Since the rest of this page was compiled, a new beginners book has been published. AN INTRODUCTION TO TORCHON LACE by Alison Tolson, published by The Lace Guild. 32 pp., A5 size; Price: GBP4.50 ISBN 1 901372 12 X Purchase direct from the Lace Guild
This book is very recent and so far there have been no comments by anyone who has used it to begin lacemaking.

Beginners Bobbin Lace Books

This list was compiled by Winifred Keefer from comments by members of Arachne (lace-makers email list) sent in 1996 and 1999. Copyright date and ISBN number are listed where known.
* indicates availability in 1998 catologs.

# indicates special dealer

It is recommended that a beginner obtain the use of more than one introductory book because it is impossible to cover everything in one book. Several national lace groups have libraries of books for lending.

These books are arranged (more or less) in order of popularity. That doesn't mean that the first ones are any better. They may just be more readily available.

  1. * THE TORCHON LACE WORKBOOK by Bridget Cook, c1988 published by B. T. Batsford Ltd, London. ISBN 0 7134 5740-6, 0-7134-5511-X, 0-312-02119-4
    This is recommended by 9 persons. They comment on the ease of instruction, the use of colored threads, the good patterns. It also serves as a reference book. The printing errors of reversal of plates and other minor errors only serve to keep the learner observant, and have been corrected in later editions.
  2. * THE TECHNIQUE OF BOBBIN LACE by Pamela Nottingham c1976. 1976 first edition, ISBN 0-7134-3230-6, now o/p. Revised edition published in 1995, same title, ISBN 0-7134-7189-1
    This is also recommended by nine persons. Another basic book that will become a reference book, this book introduces Torchon, Bedsfordshire, and Bucks Point types of bobbin lace.

  3. * BOBBIN LACE MAKING by Pamela Nottingham c1983. ISBN 0 7134 4132 1, 0-7134-5769-4 (pbk)
    This is a smaller book than TECHNIQUE OF BOBBIN LACE. It is cited for having clear instructions and interesting projects. It is not a duplicate of her TECHNIQUE OF BOBBIN LACE.
  4. 4. * TECHNIQUE OF TORCHON LACE. Pamela Nottingham c1979 published by B. T. Batsford Ltd, London. ISBN 0-7134-0268-7 o/p
    Check for availability. This was listed in 1998 catalogs. It moves from simple patterns to more complicated ones.

  5. *BOBBIN LACEMAKING Doris Southard c1977
        ISBN 0-684-17894-X   
        a reprint title is LESSONS IN BOBBIN LACEMAKING c1992
        ISBN 0-486-27122(pbk)
    This book receives good reviews except for one drawback. While most books begin with a half stitch of cross/twist, this one reverses it to twist/cross. The end result is the same, but it is apt to confuse some learners, when they move to patterns from a different book. The patterns and instruction are excellent and is also a book that can become a reference.
  6. * BOBBIN LACE MANUAL by Geraldine Stott c1988 reprint 1995
    ISBN 0-7134-5511-X 0-486-28194-8 (pbk)
    While this is a favorite of some, others felt it would have been easier to use if they had a teacher with it. The use of colored lines in the working diagrams received mixed reviews. While it may not be the only choice, it becomes an excellent addition to the library.
  7. *INTRODUCTION TO BOBBIN LACE Rosemary Shepherd, 1996 B.T. Batsford Ltd, London ISBN 0 7134 7979 S, ISBN is 0 9591235 0 4, ISBN 0-86417-606-6 (Has been seen in remainder bookshops during 1998, so may be about to go out of print)
    A book used extensively by Australian Lacemakers some of whom are very isolated from instructors. This book is intended to take the very new beginner from the basics to the point of moving on to any of the many types of lace.

  8. * BEGINNING BOBBIN LACE by Gil Dye (1986)
    ISBN 0-8521-9609-1, published by Dryad o/p.
    ISBN 0-486-25416-X reprinted by Batsford in paperback.
    This small book contains basic instruction with good diagrams and interesting projects.
  9. TORCHON LACE FOR TODAY Jennifer Fisher, c1984 (Dryad Press Limited, London 1984, first published in 1983 by Kangaroo Press, Australia) ISBN 0 8521 95931
    This book also comes recommended for those learning without a teacher. It may be out of print, but is available in some libraries such as that of the IOLI.
  10. THE DRYAD BOOK OF BOBBIN LACE by Raie Clare (1987)
    This chatty book introduces several types of lace. It too can become a reference book. Dryad became part of Batsford, this book is probably out of print.

  11. . * TECHNIQUE OF TORCHON LACE Elizabeth Wade
    Clear diagrams for those learning on their own with progressive lessons make this a good book for beginners. It has been reprinted in paperback.
  12. # BOBBIN LACE FOR BEGINNERS Marie Potgieter c1991
    Delos, Their address then was: 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, South Africa
    This book may be found at the address above and at suppliers in the United States. It has excellent explanations and drawings. A smaller book, magazine size, keeps it from being overwhelming. I received no comments on this in 1999.
  13. VARIATIONS ON A THEME Jennifer Ford c1992 Published by the Fords
    ISBN 0-951-0236-2-4.
    This has Torchon lace, a series of square mats progressing to edgings, and a bookmark.
  14. INTRODUCTION TO BOBBIN LACEMAKING by Jean Jagendorf
    I received no recent comments on this book that begins with a solid understanding and patterns for lace bobbins that may become lapel pins.

  15. BOBBIN LACE By Brigita Fuhrmann c1976, reprint 1985 Dover
    ISBN 0-486-24902-6(pbk).
    This has good beginning tips and line drawings of the paths of the threads. It begins with a 15 page section of history of bobbin lace making from the 15th century through the 1970's with many pictures and presents a variety of pillows and bobbins.

  16. # THE BOBBIN LACE INSTRUCTION MANUAL Jacqui Southworth
    Jacqui wrote this inexpensive book for beginners. It is available directly from the author.
  17. * BEFORE GREY RABBIT, BASIC EQUIPMENT AND FIRST STITCHES IN BOBBIN LACE by Dorothy K Cox. C1993 Elviston Press. ISBN: 0 9522709 2 7
    An interesting beginning book.
  18. TEACH YOURSELF TORCHON LACE by Eunice Arnold c1979
    A good book for learning when an instructor in not present.
  19. PILLOW LACE a set of small books by Hamer and Waller
    five books covering Bedfordshire and Torchon lace.
  20. # BOBBIN LACE MAKING by Marguerite Brooks. 1942
    Reprinted by The Great Lakes Lace Group, Inc. with permission of David and Robert Brooks 1995.
    This may be available from this group. It contains basic instruction and interesting edgings.

Older Books by other authors. These predate 1976.

  1. A MANUAL OF HAND-MADE BOBBIN LACE WORK by Margaret Maidment.
    This covers all the English laces. Scholarly, verbal, with sage advice.

  2. PILLOW LACE by Mincoff and Marriage, 1907, is one of the "bibles" of lace makers before the 1970's.
    Over 50 pages of historical summary by country make this a great reference. This is not as easy to use as the more recent books.

  3. * BOBBIN LACE VIDEO Doris Southard VHS & PAL 109 minutes
    This is an excellent visual aid to learning bobbin lace by watching the work in progress. It is done by the author of book #5.

PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BOBBIN LACE by Bridget Cook c1987, Batsford ISBN 0-7134-4366-9. O 486 25561 1 (pbk)
This is not a beginning instruction book, but is included because it is a basic reference to many situations from beginning a piece to ending one. It gives several techiniques for solving many problems encountered in making those threads go where the lace maker wants them to go. It is highly recommended.

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