Leaves and tallies in bobbin lace

 

Leaves and tallies in bobbin lace are very similar in construction but vary in shape. Tallies, leaves and lead-work are all made by plaiting small blocks of lace, usually with two pairs of bobbins. Tallies are square or rectangular, leaves are pointed at both ends, and lead-works generally join two trails and are rectangular in shape, but wider than they are long. To make a leaf the two pairs are worked together with a cloth stitch and then the second thread from the right is woven over and under the other three threads, back and forth, until the leaf is the required length. The secret to a good shape is to hold the passive threads wide apart as the weaving progresses, until the centre of the leaf is reached, and then gradually bring them close together again. To finish the leaf a pin is put up between the two pairs of thread and a final cloth stitch is worked.

Both leaves and tallies can be raised, which means they lie above the base layer, as seen here with the leaves above the half stitch diamonds This is done by keeping two pairs to the side, away from the main work, until the base layer has been worked. Then making the leaf or tally above the base and joining the pairs back into the main work at the point where the end of the leaf joins the base layer.

Raised tallies can also be rolled, which makes them into a small tight cylinder that looks like a small roll or bead on the top of the work. This can be done by making a tally with the central pairs in a piece of lace, then either raising it into a loop over a pin laid across the work, or winding it round the pin. The pairs used to make the tally are then placed back in their original position and the rest of the lace continues. As you can see from this contemporary lace, tallies can also be twisted, laid over each other or moved from one area of the work to another. They are great for adding interest, little points of colour and relief to a piece of work.