What are the different types of lace?

Lace is a light, silky, openwork fabric with serrated edges. Lace is synonymous with elegance and refinement. There are a multitude of varieties. So much so that it is difficult to know which types of lace to have in your wardrobe at all costs.

We have selected for you a list of the different types of lace that are the most known and most common in clothing and decoration. From the charming Chantilly lace to the sumptuous Alençon lace and the emblematic blonde lace, this article takes you to discover the most famous types of lace .

Distinction of lace types according to manufacturing

• Machine lace

Machine-made lace is a form of needle lace made of a complex assembly of threads. Machine-made lace closely resembles handmade lace. However, there are certain details that are unmistakable and allow you to distinguish them. For example, you will notice:

• The presence of fuzzy and rather untidy sections on machine-made lace
• Machine lace is a manufacturing technique that uses vertical warp threads. On the other hand, bobbin lace is made from horizontal or diagonal threads.

Machine lace also has the advantage of being affordable, making it the perfect fabric if you're looking to experiment with new lace sewing patterns.

     

• Knitting lace

Knit lace is a type of lace that is made by hand. Knit lace requires a lot of precision from the designer, as the stitches must be clearly defined. Knit lace also allows for holes to be seen in order to create sumptuous and subtle patterns. As a type of knitted lace, you can note: Orenburg lace, Shetland lace and Estonian lace.

 

• Crochet lace

Also known as Irish crochet lace, this type of lace is usually made by hand, using a crochet hook. It is made with fine cotton threads. It has several beautiful patterns. Its main characteristic is that it is free of thread.

• Bobbin lace

Bobbin lace is certainly one of the most well-known lace-making techniques. It requires a lot of patience, but the end result is definitely worth it. To apply it, you will use a thread wrapped around bobbins. These can be bone, wood or ivory bobbins. You will subtly move them to create twisted or braided patterns.

• Knotted lace

Macrame, tattoo lace, and knotted lace are all types of lace made with various knot shapes. Armenian needle lace is one of the most popular knotted lace styles.

• Needle lace

This type of lace is made, as the name suggests, using a needle and a continuous thread with tight patterns. In order to achieve it beautifully, a buttonhole stitch is often used by the needle lace maker.

This manufacturing technique has given life to two of the most beautiful laces dedicated to clothing: Alençon lace and Brussels lace. You will also find in this lot the sublime and fine Argentan lace.

 

• Ribbon lace

As the name suggests, ribbon lace is made from a folded ribbon and then woven by machine or bobbins. Then, the ribbon lace is embellished with embroidery stitches and connecting lace.

This type of lace is used for:

• the tablecloths
• the umbrellas
• the centers and edges of the sail
• dress collars
• handkerchiefs

Depending on whether you are in China or America, ribbon lace will have a different name. In America, ribbon lace is called Honiton lace. In China, it is affectionately called Battenburg or Batten lace.

What are the most iconic types of lace?

Lace is a fabric that is as popular in fashion and clothing as it is in the decoration industry. There are therefore a variety of laces dedicated to clothing, but also to the embellishment of living spaces. To give you a little idea, here is our selection of the most famous types of lace ...

• Chantilly lace

Chantilly lace or Chantilly is one of the most famous types of lace. Originating from France, Chantilly lace stands out with its beautiful scalloped edges and sublime floral patterns.

Chantilly lace used to be black. Today, this famous lace with its sewn flower pattern comes in a multitude of colours. Are you particularly interested in Chantilly lace? Then don't hesitate to discover more about Chantilly lace ...

• Blonde's Lace

Blonde lace or blonde also comes from France. Blonde lace is a blend of delicacy and sophistication. Its floral patterns and finesse explain why blonde lace is so commonly used in haute couture and evening gowns. It brings a touch of elegance and class to your clothing style.

• Alençon lace

Alençon lace, also known as French embroidery, is a type of lace made on a net with patterns accompanied by cords and beads. Generally, the patterns of Alençon lace are connected by a silk cord. This gives this type of lace more presence and magnificence. But, you have to be careful of counterfeits when it comes to Alençon lace. Real Alençon lace measures 92 cm in width. While fakes have a width of around 152 cm.

• Venetian lace

Venetian lace is a type of lace that has marked the history of fabric . Venetian lace emerged in the 16th century in Italy, more precisely in Venice. At the time, it was highly prized due to the meticulousness with which it was produced by Venetian artisans. Venetian lace is distinguished by its floral patterns and its magnificent, delicately drawn geometric shapes. Venetian lace is now highly prized for making wedding dresses, in haute couture, but also in lingerie.

 

• Brussels lace

Just like Venetian lace, Brussels lace also has a very long history. When it was born in the 16th century, it was produced with a linen thread with great finesse. Compared to Alençon lace, Brussels lace has more naturalistic patterns.

• Cluny lace

Cluny lace takes its name from the town of Cluny, located in Burgundy, France.

It was influenced by ancient laces, particularly needle lace and shadow lace. Cluny lace is distinguished by its very particular geometric patterns, such as diamonds, squares and triangles.

Unlike other types of lace, Cluny lace has straight, well-defined edges. It is made with fine threads, which gives it a subtle elegance.

Cluny lace is often used in textile decoration. It can be found on tablecloths, curtains, cushions and other home furnishings. It can also be incorporated into clothing, such as wedding dresses or blouses.

• Guipure lace

Guipure lace is an elegant and refined embroidery that brings a touch of charm and femininity to all creations. The term “guipure” (“guiper” which means “to twist”) finds its roots in the world of trimmings.

Guipure lace is characterized by a braided background, which gives it a distinct appearance. In the past, any thread or silk lace without a background and composed of wide meshes was called guipure. Guipure lace is actually embroidery without a support. It is made up of spaced and linked motifs. The guipure fabric is therefore more or less thick, with large openings.

Unlike lace, which is lighter and always has a background, guipure is distinguished by its lack of mesh. Guipure is ideal for decorative applications. It is often found on clothing such as dresses, skirts, tops, as well as in lingerie (sometimes sexy). It can also be used to embellish accessories such as belts, handbags or shoes.

Lace is a sublime fabric that is ideal for clothing and decoration. You can come across several types of lace as the creations in this material are diverse and varied. If you want to enhance your clothing style with a lace outfit, you now have a list of the most emblematic types of lace. So don't hesitate to take a little detour on our custom collection of lace tunics!