sewing with lace: adding delicate details to your creations

The romantic beauty of lace is a timeless classic that can be found in elegant apparel, linens, and décor. Lace is made from delicate threads that are woven or embroidered in intricate patterns. This makes lace a very fragile fabric, so it requires special handling when sewing or crafting with it.

However, the effort is worth it, as lace adds a special heirloom quality to any project. There are many different techniques that can be used to incorporate lace into your projects. For example, you can use lace yardage to create dresses, blouses, or wedding wear. You can also use lace edgings to add a touch of elegance to hems or necklines. Lace appliques and motifs can be used to embellish accessories or home décor.

No matter how you choose to use lace, it is important to handle it with care. Here are a few tips for working with lace:

• Use sharp needles and scissors to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Use a sewing machine with a walking foot to help prevent the lace from puckering.
• Backstitch when sewing lace to secure the stitches.
• Use a stabilizer to help keep the lace flat.

With a little care and attention, you can incorporate lace into your projects without damaging it. Your finished projects will be beautiful and heirloom-quality, and you will enjoy them for years to come.

Lace fabric

Here are some additional tips for working with lace:

• Choose the right type of lace for your project. There are many different types of lace available, so it is important to choose the type that is right for your project.
• Prewash the lace before you start working with it. This will help to prevent the lace from shrinking or bleeding.
• Iron the lace before you start working with it. This will help to flatten the lace and make it easier to work with.
• Be patient when working with lace. It is a delicate fabric, so it is important to take your time and be careful.

With a little practice, you will be able to work with lace like a pro!

Types of Lace for Sewing

Alencon lace – Elegant floral motifs connected by detailed beadwork on netting. Used for bridal and formalwear. Difficult to work with.

Chantilly lace – Delicate, geometric floral design on net, often with scalloped edges. Lovely for overlays and trimming.

Guipure lace – Heavy, stiff lace with elaborate raised designs. May include braids, ribbons, and cords. Excellent for overlays and edgings. Most affordable.

Cluny or Battenburg lace – Fine woven net lace often in geometric checkerboard patterns joined by bars or brides. Pretty edging and insertions.

Schiffli lace – Intricate scrolling floral and leaves densely embroidered on tulle net. Used as trims and bridal applications. Difficult fabric.

Venise and Burano lace – Historic handmade needle lace intricately created using multiple stitches and weaving. Prized collectible antique lace.

Working with Lace Yardage

• Support with stay tape, interfacing, or backing fabric to prevent stretching
• Use very fine sharp needles. Ballpoint or stretch options help avoid snagging delicate threads.
• Stabilize fabric behind lace when cutting to prevent dragging and skipping
• Transfer pattern markings using chalk, vanishing pens, or paper – avoid perforations.
• Lengthen straight machine stitch to allow dense lace pattern to feed smoothly
• Reduce presser foot pressure. Walk slowly and gently guide lace through machine.

Adding Lace Details

Appliques – Fuse then satin stitch edges, or hand applique using nearly invisible blind hem or applique stitches along underside only.

Overlay – Layer lace pieces under skirts, sleeves, or straps to show skin subtly underneath. Attach along edges only.

Inserts – Sew in panels across necklines, along center front closures, framing arm openings, or at princess seams.

Edging and trim – Sew premade yardage edges cleanly to garment edges like necklines and down sleeves, pants or skirt hems. Motifs face out.

Cutwork – Cut away negative spaces in motifs to form windows of base fabric showing through. Fuse remnants before cutting to secure.

Sheer, embroidered lace is a delicate and beautiful fabric that can add a touch of dreamy romance to any project. However, it is important to handle lace with care to preserve its beauty. Here are a few tips for handling lace:

• Use sharp needles and scissors to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Use a sewing machine with a walking foot to help prevent the lace from puckering.
• Backstitch when sewing lace to secure the stitches.
• Use a stabilizer to help keep the lace flat.
• Prewash the lace before you start working with it. This will help to prevent the lace from shrinking or bleeding.
• Iron the lace before you start working with it. This will help to flatten the lace and make it easier to work with.
• Be patient when working with lace. It is a delicate fabric, so it is important to take your time and be careful.

With careful handling, you can use lace to create beautiful and heirloom-quality projects that will last for years to come.

Here are some additional tips for working with lace:

• Choose the right type of lace for your project. There are many different types of lace available, so it is important to choose the type that is right for your project.
• Consider the weight of the lace when choosing a stabilizer. A heavier weight stabilizer will be needed for heavier lace.
• If you are using lace on a curved surface, you may need to use a bias binding to help it lie flat.
• Be creative with your use of lace. You can use it to create borders, appliques, motifs, and more.

With a little practice, you will be able to work with lace like a pro!