. Both ends of each "passive" (warp) were fixed in place during the construction, not just one. And only one "worker" (weft) travelled, not two, even in "cloth stitch".
Yes, we use threads in pairs, so move two rather than the single thread used in most weavings. Our passive threads (warp) are anchored only at one end so they can be more flexible. And our workers (weft) make two rows at a time. One of them is going over-under while the other is going under-over just below it. It is possible to take only one thread and weave it over-under across the row, then go back and take the other thread and weave it under-over through all the passives and end up with the same result as cloth stitching all across the row.
However, since we like to manipulate both the warp and weft threads in a variety of patterns, all of them need to be flexible. We can do thread movements that most looms cannot duplicate. It's no wonder that it took many decades to develop machines that make a product that looks like handmade lace, and also that there are some thread maneuvers that the machines even yet cannot do the way we do them. They have to settle for the general appearance of the stitch, not an exact duplicate.
Think of making a tally or leaf. One thread weaves over and under the other three threads, back and forth. It is like loom weaving, though with only three warp threads.
Bobbin lace is a specialized form of weaving. If the threads are not being twisted, then they are constantly going over-under other threads. Half stitch is a real symphony of threads going over-under in three directions at once.
Now -- back to my pattern full of half stitches going those three directions. I promised a rose for lace day raffle on Saturday.
Alice in Oregon
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