Pattern Design for Torchon Lace

This book is for those wanting to try their hands at creating original designs in torchon bobbin lace.

Information

Places to find design inspiration. Essential equipment. Thread suggestions by size of grid. Color theory. Pattern rhythm. Directionality of motifs. Symmetry versus asymmetry. Light and shade in design. Texture. Tips. Designing new patterns by reversing motifs and combining known elements. Tips to adapt a straight edge design into a corner pattern. Using solid and open stitches effectively.

Technical/Technique

ntroducing and using colored threads in torchon patterns. Building patterns from a basic torchon diamond. Planning a design for a particular item (example is sachet bag). Designing fans. Designing full circles with open centers. Wavy patterns. Problem solving (fitting designs to various sizes desired, pulling design elements into a smaller companion piece).

Drawings

Grids of various sizes and shapes, designs from Japan, Art deco, Greek key, Pueblo Indians, Celtic interlace, Congo, North American Indian basketry, Roman pavement, Hittite stone carving, Uzbeki weaving, electronic circuitry.  

Photos

Nottingham torchon lace samples circa 1896 versus Delhi torchon sampler circa 1985. Art Nouveau designs from Germany. English Art Nouveau designs. Photos of lace made from all patterns listed below.

Patterns

Chevron border, Hearts and eyelets border, Square mat of hearts with roseground center, cluster mat of hearts and spiders, double-rowed heart edging, locked motif edging, circular edging of chevrons and grounds, combined mat, torchon fans, wide border for a square of linen, curved motif, arrowhead pattern, narrow edge pattern options illustrating use of 8 to 18 pairs, Bertha collar.