Lace is made up of natural materials such as silk, cotton, wool, viscose. It consists of an openwork pattern and is a delicate and sheer fabric. In weight, the lace ranges from heavy to light depending on the type. Some of the most popular patterns you can find on the lace are floral designs, botanical designs and geometric designs.
Types of Lace
Below are the major types of lace, which are extremely popular:
Lyon lace
The lyon lace is produced on original looms from the 19th century. It is made of pure cotton and weighs about 90-150 g/m 2. With its complex, yet creative pattern, which is woven on a lightweight tulle and outlined with a cord thread, the Lyon lace is the absolute best for a wedding dress.
Stretch Lace Fabric
The stretch lace fabric usually contains elastic fibers that allow it to stretch to great lengths and also last for long periods of time. The stretch lace fabric absolutely versatile and can be used for a number of outfits like sleeves, your lingerie, decollete or for multilayered outfits, coats, skirts, dresses and so much more.
Corded lace
Weighing about 45-185 g/m 2, the corded lace is a type of lace, which is lined with a soutache cord. This outline creates a volumetric effect for the lace. The corded lace is one of the most sort out laces for a wedding or evening dress, as an overlay material or for decorating any attire.
Chantilly lace
The Chantilly lace is a lightweight lace that comes on a net background. It usually has a floral pattern and is outlined with silk threads. This type of lace is mostly used in bridal fashion, overlays or airy evening gowns sheer or semi-sheer, with scalloped edges. The lace derives its name from a French city called Chantilly and is a timeless classic.
African lace
Produced by Austrian or Swiss manufacturers for the Western Africa market, the African lace is made of either satin, linen or cotton and has industrial embroidery on it. The embroidery on the African lace resembles that on the guipure lace. However, they have their differences. It is called Nigerian lace to explain the fact that Nigeria was one of the major export markets for Swiss companies. More so, the African lace can be called Swiss lace or Austrian lace.
Guipure lace
Unlike the Chantilly lace, the Guipure lace is heavy and made with wool weighs. This lace has a raised design and lacks a net background. The elements of the guipure lace are connected with braids. For casual and evening dresses, blouses, skirts, jackets and outwear, this lace is a perfect choice.
Lace applique
The lace applique is a simple piece of openwork material. Its weight is majorly dependent on the kind of decor, which is put on it. Decors like beads and bugles on lace appliques can have the same weight as the embroidered lace.
Embroidered lace
The embroidered lace is the best lace for evening wear. With lots of sequins, crystals, beads, ribbons, satin stitch embroidery, etc., you can create a festive look on this lace. The embroidered lace is mostly popular in fashioning haute couture gowns and is also very ideal for bridal gowns and evening wear.