Lacemaking is the craft of making lace, a delicate fabric woven from yarn or thread into an open weblike pattern.
Traditionally, lace is divided into two categories, needlelace and bobbin lace. There are other kinds, such as knitted or crocheted lace, but these laces are considered a category of their specific craft, with knitted lace a form of knitting, and crocheted lace a form of crocheting. Thus, this section of our web guide considered both needle lace and bobbin lace.
It is believed that lacemaking began in the late Middle Ages as an offshoot of embroidery, at a time when artisans were looking for ways to decorate fabrics with openwork patterns. Early examples of lace can be found in 15th-century Italy, where fine linen threads were twisted and knotted into delicate motifs. These pioneering techniques soon inspired parallel developments in France and Flanders.
By the 16th century, lace had become a symbol of status, adorning collars, cuffs, and veils worn by European nobility. Around that time, the two main methods of lacemaking took shape: bobbin lace, where dozens of bobbins twist threads over a pinned pattern, and needle lace, built entirely with a single needle and thread. Each region of the world has developed its own distinctive style. For example, Venetian lace was characterized by its dense floral motifs, while Chantilly lace is known for its floral patterns and scalloped edges, traditionally made from black silk threads.
The advent of industrialization threatened the viability of handmade lace, but a resurgence of interest in heritage crafts has kept these traditions alive. Contemporary lace artists blend historical patterns with innovative fibers, such as silk blends and metallic threads. Today, workshops, online communities, and museums are dedicated to preserving this distinctive art form.
To get started with lacemaking, one would gather the basic tools: a lace pillow or firm cushion, fine bobbins or needles, pins, and high-quality linen or cotton thread. Begin by learning the foundational stitches. In other words, start with simple "ground" or mesh stitches before tackling floral motifs. Follow beginner patterns, which are available online, while simple needle-lace kits come with step-by-step instructions. Local guilds, social media groups, and video tutorials can guide beginners through their early challenges.
The Lace Guild, a UK-based organization, has several resources that might be helpful. The guild also publishes "Early Days in Lacemaking," a quarterly magazine for new lacemakers.
There are several online resources available, many of which can be found below.
Recommended Resources
Bobbinlace Online is a hub for both beginners and seasoned lacemakers. It features on-demand bobbinlace classes, a curated shop of artisanal lacemaking supplies, in-depth interviews with international lace artists, and an active community forum where enthusiasts share tips and projects, post questions, and share finished pieces. Lace classes include "Beginner Foundations," "Intermediate Techniques," "Advanced Skills," and lifetime access, allowing students to revisit lessons anytime.
https://www.bobbinlace.org/
Louise Colgan is a lacemaker, designer, and teacher with over 35 years of experience in Bobbin Lace techniques. Based in Newark, California, she specializes in Milanese Lace, Hungarian tape lace, lace fans, and other bobbin lace styles. She began making lace in 1985 and has taught classes and workshops internationally, exhibiting her work around the world. Louis Colgan has published three original design books and an instructional DVD on Milanese Lace. Vendors are highlighted.
https://colganlacestudio.com/
Guild of Irish Lacemakers, The
Founded in 1979, the Guild has been active in its current form since 1987. It was explicitly established to promote and assist practicing lacemakers with a special focus on traditional Irish lace techniques. Today, the Guild comprises over a hundred members representing all the various lace traditions found in Ireland, as well as styles from abroad. It places a strong emphasis on encouraging members to create lace and design new patterns, actively fostering the involvement of young lacemakers.
https://irishlaceguild.com/
International Organization of Lace, Inc.
The IOLI is a non-profit association dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of lacemaking traditions worldwide. Founded under the name "Old Lacers" in 1954, the organization adopted its current name in 2012. The IOLI has grown into a vibrant community of lace enthusiasts, offering educational resources, events, and networking opportunities for both beginners and seasoned lacemakers. Membership information, and an informational library are provided.
https://internationalorganizationoflace.org/
The lacemaker and educator began bobbin lacemaking in March 1980 under the tutelage of Miss E. Dawson of Speen and Margaret Tite. She developed a passion for textiles in 1983 at Fareham Adult Education Centre, and completed her City & Guilds Creative Studies in Embroidery Skills and Working Designs by 1994. She co-founded the textile group, FIMBRIA. Scheduled workshops and courses, contemporary lace textiles, and Bobbin lace courses are highlighted, along with photos and reviews.
https://www.jantregidgo.com/
The Lace Guild is a registered charity, accredited museum, and educational organization dedicated to lacemaking in the United Kingdom. It serves as both the largest lace organization in the UK and the custodian of a significant collection of lace and related artifacts. The guild was founded in 1976, during a resurgence of interest in the craft, whose roots in Britain date back to the 16th century. The guild publishes two quarterly magazines: "Lace" and "Early Days in Lacemaking."
https://www.laceguild.org/
Lace in Context is a collaborative digital project based at the University of Oxford that unites lacemakers, researchers, and museums across Europe to deepen the reader's understanding of handmade lace production and trade from the 18th to the 20th centuries. It was launched and is maintained by anthropologist Nicolette Makovicky and historian David Hopkin. Features include an interactive map and database, archives, an open forum for collaboration, and an informational blog.
https://laceincontext.com/
Founded in 1976, the Lace Museum was incorporated as a non-profit in 1981 and remains entirely staffed by volunteers, and supported by donations and gift shop sales. Located in Fremont, California, the museum's address, gallery and studio hours, and access to research materials are set forth. Its collections, exhibits, educational programs, and workshops are discussed, and an online store offers books, tools, thread, and unique gifts. A calendar of events is included.
https://thelacemuseum.org/
This is a detailed, illustrated resource dedicated to the history, types, and regional variations of European lace. It traces the evolution of lace from its uncertain 16th-century origins through its heyday in high fashion to its modern existence as a niche hobby for hand-lacemakers. Key sections of the website include bobbin lace, needlelace, and other laces. A pop-up list allows for direct access to over eighty named lace styles, and every type or ground can be selected for view.
https://www.lacetypes.com/
The Lacemakers Project is an Arts Council-funded research and development initiative in puppetry, led by artist and puppeteer Daisy Jordan. Its goal is to produce a puppetry-led performance inspired by the folklore, customs, and history of handmade lacemaking. The historical context is before mechanization, when lace was crafted by women and children aged six and up, often in lace schools. Its folklore, characters, and community engagement programs are highlighted.
https://lacemakersproject.com/
Lacemaking Instructions on Video
Hensel Productions specializes in high-quality instructional videos for bobbin lace techniques, offering a wide array of lace styles taught by internationally recognized instructors. Their catalog covers everything from beginner basics to advanced decorative stitches, all presented through detailed, camera-close demonstrations. Its catalog features a large and diverse selection of lace styles, each accompanied by pin-by-pin instructions, printed pattern sheets, and commentary.
https://www.henselproductions.com/
The digital platform for lace enthusiasts, lacemakers, heritage institutions, and visitors showcases Ireland's rich lacemaking traditions by mapping historic lacemaking centers, sharing resources, and promoting events and exhibitions across the island. Key features include the types of lace, workshops and master-classes for beginners and advanced makers, a directory of museums, galleries, and heritage centers, a calendar of events, contacts, and an online shop.
http://lacesofireland.ie/
Founded in 1982, the NELG promotes the creation, collection, and study of all handmade lace throughout the New England region. As a charter chapter of the International Organization of Lace, NELG promotes an inclusive environment for lacemakers of all skill levels and backgrounds. The key areas served are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The organization hosts monthly meetings featuring lectures, workshops, and lacemaking sessions.
https://www.nelg.us/
