You mean it’s not all just called “lace?”

Heirloom sewing can be daunting. REALLY daunting. Not only is there no real pattern out there that shows you how to do it step by step, there are so many different components to purchase! If you’re fortunate enough to have a locally owned fabric shop near you, it may not be as scary a task, but shopping online for laces can be tricky if you’re not sure what exactly you need.

In this post I am hoping to create a quick beginner’s reference of the different types of trims I have used in heirloom sewing. I will preface this by saying… I have made several heirloom garments but am, by no means, an “expert.” I will almost certainly leave things out. I am just trying to catalogue the information I have accrued to this date.

Swiss Embroideries: When I first started heirloom sewing I didn’t realize that swiss cotton and embroideries and edgings aren’t really “lace.” To find some useful information on swiss cotton embroideries, check out this post. I used this type of trim when I made this Christening gown. They can be used in heirloom sewing but I suppose they’re not technically called “lace.” Its basically an embroidered fabric.

This type of trim is also used a lot on the sleeves of bishops, to trim Peter Pan collars, or to edge front plackets on dresses. Some of my favorite Swiss edgings can be found here.

MALINE LACE: for an extremely detailed definition of maline lace, click on this link. Farmhouse Fabrics does a WAY better job of explaining the history of the lace and how its made than I ever could. This type of lace is “Lacey-lace.” It almost looks like a net, its intricately woven and has beautiful designs. My upcoming sewing projects will be done using this type of lace.

Next I will define some of the items that I will be using in my upcoming heirloom garments.

ENTREDEAUX: This is a French word that means “between two.” Shoutout to Madame Smith on that one. This is used to connect lace to fabric most often in the heirloom sewing that I do. You can gather lace to it, or attach it flat. This Entredeux can be found here.

EDGING: This is a term used to describe lace that has one edge that’s meant to be exposed and one edge that’s meant to be attached to something. This can be used to trim a collar, sleeve, dress, etc. The edging below can be found here.

INSERTION: This is a term used to describe lace that has two edges that are meant to have something else attached to them. The insertion above can be found here.

BEADING: this is a type of insertion that has holes in it that are large enough to have ribbon weaved though them if desired. The beading above can be found here.

RIBBON: the type of ribbon I use most often in my heirloom sewing is a silk satin ribbon

TATTING: This is a knotted lace that can be used as an edging. It is HARD to find. If you get your hands on it, use every inch. Some people know how to make it…maybe one day I’ll learn 🙂

Okay folks, that’s it for now! I am thinking of doing a post with the types of fabrics that can be used in heirloom sewing…if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, let me know! Drop a comment here, reach out to me on social media or send me and email! Happy Sewing!