Bobbin lace (or pillow lace) takes its name from the way it is made: on a  firm pillow to which a pricked-out pattern is tacked and each twist of the bobbins is held in place by a pin.  For all its intricate and elegant appearance, there are only two different movements of bobbins in the formation of the lace: the twist and the cross.

Cookie- round slightly domed shape -sizes vary usually from 14 to 25 inches Good choice for a first pillow as it allows the lacemaker to turn it around and change directions which is necessary for many laces.It's also good for doilies and motifs	Roller- many shapes  but nearly all with a roller embedded in pillow. These are good for most continuous laces; like edgings, flounces, trims etc.	Sectional- Blocks that fit together to make a square (or other shape) Very useful for larger doilies, and handkerchiefs as you can move blocks into different positions thus allowing room for bobbins to stay on pillow when getting near edge of pattern.

Both bobbin types can and are used for all lace, it's just easier to make particular laces with the appropriate bobbins. Some times it's the weight of the bobbin paired with the correct thread weight that also makes a difference which is the best bobbin to choose. Most beginners choose a Torchon Type bobbin to start with as an all around choice which allow them to make any of the laces made by beginners through intermediate.

Spangled bobbins look like these and are traditionally used for English Lace styles  ( like Torchon, Bucks and Beds) which are continuous, from one end to the other. (directions on how to spangle-PDF)	Torchon Lace uses Spangled  (or Continental bobbins) Bedfordshire uses Spangled Bobbins
Continentals usually look like one these and are more commonly used on lace that contains "sewings" and is made in sections or changes direction frequently like those shown on the right.	Idrija Lace(a tape lace) uses  Continental Bobbins Brugge Lace (a tape lace) uses Continental Bobbins

Pins- different flat head pin sizes depending on lace made

I have and use 3 different sizes.

When I first started making lace, I was doing bigger lace like Bruges
(and later Russian), and a large size like 30 x .80mm is used. It allows for the
correct size hole and strength when tightening .

26 x .55mm or .65mm is a  middle size and the one I personally use the most and
is great for Torchon and Bedfordshire.  Now these are the "lace pin" sizes
and for a description of all those numbers see Holly's page on pins:
click here for Holly's pin selection information
The medium size pin is available in fabric stores and is called,
"Pleating Pins" size/No. 16- 1in (2.5cm) by Dritz.
 This size may not be available in small fabric or craft stores but the larger
stores should have them.

The smaller pins are (17 x .45mm) 3/4"  and used for Honiton, Whitof Duchesse.

There are even smaller pins for Point Ground laces and other fine straight laces
but a beginner is not likely to use these.

I personally prefer the steel pins as they don't bend as much but other
lacemakers swear by brass pins. It's a personal preference thing.

More Pin information that can be downloaded and printed

 
 

Thread- different sizes depending on lace made -you can practice with tatting
thread or # 8 or 12 pearl cotton. Eventually you will want real lace thread which works a lot easier.
Length of fiber, finish,and  twist are all factors that effect ease of use.

Cotton thread is a little easier to use but some lace looks best in Linen. Don't try silk for a while as
it's a bit more difficult to use at first while there is so much to learn.
Size of thread will depend on the pattern you use. There are several refrences available for substituting
different threads when the one called for by a particular pattern is not available.
Suggested book to help with thread sizing

pattern - printed on blue card stock or heavy card and covered with clear or blue contact paper
to keep ink from bleeding through to lace. (Never work white thread on white pattern)
Pricking the holes before making the lace will make it easier to find the hole.

Patterns on the Web

Books- many available - Here are a few of my favorites for Beginners.

For starting with Torchon:

" Introduction to Bobbin Lacemaking" by Rosemary Shepherd

"The Bobbin Lace Manual" by Geraldine Stott

"The Technique of Bobbin Lace" by Pamela Nottingham

For Starting with a "Tape" lace

• "Bruges Flower Lace" by Edna Sutton

Lace books for sale at discount here

Lace Articles you might want to read

Beginners Bobbin Lace Books

Free Lessons

Falkink's Kantelier- Working with hanging bobbins
Introduction to Bobbin Lace in 16 lessons
BOBBIN LACE BEGINNERS COURSE by Concha Canoura
A first lesson in Bobbin Lace
Basic Techniques -in french
Learn to make Rauma lace
Portaguese Lace Lesson
Czech Lace Collar
Czech Lace EARRING LESSON
Czech Point lace lesson
Lace Techniques -also in french with lots of diagrams
BLEN Lace Training online
Introduction to Bucks Point
Jo Edkins' Lace School - This is an online lace school!

Lessons For a Fee

Ann Moore's Lacemakers' Collection

 
 

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