Bobbin lace - what is it?

Bobbin lace is an art that dates back to the mid 1500s (there is debate as to the actual starting date and location). It is thought to have started in Europe as a mechanism for creating fine lace without needing a weaver. You see, bobbin lace is woven. Unlike tatting, which is knotted. Or knitted or crocheted laces that are looped. Before this technique was developed, weavers wove fabrics, and needleworkers used various methods to create decorative holes in the fabric.

This photo shows bobbin lace in progress. It is made on a lacemaking pillow, which is stiff enough to hold the pins securely. The threads are wound onto bobbins, which are then used to manipulate the threads. The pricking is the pattern, which indicates where to put the pins. The pins are inserted after one or more stitches are made using the bobbins. As the work progresses forward, the pins are left in the most recent inch or so of the lace to prevent the tensioning process from pulling the stitches out.