This pattern is from Le Pompe, published in Italy in 1562. Le Pompe is among the earliest bobbin lace patterns that we know.
Pattern:
Bobbins: 12 pairs
Style: Plaited
Stitches:
plait
lazy join
picot
Description:
This is a braided lace. So the thick lines in the pattern are not single pairs, but plaits, made of 2 pairs each. This explains why so many bobbins are needed at the two starting pins. Make sure that the pairs are twisted round each other, otherwise the top will spring apart when the pin is taken out.
When plaiting the pairs, make sure that you do enough half stitches to get to the next pin (but not too many!) You also need to tighten the threads well, as there are lots of stitches between the pins. The plait description explains how this is easier if you hold the 2 pairs in your hands, a pair in each hand, and make the stitches by manipulating the bobbins with your fingers. This means that the stitches can be tightened by just moving your hands apart.
Where the plaits cross over, the 4 pairs do a lazy join.
There are pinholes along the plait as well. These are picots. Some are along the edge, and some are within the lace.
Here is the original pattern. There are less picots here. My version added the extra pinholes because I thought it would help to shape the curves.
I must admit that I've made rather a mess of the finish! Perhaps you can think of a better way. I did this pattern because I wanted to try a very early pattern. But also it is a good introduction to English Midland lace.
© Jo Edkins 2016 - return to lace index