How is lace created

There are several techniques, each producing beautiful variations of this textile. Needle lace is one of the more widely recognized forms of lace making. This technique involves first embroidering the thicker outlines of the motifs. Once the framework has been laid down, the outlines are filled in with an assortment of stitches depending on the design.

Bobbin lace also known as pillow lace, is another major group. The threads to be used are wound onto bobbins. Even so, a demand for handmade lace remained. In response, novel laces were developed, including a simplified needle lace, Belgian Point de Gaze, as well as delicate French Chantilly bobbin lace.

Many of these laces aided in relief efforts, most notably, the Irish crochet lace cottage industry following the potato famine in Ireland. Edgings, lappets, parasols, gloves, collars, and dresses are some of the delightful forms in which these laces appear.

Lace: A Sumptuous History. Exhibition Image Gallery International Terminal. Lace: A Sumptuous History s—s Lace, a decorative openwork web, was first developed in Europe during the sixteenth century. All rights reserved. Once it is finished, the pins are removed, and the beautiful lace is released from the pillow.

Both of these are hand techniques; it was not until the 19th Century that machines became widely used to make lace. Lace is a netlike ornamental fabric made by hand or machine of cotton, linen or synthetic fibers. It is delicate and beautiful and will last for many years if treated with care. All lace should be hand washed using cool water and a mild detergent. If the item is a garment, button and zip completely to avoid snags that can tear the lace netting.

Avoid vigorous scrubbing which will distort the fibers. Rinse well and do not wring to remove water, gently squeeze. If you have an heirloom lace tablecloth that needs cleaning, you can make it more stable by basting it with white cotton thread to an old white cotton sheet.

Wash the stabilized cloth by hand, rinse well and air dry. Remove the sheet by pulling the basting thread and store your clean, lace cloth. Lace should be air dried or dried flat, never in the dryer. Delicate pieces may need to be reshaped during drying. If ironing is needed, place a thick white towel over the ironing board and use a press cloth between the iron and the lace.