Bobbins
I predominately use Midlands bobbins because, well, they are sparkly with the spangle.
There are a number of different bobbin types available and which you use will be determined by the lace you are making and personal preferences.
There are a number of different bobbin types available and which you use will be determined by the lace you are making and personal preferences.
Choosing your bobbins
You need to find bobbins that feel right for you. This is about how they handle when you wind them and also how they handle when you use them to make lace. For your first bobbins, choose a good plain bobbin that is a medium size. I strongly recommend SMP's standard classic bobbins. They are my go to bobbin when I want to start someone off on lacemaking and a pack of 50 will give you all your need for your first months of lacemaking. Previously I would have recommended you to go to a lace day or suppliers event and pick up the bobbins. |
As we live in the new normal that isn't as easy as it was before. So, ask your lacemaking friends about the different makers they would recommend.
I use a mix of east midlands bobbins (the ones with the beads on the ends) and continental bobbins (the ones without beads on them) depending on what I'm making and also my mood.
I use a mix of east midlands bobbins (the ones with the beads on the ends) and continental bobbins (the ones without beads on them) depending on what I'm making and also my mood.
Make Your Own Bobbins
If you feel adventurous, then you can even make your own bobbins.
Brenda Paternoster (she of the fantastic 'Threads of Lace' reference book) has great instructions on her site to make paper bobbins. Jenny Brandis has a video showing how to make bobbins using skewers and beads. Or you could get started with just some clothes pegs, I've even see people use old toothbrushes! |
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Join a Group
If you are new to lacemaking and want support there is a great Facebook group which was started during 2020 and which has regular zoom meetings - Beginner Bobbin Lacemakers
Bobbin a Month Clubs
The best bobbin advice I have ever received was back when I started in 1989 and was from Shelia Perin of SMP Lace. I was trying to work out how to afford pillow, bobbins, books ... Well, everything and she told me to get my basic bobbins so I could start making, but find a maker I really liked and sign up to their bobbin a month club. Her advice was to buy the most expensive bobbin I could so that in years to come I had built up a collection that meant something to me. |
Even if you just buy one bobbin a month," Shelia said, "at the end of the year you will have 6 beautiful pairs of bobbins, then at the end of the next year, 12 pairs and so on." I've been making lace for over 30 years. I now have a fantastic collection of bobbins.
Anatomy of Bobbin
The basics of a bobbin are basically the same regardless of the type of bobbin. All have a shank or body, a neck and a head.
Understanding the terminology helps when talking with other lacemakers as it gives a common language. In addition, it allows you to talk with bobbin makers about their bobbins and tell them what you are looking for such as a longer neck or thinner shank.
The basics of a bobbin are basically the same regardless of the type of bobbin. All have a shank or body, a neck and a head.
Understanding the terminology helps when talking with other lacemakers as it gives a common language. In addition, it allows you to talk with bobbin makers about their bobbins and tell them what you are looking for such as a longer neck or thinner shank.
Some lacemakers refer to 1, 2 & 3 as the head.
Midland Bobbins
Midland Bobbins are named for the East Midlands of the UK where this type of bobbin was commonly used. Made of wood or bone, they are distinctive by their colourful spangles. The spangles add both weight, for tension and stop the bobbins from rolling on the pillow. |
Honiton Bobbins
Honiton Bobbins are distinctively slender and come to a point (some more than others). They weight very little they work with very fine threads so need little in the weight for tensioning on the traditional ball shaped pillow. |
Hooky Bobbins
Hooky bobbins are designed to work with metal wire (not metallic thread). They come in different styles, depending on the maker, but what they have in common is that the top is designed to hold onto the thread and hold it in place when making lace |
Bucks Thumper
Less frequently seen as a new bobbin, these were the traditional shape of bobbins used by lacemakers making Bucks Point lace on bolster pillows. Because bolster pillows are shaped like round cushions the bobbins would hang down with the tension given from the weight of the wood. They have a similarity to the bobbins from Spain, Malta and Italy. |
Continental Bobbins
There are many different Continental bobbins depending on country and lace, but what they have in common is that they are unspangled and the weight comes from the wood of the bobbin. |
Tønder Bobbins
Tønder bobbins have a slender shank leading to the round base which is decorated with seed beads. These bobbins are traditionally used for Tonder lace. |
Klöppel (Hooded) Bobbins
These German hooded boobins are called Klöppel because they look like a bell (the hood) with the bobbin as the clapper / Klöppel. The thread is wound round the inner bobbin then comes up through the top of the of hood. The idea being that the hood keeps the thread clean. Klöppel is used in Germany as the word for Lace Bobbin whilst bobbin lace is Klöppelspitze which translates literally as clapper lace. |
The image below is from Chris Parson's website and shows more styles
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Identifying Your Bobbins
So you have some bobbins and want to know more about them. For antique bobbins I strongly recommend buying a copy of Christine & David Springett's book; Success to the lace pillow which is available from the authors. You can also learn more from Brian Lemin's website.
For modern bobbins then come and join our group on Facebook - Lace Bobbins - Find the Maker where you can share photos of your bobbins and get help with identification. Once identified, you can add your photos to the Facebook albums and even have them featured (with credit to you) on our website.
So you have some bobbins and want to know more about them. For antique bobbins I strongly recommend buying a copy of Christine & David Springett's book; Success to the lace pillow which is available from the authors. You can also learn more from Brian Lemin's website.
For modern bobbins then come and join our group on Facebook - Lace Bobbins - Find the Maker where you can share photos of your bobbins and get help with identification. Once identified, you can add your photos to the Facebook albums and even have them featured (with credit to you) on our website.
More info from Rothwell Bobbins
We've compiled a list (not exhaustive) of UK bobbin makers and painters who are currently producing on the Rothwell Bobbins website. |