Bobbin lace is a popular and very attractive form of lace. It can been used in various situations from veils to handkerchiefs and underwear. To make it, you need special tools and materials, such as a lace-making cushion, bobbins, pins and thread.
A cushion is easy to make at home from a polystyrene sheet of at least 40x40x3 mm. A piece of fabric is sewn or pinned around it. Cushions can also be borrowed from the TRC, but these are generally somewhat large and heavy. Bobbins can be made at home, but can also be purchased from the TRC shop. You can contact the TRC beforehand about the required tools and materials.
Sample of bobbin lace with a pattern of stylised floral sprigs on an edging with flower heads of varying sizes and wavy lines. The Netherlands, 19th century (TRC 2025.0566).
In the first three lessons you will learn the basics of bobbin lace making. Winding the bobbins, setting up the threads, and practising the three basic stitches, linen stitch, full and half stitch. These basic stitches are made in a nice leaf-shape, which you can use as a pendant.
In the last three lessons we will make a few nice ornaments, such as a fish and a tree. You can choose to attend only the first three lessons. If you only want to make the ornaments (Lessons 4-6), you must master the basics of lace making.
- Lesson 1, 11 March: Winding bobbins, casting on in a point, linen stitch
- Lesson 2, 25 March: Full stitch
- Lesson 3, 8 April: Cast on straight, half stitch
- Lesson 4, 29 April: Fish motif, 1
- Lesson 5, 13 May: Fish motif, 2
- Lesson 6, 27 May: Tree motif
Please note that, in order to really learn the technique and get results, this course does involve some homework. The participants will be finishing techniques and projects, started during the meetings, at home. This will take about an hour, no more than 3 hours.
The instructor is Gon Homburg. She learned to make lace from her mother and from 1983 she has been officially registered as a bobbin lace teacher. She teaches enthusiasts and gives workshops to various artisan schools, including the TRC. The course is given on six Wednesdays, between 11 March and 27 May, from 10.00-13.00.
- Venue: TRC Leiden, Boerhaavelaan 6, 2334 EN, Leiden.
- Teacher: Gon Homburg.
- Language: Dutch.
- Costs: 135 euros per three lessons. Coffee/tea/threads are provided. Cushion and bobbins can be borrowed/purchased.
- Maximum number of participants: 8. Minimum: 4. If the minimum number of participants is reached, confirmation and invoices shall be sent.
Please register well in advance: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
