The pattern of lace is not added to the fabric afterwards, but it is created while during the production of the textile itself. Lace has important rule in fashion and interior design.
The stitched lace is created with a needle, with buttonhole-like stitches. For pillow-lace, there are several bobbins used to guide the threads around the pins on the pillow, this is how the pattern is made. Crochet is made with crochet-hooks, the product is a bit heavier than the other types but is more flexible as well. Lace pattern can be also created by pulling or cutting out threads from a textile and the holes thus formed are embroidered around with yarn. Hem-stich is a similar method. Filet lace has a net-like base and the pattern is created by filling the holes with yarn, that’s why it has an angular look.
With the rise of the Italian Renaissance, the demand for lace has increased. Mainly linen, silk, gold or silver threads were used in those days. Nowadays it is made of cotton or synthetic fiber. It was an expensive type of fabric, so using it as decoration was only the nobles’ privilege. It appeared e.g. as altarpiece in church. The most famous, leading-edge factories are still working in Brussels, Venice, Chantilly. Lace was a determining element of the Victorian interior design, especially in decorating the bedroom where specifically feminine and romantic effect was required. Bedspreads, cushions and baldachins were not only decorated with lace but were made entirely of it. Their color was generally white, off-white or cream. Nowadays it is fashionable again thanks to shabby chic style which creates also feminine and romantic interiors. Soft pastel shades are present here. But the black, red, dark blue and dark purple colored lace accessories fit better for the powerful steampunk style.
Many people inherited lace clothes or other lace objects from their parents, grandparents. Some of these might already serve more generations. If you don’t want to get rid of your collection, ask for help of an interior designer for ornamentally using.