Friday, January 9

Is that Crochet?

Etsy Shop - Linens


Probably one of the most common vintage handmade laces for sale in internet shops is vintage crocheted lace.  The technique was an easy lace to make (in relative terms!) and, historically, many women at home could accomplish laces for their own decorative uses.






 Crochet is made using a crochet hook. The size of the lace work depends on two elements: 1) size of the hook and 2) size of the thread or cord used.  Smaller hooks and finer thread = very fine crochet patterns.  Most old crochet books include teaching techniques.

Photo shows just one format of crochet work - filet crochet stitches.


American Victorian and Edwardian era women embellished just about anything for the home or body with crochet laces!  From nightgowns to dresses to baby clothes to table linens and doilies to pin cushions to purses - you name it.  Instruction booklets have always been a popular item for home use and teaching.

Here are some examples of different objects with handmade crochet lace work. 

For those not completely familiar with the work, the patterns might look similar to other kinds of laces.  All of the following examples are machine work.  Note the carry lines in the enlargements.  These laces are not crochet work. 


machine laces
Exploring the world of any lace can pleasantly lead you into a lifetime of study!  There are as many ways to make a lace as there are stars in the sky! Crochet work is just one star.   Some of my favorite lace sites are noted in the side links bar.  Take a leap, grab a good book, hit that keyboard - your journey awaits!