Award in Traditional Lace Making

Course Description

This study unit introduces learners to the traditional craft of Maltese Bobbin Lacemaking, locally known as Bizzilla. Through guided practical sessions and historical exploration, learners will discover the art of working lace using bobbins, threads, and patterns on a specially prepared pillow, known as Trajbu. The unit combines hands-on skills development with cultural appreciation, tracing the history of Bizzilla from its roots in the Maltese Islands to its modern-day preservation.

Learners will gain hands-on experience in setting up lacemaking pillows, preparing and winding bobbins, and executing basic stitches under the supervision of a tutor. Emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship, precision, and care, as well as on understanding the cultural and festive significance of lace in Maltese traditions.

Students will also learn to identify and name tools and equipment in both English and Maltese, read about local artisans, and use mathematics to calculate quantities and lengths required for their projects. Concepts such as symmetry and angles will also be applied.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to use appropriate tools and materials, apply lacemaking techniques, and complete an original piece that demonstrates both technical skill and personal expression.

Overall Learning Outcomes

• LO1 Explain the purposes of basic tools, threads, and materials used in Maltese bobbin lacemaking.
• LO2 Describe the historical and cultural background of Bizzilla in Malta through the preparation of an in-class presentation.
• LO3 Prepare a lace pillow and bobbins for use.
• LO4 Apply basic bobbin lace stitches to create simple lacework, incorporating precise measurements.
• LO5 Evaluate completed lace samples through simple self-assessment, reflecting on technique, design, and overall presentation.