WORKING METHODS

Figure 1. The bobbins are connected in pairs to form one basic unit - a pair.

The pair of bobbins is the basic unit (Fig. 1). The number of pairs determines the complexity of the lace pattern. As the laces cross and change places, the threads wound on them cross and twist together. The twisting and crossing of the threads results in braids which, when arranged in a variety of ways, form a lace pattern.

The development of intricate, delicate and ornate knotted lace was also encouraged by the invention of the pin in the 16th century. Without them, the making of bobbin lace would not have been possible.

Bobbin lace is made according to the artistic drawing (fig.2). This magnified technical drawing simplifies the learning process. The lines of the compulsory darba zīmējuma  1:1 scale working drawing indicate the twist of the threads, the direction of the braids and mark the points where the threads cross. At the intersections, pins are inserted to help create a tight and precise lace (Fig. 3). When knitting, the design remains under the lace but is removed with the finished product. In her book, Gisela Graff-Hefgen mentions that there are places in Finland where drawings were also made on birch bark.

Figure 2. Technical drawing for bobbin lace Author Dagmāra Prīberga
Figure 3. Fragment of lace and working drawing of the Šķilbēnu skirts. Latvian National Museum of History 12752. Prepared by artisan Ira Ozola.

Attach the drawing to the backing - a pincushion. Bobbin cushions (Fig. 4) tend to be round, cylindrical and flat. They are tightly packed with hay, straw, moss and, less often, sawdust and placed on a specially designed pallet or fixed in portable tables. As with the bobbin, bobbin cushions vary from country to country.

Figure 4. Different bobbin tables
"50" exhibition. 1996 KTMC "RITUMS", Riga