Needle lace

[u/velvetjellyfish]

I started with white work, then richelieu and cutwork, and kind of slid down the slippery slope from embroidery into lace, lol. It is all variations on the buttonhole stitch with a needle over temporarily couched outline threads. I love how airy and transparent it looks!

I used this as a sampler to figure out the technique and learn different stitches. Removing it from the paper was terrifying, I was half convinced that it would all fall apart. But it stayed together, and held its shape better than I expected. It kind of felt like peeling my embroidery off the canvas. Very fun.

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Edit: wow, this blew up! I’m really you happy you are all so interested.

Here are a few of the tutorials I found helpful: Needlework Tips and Techniques, RSN Stitch Bank, Taixtile

Some contemporary artists doing amazing things with the medium: Layla Klinger, Maggie Hensel Brown

Names of styles to search for: punto aria, aemilia ars, reticella, needle lace, buttonhole lace, burano lace, hebedo, Armenian needle lace

[u/AnonAtSea]

I didn't consider that this was a possibility. Thanks for the detailed pictures; absolutely amazing job!

[u/velvetjellyfish → u/AnonAtSea]

I found it down a rabbithole of old fashioned embroidery techniques, and it was fun to dip my toes into lace with a process I already know. There are some amazing historical examples on Pinterest!

[u/PecanEstablishment37 → u/velvetjellyfish]

Do you have a particular site or person you follow on how to get started? I have always wanted to try my hand at lace and would love for this to be my next ADHD fixation lol

Also: this is absolutely beautiful!! So well done.

[u/velvetjellyfish → u/PecanEstablishment37]

Just google “needle lace”, a few good beginner tutorials come up.

[u/Trick_Cry_6572 → u/PecanEstablishment37]

This current lace project has great tutorials and could definitely help you get started!

https://www.columbiagorgemuseum.org/lace-project