Thread Testing for Lace Making: A Practical Reference for Thread Selection and Scale
A book to be published in 2028

Like many lacemakers, I’ve struggled with what thread to use for the lace pattern I want to make. Even though bobbin lace books suggest a specific thread for each pattern, it isn’t always easy to get that exact fiber, especially when working from older books. Because of this, I’ve made too many lace pieces that didn’t look quite right.

Thread Testing for Lace Making is a quantitative way to solve the thread-sizing problem. Using a graduated grid that matches the lace you want to make (Bucks, Chantilly, Flanders, Tønder, Torchon, Tape laces, and possibly Binche), you can see how your thread handles different pin spacings.

The idea is simple. If you use a tester grid and I use the same one, our results should be very similar. Where they differ is in preference. You might prefer a more open lace, while I like something denser. The important part is that we each have the information needed to make a choice before starting a pattern. With your decision made, you can enlarge or reduce a lace pattern to match the desired grid size.

To create a useful thread and grid reference for the book, I’m collecting small thread samples from generous lacemakers (through December 15, 2026). These samples allow me to test a wide range of threads currently in use, as well as older threads that may no longer be in circulation. Learn more about donating thread.

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