The Art of Modern Lace Making

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22325

Title

The Art of Modern Lace Making

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1891 instructional guide introduces the accessible art of modern lace-making, contrasting it with difficult antique methods. It offers clear instructions for creating durable, beautiful laces using simple materials like braids and linen thread, appealing to amateur crafters seeking elegant home decor and personal adornment.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1891 by The Butterick Publishing Co., 'The Art of Modern Lace Making' serves as a comprehensive manual for a craft pioneered in America by Mrs. Grace B. McCormick. The text distinguishes between costly, moisture-dependent antique pillow laces and the durable, needle-based modern varieties accessible to amateurs. It traces the history of lace from ancient net-work to Renaissance embroidery, noting the decline of skilled Honiton makers versus the rise of American techniques. The book outlines necessary materials, including tracing cloth, various braids, linen thread, needles, and scissors. It categorizes laces into styles such as Honiton, Point, Duchesse, and the American-invented Royal Battenburg. A significant portion is dedicated to specific stitches, primarily Point de Bruxelles, which forms the foundation for designs ranging from delicate doilies to heavy table-cloths. The text provides full-size patterns for edgings, insertions, doilies, pillow-shams, and drapery scarves, often utilizing 'spiders' (rosettes) and bars to fill spaces. Additionally, the guide covers darned net techniques, offering designs for bed-spreads, yokes, and decorative borders. It emphasizes that while modern laces lack the historical romance of century-old pieces, they offer unique artistic value and substantial utility. The book concludes with an advertisement for Mrs. McCormick's services in designing custom patterns and supplying materials, reinforcing the text's practical, instructional purpose.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22325.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22325.epub

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2026-07-05 11:32 UTC

Categories

• Crafts
• Arts