Beginner's Guide to Bobbin Lace

To the uninitiated, a lace pillow set up with dozens of bobbins looks very complicated, but this manual shows the simplicity of the basic moves: only four bobbins are in use at any one time, and there are only two movestwist and cross. Focusing on Torchon lacemaking techniquesBruges and Chantilly lace are two other well-known traditionsthese lessons begin with small lace bookmarks worked in various designs before progressing to full-scale projects: a purse, a bag, a cushion, and two scarves. All are presented with step-by-step instructions, close-up photos, and a complete set of pricking patterns. Additional material covers techniques for adding beads and tassels and working with such unconventional materials as wire, cable, and thick wool yarn.

Gilian Dye is the author of Beginning Bobbin Lace and Bobbin Lace Braid. Adrienne Thunder is active in local, national, and international lace organizations. Both women have served on the executive committee of The Lace Guild, and together they have developed lace patterns and techniques for working with nontraditional materials.