8th Hondarribia Lace Makers Meeting 2026: a morning of bobbin lace by the Bidasoa

A morning to observe, learn, and share

Bobbin lace gatherings have something special about them: each table tells a story. Some arrive with a nearly finished lace edging, others show a recently started sample, and still others take advantage of the morning to resolve a doubt about the design, the thread tension, or the order of the pairs. In Hondarribia, the hands become the best explanation. Just a few minutes of observation are enough to understand that a small cross-and-turn movement can transform a handful of threads into a delicate border, a floral motif, or a piece designed to adorn a garment.

The Jostaldi gathering is now in its eighth year and maintains the friendly atmosphere that makes these meetings so valuable: meeting without haste, greeting fellow lacemakers, and sharing techniques that are usually passed down from generation to generation. It's also a great opportunity for those who are curious but haven't yet taken the plunge and sat down at a cushion. Watching the process unfold helps overcome any initial apprehension about the materials and allows participants to appreciate that lacemaking is learned step by step, with patience and careful observation.

The language of bobbins

For the visitor, one of the attractions will be recognizing the visual vocabulary of lace. Pins mark the path, the pricking organizes the stitches, and the bobbins keep each pair ready to enter the correct sequence. In a single piece, braids, spiders, leaves, waves, and small nets that allow light to pass through can coexist. The piece grows horizontally, almost like a line drawn with thread, but each decision influences the next.

Lacemakers also demonstrate that there isn't just one way to work. The thickness of the thread, the material of the bobbins, and the shape of the cushion all affect how the work responds. Fine cotton offers a different definition than linen; a thicker thread creates more visible reliefs; firm tension helps preserve the design, while too tight a hand can make it less light. In a workshop, these differences are observed together and become a small practical lesson.

Hondarribia, a getaway with a seaside flavor

The visit can be rounded off with a stroll through Hondarribia. The Bidasoa riverbank, the colorful houses of the La Marina neighborhood, and the historic center invite you to linger leisurely through the morning. Families will find it an easy activity to share: while some observe the work being done, others can explore the streets, squares, and maritime traditions of the city. The Jostaldi pelota court is located at Biteri kalea, 22; it's advisable to check this address in advance, along with directions for access and parking.

The announcement released by Emeki confirms the time and location of the meeting. As with many lacemaking gatherings, details regarding participation, tables, or registration may be updated in the days leading up to the event, so it is advisable to check with the organizing association or the City Council before traveling. This way, you can enjoy the day with all the necessary information and support those who keep this craft alive.

A tradition that is found

The 8th Hondarribia Lace Makers' Meeting reminds us that bobbin lace doesn't just live in museums or in drawers where antique pieces are stored. It lives in the hands that continue to practice, in the people who ask how to make a stitch, and in the conversations that arise around a cushion. Each gathering adds learning, friendship, and a desire to continue.

If you'd like to join us, set aside the morning of October 18th, find the Jostaldi pelota court, and let yourself be captivated by the sound of the wood. You might return home with a new idea for your next lace project, a new address noted in your diary, or simply the joy of having watched others at work. In Hondarribia, autumn will arrive amidst yarn flowers, neatly arranged pairs, and an open invitation to share in the beauty of taking your time.

Sources: announcement of the Emeki meeting y public record of Emeki Emakume Elkartea.