Lace Bobbins which were used by members of the Diss Lace Association 1901-1937

 

Bobbins are used to hold wound thread when making pillow lace.  The number of bobbins for pillow lace varies greatly by pattern, ranging from just a few pairs (2-11) for simple designs to dozens or even over 100 pairs (200+) for complex projects.

The bobbins are identified by the places they were originally used.

 

The three wooden bobbins are ‘Flemish’ lace bobbins.

This bobbin design was introduced by Flemish and Huguenot lace makers, who fled persecution in the Low Countries and France in the mid 1500’s.  Many settled in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, where their skills were passed on to the local women.  The area became an important lace making centre. The bobbins are made from turned wood, the large end acting as a weight to hold the lace thread taut.

 

Some bobbins were beautifully decorated and made of either wood or bone. The bone bobbin is known as a Buckingham Bobbin and has a pierced, spiral inscription that reads ‘OF TIMES MY LOVE I THINK OF THE(E) – the last letter is incomplete.  This bobbin may well have been a love token.

It is known as a 'Buckingham' bobbin as it is in the style of bobbins made and used in Buckinghamshire.

 

Early bobbins were made from small animal bones, rabbit or chicken, but these varied in weight which made the lacemaking uneven, so over time specially made wooden bobbins were designed and weighted with assorted items, including small glass beads.