How Bobbin Lace Is Made

According to existent data, bobbin lace was already cited in the industry of the eighteenth century. In France, it was called “dentelles au fuseau” and in Italy “Marleti a poimbini”. By the middle of this century it began to flourish its industry in Europe, where it was very appreciated.

To be able to work bobbin lace, it is necessary to have a pillow to which a pattern (drawing) is attached. This pillow or “mundillo” name in spanish - it’s known in Italy as “tambola”, in Portugal as “almofada” and in England receives the name of “pillouc”, varying its form between cylindric or turning around and oval and fixed, according to the pattern to be made.

The lace is covered with a piece of white material to preserve, protect and keep the work in progress clean and free of dust, if one have to take a break and leave it until the next time.

The pillow or “mundillo” (moon-dee-yo) most used in Spain is 80cm. long. It is stuffed very tightly with straw and covered with cotton material, usually blue or green color.