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Top 10 questions from lacemakersLacemakers frequently ask us the same questions at an event so we thought an FAQ would be a useful addition to the site.What thread should I use for a bookmark?
Unfortunately for both lacemakers and suppliers there is no set thread for Bookmarks (if only life could be so easy!)The thickness and type of thread used depends on the distance between the pinholes on the pricking, the further apart they are, the thicker the thread required. It is a good idea to ask your tutor which thread you need at your class. Alternately take your pricking with you when you attend a lace fair to buy the thread. The supplier will then be able to give help you make a suitable choice for your particular pricking.
I hear that there is a very fine crochet hook, should I be using it?The finest crochet hook available is a 0.40mm and it is very fine! It is suitable for lacemakers to use on the finer threads i.e. count 50 and above. If you use a very fine crochet hook on a thicker thread when taking a sewing you run the risk of splitting your threads.
What is a GimpA gimp is a thick thread, usually Pearl cotton and it is used to outline, or give focus to stitches or to give shape to a pattern. The thickness of the thread used depends on the effect you want to give to your lace. It can also be used to bring colour into a pattern.
In Russian Lace gimps are used to give a 'raised rib' effect in the centre of a trail.
What are Magic threads?
Magic Threads help lacemakers to ease the joining of two ends of lace when making a square, circle or edging.
Fold a contrasting colour thread (approximately 15 inches) and pass it through your starting loop of thread and pin carefully to one side. When you have completed your edge and you need to join the end to the beginning, put one of the pair of bobbins through the loop of the magic thread and carefully pull it through the starting loop (as if you were working with a Lazy Susan). When your loop of thread is large enough, pass the other bobbin of the pair through this loop and gently tighten until threads are in the correct position - cut the threads to about 12inches and carefully knot. Finish off the ends in your preferred method. Christine Springett gives full details of this technique of this in her book 'Magic Threads' costing £5.00 available from our catalogue which you can download from the home page.
How do I know what size pin to use?The length of a pin varies from 26mm to 30mm or even 34mm, which you use depends on personal preference.As a rough guide, for the finer laces such as Flanders, Bucks Point, etc use a 0.50mm or 0.55mm pin. For Bedfordshire and Torchon laces which usually use a slightly thicker thread 0.60mm or 0.65mm pins would be suitable. If you are using linen, say for Bruge of Russian Lace, try a 0.70mm or 0.80mm pin. For experimental lace using wools and thicker threads lacemakers can even use Berry pins.
Why are the English and continental bobbins so different, and does it matter which I use?
The spangles, or beads, on the bottom on the East Midland's bobbins are there to stop our bobbins rolling on the pillow. A lot of Continental laces are made by holding the unspangled bobbins in your hand and they are rolled rather than lifted as ours are. Another reason for the difference in the shape of the bobbins is that making continental lace often involves sewings, and it is easier to make a sewing if there are no beads on the end of the bobbin. Sewings are also used a lot in Honiton lace hence the reason for the slim tapered shape of the Honiton bobbin.
Continental bobbins are often used by lacemakers making English laces as Gimp bobbins.
The pattern says use DMC Brodre Machine 30, but I can't find any?Unfortunately DMC have discontinued the No 30 Brodre Machine, although they have reinstated the No 50. There are however some substitutes. Brok 50/3 and DMC Cordonnet 100 should work exactly the same.Madeira Tanne, Cotona and Finca 40 will work the same pattern but the lace will appear to be more open. DMC Cordonnet 80 and Fil a Dentelles will also workup the same pattern but the effect will be a thicker looking lace. Jan 1st 2008 addition: I have now been able to try various thread that have been suggested to me as alternatives to replacement the discontinued DMC no 30.
I am having difficulty seeing my work, would a magnifier help?There are two types of Magnifiers that could help you.The first clips on to your glasses and comes in three different magnifications. For these you do need to try them to see which magnification suits you best and if you are comfortable working with them.
The other magnifier that lacemakers find useful has a base which you can pin on to your pillow, about a 9inch goose neck which you can bend to what ever angle you want, with a 3 inch lens on the end. You then position the lens where it suits you best for seeing your work. What are Hookie Bobbins?
Hookie Bobbins are made especially for use with metallic threads. They have a hook at the top instead of the usual type of head. They are wonderful for working with metallic threads, which can sometimes slip off ordinary bobbins and unwind.
My threads keep breaking; do I have a faulty batch of thread?This is unlikely though it does occasionally happen. The most likely explanation is that you are twisting your bobbins slightly and unwinding the twist on the thread. Each manufacturer twists their threads in a slightly different way. So if you have a problem with one manufacturer's thread you will find that you will have no problem with another. So keep to the manufacturer whose thread you find works best for you.
Any other questions?If you have any questions that we haven't covered here please do not hesitate to contact us. As lacemakers ourselves, we will try to help.
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