INTRODUCTION STEPS FOR BOBBIN LACE; CROSS AND TWIST

 

There are multiple types of bobbins, as well as other types of objects that can be used as bobbins. I love clothes pins for when I am traveling, as the thread is less likely to roll around. You can make bobbins out of skewers from the kitchen section of the store, hot glue and beads. If you are looking for something more “fancy” you can find bobbins online at places like amazon and etsy for about $20/dozen. If you are working with metal threads, you will need special bobbins with a hook on the end

 

For patterns, you can find some online for free, as well as in books, and online at places like Etsy. And don’t forget your local library is a great place to look at books if you are unsure if you would like it before you buy it

Supplies

Thread: DMC embroidery floss (great place to start), Crochet cotton, linen (don’t forget that linen likes to be hydrated so water is a must), silk

Bobbins: as many as you need per pattern. Different colors/styles will make it easier to tell if you made a mistake

Pillow/cookie

Pins to mark knots

pattern

Scissors/needle (to cut the ends off after you tie the threads at the end

There are several free patterns you can find online. You can also source books, and patterns online….and as always; the library is your best friend!!!

STEP 1:

The pattern you are using should tell you where you are starting. Above that pattern dot, place 2 pins above it, slightly apart. After wrapping your bobbins, either tie the ends together, or if you found the center of one thread and wrapped both bobbins from the ends, loop over your first pin. Do this for both sets of bobbins you would like to address. They should each be hanging on their own pins.

 

STEP 2:

To anchor the threads, twist the threads on the same pair twice. To complete this, move the right bobbin of each pair over the left bobbin of the pair to complete.

 

STEP 3:

Taking the original 2 pairs of bobbins, cross the right bobbin of the left pair over the left bobbin of the right pair. I like to think of it as “2 over 3” as the bobbins are numbered 1-4. This is called “cross” or “crossing”

STEP 4:

Next, with the new right bobbin of the left pair, move it over the original left bobbin of the left pair, as well as move the original right bobbin of the right pair over the new left bobbin of the same pair. I like to think of it as “even over odd” as the bobbins are in the 2 and 4 placement and are being laid over the 1 and 3 bobbin. This is called “twist” or “twisting”.

Stick a pin in the dot between the threads and you are half way to completing your first stitch! This pin will hold the tension of the knot, so now is a good time to adjust anything you notice might be “off”

Complete steps 3 and 4 again. This will complete the final part of the knot!. For every pairing your pattern directs, compete the steps from step 1.

 

When you have many bobbins, it does not need to be overwhelming, as you still only work with 2 pairs at a time. Look at your pattern, and see where the pin dots are. Those are the pairs you will work with at a time. In this example, you can see the brown pair from the gray and brown, and the green pair from the green and purple are the next dot. These are the pairs you will address together. And don’t worry, we will add more when its time. 

Follow the steps 3-4 with these buttons.. and don’t forget to “stick a pin in it”!