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Paper Lacework is a Victorian needlework technique of repeating geometric patterns so that they resemble lace. Perforated paper AKA punched card or Bristol Board was the popular fabric choice for Lacework. Paper Lacework patterns first appeared in Victorian needlework pieces starting around 1860.
There are two ways to achieve a Lacework pattern:
- by stitching the pattern on the paper
- by carefully cutting away parts of the paper
Because the cut away Lacework pieces are fragile, many paper pieces did not survive. Most surviving Lacework pieces have their filling patterns stitched, often with black silk or a dark contrasting color.
The pieces shown here are in the collection of Claudia Dutcher Kistler
The paper has been cut away to form the pattern. Under the pattern is green silk ribbon.
The stamp holder pattern was made by cutting away the paper. The color behind the pattern is the dark pink backing ribbon.
Bookmarks are the most common Lacework pieces. Many survived only because they were protected in books and bibles. The cross was a popular pattern because a Lacework background or filling design was easier to achieve due to the rectangular shape of the cross motif. Lacework bookmark patterns were featured in ladies magazines.
Size - 2.75" w x 4" h
24 holes per inch
These two identical bookmarks are excellent examples of both types of Lacework.
The paper has been cut away to form the pattern in the clear one.
The stitched one was worked with an unusual color of red silk.
The Lacework pattern on this mourning sampler is cut out. The backing material is a black wool fabric.
Design size - 10" w x 16.5" h
Paper size - 15 holes per inch
This piece came from the UK. It is a rare sampler style piece where a cut away Lacework pattern was used to define the entire background. The background pattern was cut out first and then the words were added. What you see in this piece, the effect of lace acting as a frame for the words, is an excellent example of what the technique was intended to do.
Elizabeth Jones
who died
July 27,1873
Aged 25 Years
Also of Elizabeth Jane & Rhoda Ann daughters of the above who died at the early age of 6 months each
Size 5.5" w x 10" h
12 holes per inch
The Lacework pattern for both bookmarks was made by cutting away the paper. The background color is the color of the silk ribbon backing them.
Berlinwork Parrot / Lacework Size 5.5" w x 4.5" h
Stitched with silk.
20 holes per inch
The Lacework background pattern was stitched with brown silk after the bird design was completed.
A Birthday Wish 1895 Size 8" w x 10.5" h
20 holes per inch
It is unusual to find a large Lacework project in one piece. The pattern has been made by cutting away the paper.
May your life today and ever
sweetly calm and peaceful be
Like some clear and silvery river
Joyous rolling to the sea.
A Victorian needlework technique of repeating geometric patterns so that they resemble lace. The examples shown here were all worked on perforated paper.
Bookmark Cross attached to a green silk ribbon The pattern has been made by cutting away the perforated paper.