LACE

Lace is a delicate fabric characterized by openwork patterns created through interlacing threads. It is usually decorative rather than supportive, and is made from linen, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers using a variety of techniques. Lace can be made by hand or by machine and is valued for its intricate texture and patterns. Common uses include garments, especially trims and overlays, as well as table linens and decorative items.

Hand-made lace includes bobbin lace and needle lace. In bobbin lace, multiple threads are interwoven around pins set on a pillow, producing geometric and floral motifs. Needle lace uses a single thread worked with a needle, creating a raised, dense ground. Crochet lace, related to crochet work, produces lacy edges and motifs. Machine-made laces include Raschel and Leavers types, which replicate intricate motifs at scale.

Historically, lace developed in Europe in the 15th–16th centuries and became associated with luxury and refinement. Major centers included Italy, France, Belgium, and England, with famous styles such as Chantilly, Alençon, Bruges, and Honiton. Lace has seen periods of demand, fashion cycles, and industrialization that shaped textile industries worldwide.

Today lace remains widespread in fashion and interiors, used in bridal gowns, evening wear, lingerie, and home textiles. It requires careful handling and often hand washing or gentle cycles, and is typically stored flat or rolled to prevent creasing. In contemporary craft, lace continues as a symbol of craftsmanship and decorative artistry.