Thread: lace bobbins

Toni
I can't help you with the size but the number is anything from about 6 to 100 depending on the size and complexity of the lace. I haven't ever done it but an old relative of mine use to.

I wouldn't normally post the contents of a PM, but... Toni would you mind if I post my reply to your PM here, just for future reference? (Also might spark some debate. )

no don't mind one bit go for it.
thanks toni

Thanks Toni.

Here 'tis:
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Hmmm... Generally the actual "bobbin part" where the lace winds on is usually around 30-40mm long, and around 2-3mm thick, dependin on how strong the wood is. The ends of the bobbins are between 8-10mm thick. As for the sizes of the head and the handle, that's all subject to change from bobbin to bobbin.

Mind you, I have also turned smaller and larger bobbins, it depends on what style of tatting they're used for and whether I've been asked to make 'em to a specific size. The above sizes are about the standard, though.

As for how many bobbins are needed, again that depends on the work being done. Simple lace ribbons can be done with as few as 5 bobbins, while a really intricate piece can take a hundred or more.
---8<---

Basically, all the above can be summed up as: if it looks right it is right.

It'll be interesting to hear if others turn theirs to different sizes and why.

Hi All,
Not trying to be smart but the type of lace to be made depends on the type of bobbin used.The type of bobbin most used in Australia is the Midland Bobbin that is the bobbin the ladies attach beads to(spangles).The vary in dimension usually about 100mm long about 6mm in diamter at the body.The neck is usually about 25mm long and 3mm diameter(that's were the thread is held) To make a book mark will take up to 10 pairs.To make a fancy piece could take up a 100 pairs or more.
Skew you have all of the bobbin lace makers spitting their dummies calling it tatting .Tatting uses one little shuttle made popular by Queen Victoria as it was something that she could take anywhere in he handbag to pass away the time.

Ron

Originally Posted by Hambone

Skew you have all of the bobbin lace makers spitting their dummies calling it tatting .Tatting uses one little shuttle made popular by Queen Victoria as it was something that she could take anywhere in he handbag to pass away the time.

Just calling it what my Mum and her cronies call it. So I had a deprived (depraved?) upbringing.

I wasn't going to get into the different types (Bayeux, Flanders, Honiton, etc.) 'cos when I'm asked to make some if I ask "what type do you want?" as often as not all I get in return is a blank stare... But yes, Midlands are the "de facto" bobbin here in Oz and are what I was describing.

As you said, the type dictates the style of lace it's best used for, but rather than make a "traditional" Flanders bobbin for Flanders lace, for example, I'll make a Midlands body and, in this case, change the head style to a thin Binche. The Thistle is most common, of course, but I've done more than a few using a Reversed Thistle or other style of head.

I've also made a few "double arrowhead" that AFAIK was invented by one of the ladies on these fora. (Might've been Jen? I forget. Apologies for pinching your idea, anyway, but someone saw a pic of yours on here and said "I want some!" )

Hi Skew,
You haven't pinched my idea .My wife is a lace maker that's why I know a bit about it. I have never put a picture of my bobbins on this foram and have only sent one to I think whom sent me some corian I am to old to be playing around with cameras.

Ron

ron 49 is not too old. you only a youngin yet.
Toni

Hi Toni,
Mabe if you added another 25 onto your age prediction you would be getting close. My next overcoat will be a wooden one.

Ron

sorry ron, i read posts as 48 and mistaken that for age. oh well that for next time
Toni

make sure you get buried with a carving kit and an unlined overcoat then you can pass the time nicely young Ron.

Originally Posted by Hambone

Hi Skew,
You haven't pinched my idea .My wife is a lace maker that's why I know a bit about it. I have never put a picture of my bobbins on this foram and have only sent one to I think whom sent me some corian I am to old to be playing around with cameras.

Ron

Not I.

Hello one and all

I am a bobbin lace maker (I make Torchon lace) and the following is generalities about lace

To make lace you need pairs of bobbins, a minimum of 2 pairs will make a plait.

To make a piece of torchon insertion lace that is 1 inch wide, on a grid of 10 to the inch I would need 3 pairs for each footside (the flat sides that is sewn onto the fabric), and two pairs per pinhole between. so my theoretical 1 inch wide lace needs 14 pairs. (28 bobbins)

I am currently working on a garter for my sisters wedding, this piece uses 48 pairs of bobbins, takes approx 1.5 hrs to make 1 inch length and the total length will be 50 - 60 inches long (depending on how soon I have had enough )

All the lace makers I know of have *hundreds* of bobbins! Ranging from the 50c duds to the $20 each. The price depends solely on the lace makers willingness to pay.
next message talks about the size of bobbins.

Hi Jenny
I'd love to see some pics or even better a video