Tape Lace Make Do Bobbins

An inexpensive way to try out tape laces using scrap paper to convert an unspangled Midlands bobbin (or skewer).

I am starting to learn Idrija bobbin lace.  This is a Slovenian tape lace. A big change from the usual English and French laces I make, being a tape lace where only 5 or 6 pairs of bobbins are used.  

I thought it would be fun to see if I could convert an abandoned, slim, spangled Midlands bobbin.  The spangles were removed, as they would be a nuisence with all the sewings (feeding one bobbin through the loop made by another) and it was too lightweight for use on a bolster pillow.  

There are many refinements to this idea which would make a more robust bobbin.  I used what I had lying about just to see if a comparable weight and shape could be made with paper.

NOTES

The angles of the strips can be tapered to create a smoother curve.

The paper can be covered in craft glue to make it more mouldable and give more weight.

I used an unspangled bobbin, but you could use skewers with a bead stuck at the end for a head.

A long skewer and wider/longer paper strips would make a larger, heavier bobbin.

Cardstock would be heavier, but paper is more mouldable.

I used Washi tape to cover the paper.  I would suggest a final coat of something that could be sanded smooth to use this for more than a taster of tape lace.

This is just an experiment.  There are many refinements which can be made to create a more long term version.  I used what I had lying about to see if a comparable weight and shape could be made with paper.

Have fun!

Cut an A4, or Letter size sheet of paper into strips 4cm graduating to 1 cm wide

Stick the ends together, keeping the strips in a straight line, 

with the centers of the pieces lined up 

Starting with the widest end, secure the first piece with a dot of glue and wind tightly.  

Keep the narrower strips in the center of the bulb as you go.  

Keep the tension tight.  

You can use a little glue on the paper.

I used a Washi type tape which had a fabric feel to it 

which took well to being smoothed over the paper. 

The paper bulb bobbin weighs the same as the wooden bobbin.  

Beginner parts 2 and 3. Diamond and Spider Video

Continuing the Torchon Sampler, a cloth stitch diamond and a simple spider are added into the practice strip.  The ground (stitches which form the 'background' to the fancy bits)  is still worked as cross, twist, pin, cross twist (ct, pin, ct).

The diamond can be worked in many different ways, using cloth or half stitch, or a combination of both.  The simple spider is the first of many variations, many of which bear no resemblence to spiders, but feature arches, halos, stars, hearts, and more, often featuring fancy stitches to create elaborate designs in larger squares.  They are always made in a square shape with 4 to 16 or more edge pins depending on the design. 

Diamond in Cloth Stitch

Simple Spider 8 legs.

Videos here

 https://youtu.be/OrKwhCOLXJE?si=Op7YXzrh5-pw0vz-

https://youtu.be/ydSDXBL7YvU?si=Un6my8MbbDXp2-s-