What is Lace?

What is Lace?

Lace is a delicate fabric, often made of thread in an open weblike pattern. Historically, it was made of linen, silk, or gold and silver threads, although nowadays most lace is produced with cotton yarn. From the Renaissance through to the 19th century, lace was highly valued as an indication of social status, and it was worn by both men and women. Today, lace is a decorative textile that can be used to embellish ready-to-wear clothing, as well as lingerie, and it is also an attractive fabric for bridal gowns and other special occasions.

Various regions claim to be the birthplace of lace, but the most renowned are probably Italy and Belgium. The latter, for example, has a rich history of needle and bobbin lace making. In the 16th and 17th centuries, European royalty and noble elite conspicuously draped themselves with lace ruffles, collars, and other adornments. Wardrobe inventories for King Henry VIII of England indicate that his lace neck ruffles and sleeve ruffs cost an incredible amount of money: the equivalent in modern currency would be more than ten thousand dollars!

Lace was also a powerful symbol of the Church. Statues of saints and the Virgin Mary were draped with lace, and lace was incorporated into ecclesiastical vestments for priests and bishops. These rich and visually stunning adornments communicated the power and grandeur of the Catholic (and later the Anglican) Church, and they served as an important tool for Christian iconography.

Today, lace is still very much a luxurious and desirable fashion accessory, and there are many different types available. From fine bobbinet lace such as Brussels and Alençon to cotton macrame lace, or embroidered lace from the Valenciennes factory of the 19th century, or even machine made tulle, there is something to suit every style and occasion.

The days of buying handmade lace by the yard are long gone, but there are many places where you can purchase this type of lace, both new and vintage. Some online suppliers offer a large selection of different types of lace from all over the world, while others have warehouses or stores where you can browse the stock.

For those who want to try their hand at creating their own lace, a few places in the United States and Europe offer online or in-person classes on the art of lacemaking. Venice, Italy; Detroit and Sunnyvale, California are home to lace museums that offer these courses.

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, there are also numerous books and videos that provide step-by-step instruction on the process of lacemaking. One thing to remember with lace, though, is that it must be carefully washed and dried to avoid shrinking and melting. If you are planning on pressing your lace, be sure to use only low heat or you could scorch it.