands at an intersection and rejoin pairs cleanly afterwards. Intersections appear in complex motifs and require precise pair management.

Lesson 2 • Shaping Bands with Curves

Introduce and remove passive pairs to shape cloth stitch bands along curved paths. Shaping skills enable organic motifs such as petals and scrolls.

Lesson 3 • Workers and Passives Explained

Distinguish the roles of worker pairs and passive pairs in cloth stitch construction. Understanding these roles is essential before executing any band or braid.

Lesson 4 • Straight Cloth Stitch Band

Weave a straight cloth stitch band by passing workers through all passives in sequence. This exercise builds the rhythmic hand motion needed for consistent density.

Lesson 1 • Braids and Their Construction

Construct four-strand and six-strand braids using alternating cross-twist sequences. Braids form outlines and stems in many traditional and contemporary lace designs.

Lesson 2 • Ground Variation Sampler Project

Design and complete a sampler strip showcasing four ground variations with labelled sections. The sampler becomes a permanent reference tool for future design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Mixing Grounds in One Design

Transition smoothly between two or more ground types within a single lace piece. Managing pair counts and pin positions at ground boundaries is the key challenge.

Lesson 4 • Honeycomb and Kat Stitch Grounds

Execute honeycomb and kat stitch grounds as structured alternatives to Torchon ground. Each ground has a distinct pin-placement rhythm that must be internalised through repetition.

Lesson 1 • Drafting a Pricking by Hand

Transfer a design sketch onto card stock by plotting pin positions on a scaled grid. Accurate pricking drafting is the bridge between design concept and workable pattern.

Lesson 2 • Testing and Refining a Draft

Work a test swatch from the original pricking and identify errors in pin placement or thread paths. Iterative testing transforms a draft into a reliable, repeatable pattern.

Lesson 3 • Digital Tools for Pattern Drafting

Use lace-design software to generate, edit, and print accurate prickings digitally. Digital tools accelerate iteration and reduce manual drafting errors.

Lesson 4 • Calculating Thread Requirements

Estimate thread length and pair count for an original design before starting work. Accurate calculation prevents mid-project thread shortages and wasted material.

Lesson 1 • Joining Sections and Sewings

Join separately worked lace sections using sewings and pin-loop joins for seamless assembly. Joining techniques are essential for large pieces worked in multiple sections.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Project Integration

Plan and execute a small advanced piece combining gimp, raised elements, and complex motifs. The project demonstrates mastery of all techniques introduced in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Raised and Three-Dimensional Elements

Build raised petals, leaves, and dimensional tallies that stand above the lace ground. Three-dimensional elements require controlled thread layering and precise pin sequencing.

Lesson 4 • Gimp Threads and Outlining

Introduce thick gimp threads to outline motifs and add visual definition to lace designs. Gimp management requires additional pair handling without disrupting ground rhythm.

Lesson 1 • Mounting and Framing Lace

Mount lace on archival fabric or frame it for display using conservation-safe materials. Correct mounting preserves lace integrity and enhances visual presentation.

Lesson 2 • Finishing Techniques for Lace

Tie off, trim, and secure all thread ends to produce a clean, durable finished edge. Proper finishing prevents unravelling and is the mark of professional-quality work.

Lesson 3 • Washing and Blocking Lace

Wash, pin, and block finished lace to restore shape and open the pattern structure. Blocking is the final technical step that reveals the full beauty of the lace.

Lesson 4 • Portfolio and Professional Presentation

Photograph, document, and present finished lace pieces for a professional portfolio or exhibition. Portfolio skills support teaching, selling, and exhibiting lace work.