Venetian Lace

Definition and Overview

Venetian lace is a lace in which motifs such as flowers and plants are outlined with thick cord, suppressing the sheerness of the ground fabric to make the pattern stand out. The name comes from Venice, Italy, and it is also called Venice lace.

It may refer to designs derived from handmade needle lace, but in apparel materials, machine-made products are also called Venetian lace. The method is not determined by the name alone, so the actual product and specifications must be checked.

Construction and Materials

Traditional types are needle lace made by stitching patterns with needle and thread without using a fabric base. In modern apparel materials, it is often expressed through embroidery that emphasizes the pattern with cord, chemical lace, and similar methods.

Materials used include cotton, rayon, polyester, nylon, and others. Depending on the material, yarn thickness, and finish, flexibility, firmness, thickness, and suitability for washing vary greatly.

Appearance Characteristics

Its features are the raised texture created by cord that outlines the edges and the large motifs with openwork sections. Compared with lace that shows the pattern on a fine net ground, it tends to have a more sculptural and striking appearance.

Some versions have scalloped pattern edges, and some motifs can be used separately after cutting. Because thick patterned sections and sheer sections coexist, the appearance changes depending on the color of the fabric underneath.

Main Applications

It is used for dresses, blouses, skirt panels, collars, cuffs, and hem decoration. Its three-dimensional quality is easy to showcase, so it is also used for formal wear, costumes, and lingerie decoration.

Tape-like types are used as edging, while wide-width types are used as parts such as yokes and bodices. When used in sections, check the motif direction and edge shape, and arranging them symmetrically produces a neat finish.

Selection and Handling Notes

Check the width, motif size, cord thickness, edge treatment, and sheerness according to the intended use. Stretchability varies depending on the material and construction, and non-stretch items should not be used alone in areas that will be under stress during wear.

When cutting, determine the motif placement so as not to damage the pattern, and baste if necessary. Since cut edges may fray or threads may come loose, consider finishing methods suitable for the product and lace, such as sewing into the seam allowance, hand whipstitching, or bonding.

Wash according to the fiber composition and care label. Raised cord and delicate openwork sections are easily affected by friction and snagging, so using a laundry net, washing with gentle action, and drying flat after shaping may be suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions