The beat of the bobbins

Wooden clappers are being skillfully tossed back and forth, threads are artfully twisted, weaved, and braided… We are talking about bobbin lace, a delicate and skillful piece of art. From the 17th century, lacemaking developed into an important industry in and around the city of Tønder. The handicraft technique experienced a boom when, from the end of the 18th century, even non-aristocrats were allowed to wear bobbin lace on their clothing. To this day, the historic city in southern Denmark maintains its dexterously skillful tradition. A regional bobbin pattern, the "tønderkniplinger", was created here. Every three years, Tønder invites you to the Lace Making Festival in summer. Then it's twisting time again: weave, braid, entwine – all to the beat of the bobbins.