This is is part of my exploration of tartan effects.
Pattern:
Bobbins: 12 pairs
Style: Torchon
Size: 2.5 inches long
Stitches:
cloth stitch
twist pair
Details:
cloth stitch bud (red and green)
Description:
Follow the links above for explanation of how to work the lace. The different colours are the colours of the thread. You need to hang them in the correct order at the start.
This starts some experiments as to whether you can recreate a tartan effect in bobbin lace. I know that real tartan is twill (e.g. over over under over over under) rather than tabby weave (under over under over) but this is bobbin lace, and tabby weave is all we have!
I printed out the pattern at 80% of normal because it looked too sparse. It still looked too sparse in this version, because I did two rows spaced out per colour at the start. I then changed to 4 rows per colour, which is better, but rather ruins the tartan effect. Oh well! You can see in the pattern where I changed.
I must emphasis that this is an experiment. I'm not expecting anyone to follow this! You can, if you want. I suggest that you use thicker thread than I have.
Here is a larger photo so you can see the detail.
© Jo Edkins 2025 - return to lace index