bobbin lace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, historical, crafting
Quick answer
What does “bobbin lace” mean?
A type of delicate fabric made by twisting and braiding threads wound on bobbins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of delicate fabric made by twisting and braiding threads wound on bobbins.
The craft or technique of making this intricate lace, often associated with traditional handiwork and historical textiles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in spelling and meaning. The craft may be associated with different regional traditions (e.g., Honiton lace in UK vs. specific immigrant traditions in US).
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with historic English lace-making centres (e.g., Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire). In the US, may connote European immigrant heritage or contemporary craft revival.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily within textile arts, historical, and crafting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bobbin lace” in a Sentence
[Subject] makes bobbin lace.[Bobbin lace] is made from [material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bobbin lace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She learned to bobbin-lace as a hobby.
- They bobbin-laced a beautiful border for the cloth.
American English
- She learned to make bobbin lace as a hobby.
- They crafted a bobbin lace border for the tablecloth.
adjective
British English
- The bobbin-lace collar was exquisite.
- She attended a bobbin-lace workshop.
American English
- The bobbin lace collar was heirloom quality.
- She took a bobbin lace making class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche textile or luxury fashion industries.
Academic
Used in art history, material culture, and craft studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused in general conversation.
Technical
Standard term within textile arts, lace-making, and historical conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bobbin lace”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bobbin lace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bobbin lace”
- Confusing 'bobbin lace' with 'tatting' or 'crochet lace'. Using 'bobbin' as an adjective incorrectly (e.g., 'bobbin technique' is fine, 'bobbin work' is ambiguous).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are entirely different techniques. Crochet uses a single hook to create loops, while bobbin lace involves twisting and crossing multiple threads wound on bobbins.
Historically, it was exclusively hand-made. While some machine-made lace can imitate the look, true bobbin lace refers to the handicraft technique.
It is the essential working surface for bobbin lace. The pattern is pinned to the pillow, and the bobbins are manipulated around these pins to form the lace.
Yes, it is kept alive by craft enthusiasts, historical re-enactors, and specialised artisans around the world, though it is a niche skill.
A type of delicate fabric made by twisting and braiding threads wound on bobbins.
Bobbin lace is usually technical, historical, crafting in register.
Bobbin lace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒbɪn leɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːbɪn leɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BOBBINS (the little spools) dancing on a PILLOW to create delicate LACE.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOBBIN LACE IS A FROZEN DANCE (of threads).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary tool used in creating bobbin lace?