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What is Bobbin Lace?

Someone asked a question about bobbin lace patterns on the VTNS (Vintage Textile and Needlework Sellers) Facebook page. I thought it would be a good idea to take a look and try to find some. However, when I did, I realized there is a lot more to bobbin lace than I knew.

I came across pages and pages of information about this lace. All the different types, the many different ways of making it and all the names. Many named for the places the lace was created centuries ago.

Rather than trying to explain it myself, which I am very unqualified to do, I searched and found two really great sites with so much information you could spend a whole day looking at it all.

Marla Mallett

First of all, you’ll find some wonderful photo examples and plenty of information on this website, Marla Mallett. Marla is an expert in the field of antique textiles and has written many books on the subject.

Her site has been active since March 1999 and contains more than 5000 photos illustrating a variety of textile art topics, of which Bobbin Lace is one.

Lynx Lace

Another great website that even has a how-to for making bobbin lace is Lynx Lace. This site also goes into detail about the different types of bobbin lace and has Learning Bobbin Lace lessons.

You’ll find examples of her own work and enough information in the lesson to learn how to make a usable piece of lace. She also offers many free bobbin lace patterns on her site. The patterns are easy enough you can use what you’ve learned.

The Archive

Next it was off to Archive.org to see what I could find.

This 1896 book titled Lace Work a Handbook Illustrated has general directions and several illustrations for lace pieces. As well as this paragraph of encouragement.

Here’s one of the pages demonstrating what the book calls the Net Ground pattern.

This book from 1557 is also on archive. 1557!! It’s amazing that it still exists and we are able to see the scanned pages.

The title is Le Pompe Opera Nova. This book has no instructions or directions in making the lace, but does have pages of beautiful designs.

Another book on archive that is also full of wonderful designs is Designs for needle and bobbin lace techniques dated 1639.

Home Art Series

On the Antique Pattern Library website I found one book that included bobbin lace, but most of the booklets I found there have to do with Point Lace done with a needle and single thread.

This 1920 book from The Home Art Series edited by Flora Klickmann covers all laces. But the beginning chapters do have lessons on bobbin lace or pillow lace as the book calls it.

While researching this book I came across an article on Flora Klickmann (1867-1958) and the Home Art Series. It was a fascinating read.

You can find many of the original books from the series still available. Be aware though, there are reprints being sold as well so if you want the original, always double check to make sure it’s not a reprint.

It looks like there are about a dozen books in the series. Maybe a new collection?! Here are a few on Ebay: Home Art Flora Klickmann

A Word of Warning for the Beginner

A paragraph from the introduction to this book.

I hope I’ve given you a place to start with bobbin lace. As always, when I’m writing one of these blog posts I find so much great information. Plus my curiosity of vintage crafts is peaked once again.

If you like this post, be sure to share it with your friends. And like our Facebook Page to get updates every time we post new patterns.

Enjoy!

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