Bobbin Lace for Beginners - Edwinstowe Library - Adult Learning

This welcoming and practical course introduces learners to the traditional craft of bobbin lace making, with a focus on the accessible and versatile Tape/Braid lace technique and Torchon Bobbin Lace Technique. Designed for complete beginners as well as those with some prior experience, the course builds skills step-by-step while allowing for individual progression.

Over the duration of the course, you will explore the history and heritage of bobbin lace, gaining an understanding of how this intricate craft has been used across cultures for both decorative and functional textile work.

Core Techniques and Skills:

You will be introduced to the two fundamental movements used in bobbin lace—the cross and the twist—and develop confidence in combining these techniques to create a variety of stitch effects. Through guided practice, you will:

Learn how to handle bobbins and manage multiple threads

Understand how to read and follow a simple lace pattern (pricking)

Develop control over tension and spacing

Practice accurate pin placement to create structure and design

By combining these core stitches, learners will begin to see how different textures and patterns can be formed within lace.

ALL equipment is provided by Tutor for use in Session, but if you have lacemaking equipment please bring it with you.

Funding and Fees

If you receive certain benefits, you may be able to take the course for free.
If money is stopping you from enrolling, please visit our funding page to see what help is available.

Living in England

To book and join one of our courses, you must live in England permanently and either:

• Live inside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area (Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire)

or

• Live outside the devolved areas listed below

You cannot enrol if you live in these devolved areas:

•    Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
•    Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

• Greater London Authority
•    North East Combined Authority
•    South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
•    Tees Valley Combined Authority
•    West Midlands Combined Authority
•    West of England Combined Authority
•    West Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
•    York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Hull and East Yorkshire
•    Greater Lincolnshire
•    Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
•    Cornwall Council
•    Lancashire Combined County Authority
•    Buckinghamshire

• Warwickshire

• Surrey

Residency Requirements (Additional Information)

If you live in the UK on a visa, we’ll need evidence of your visa to confirm funding. You can upload this when applying, and you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire.

Some exceptions include:

• Your visa must last until after your course ends.

• Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for at least 6 months while their claim is being processed.

• You are supported by your local authority under Section 23C or 23CA of the Children Act 1989, or under the Care Act 2014.

Anyone who does not meet the funding criteria would need to pay full course fees.