Lacemaking as a Hobby: Discover your Artistic Getaway in Twisted Threads!

 

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Lacemaking as a hobby rewards you in many unexpected ways. The wonderful world of patterned threads is a hobby, the nurturing of which doesn’t demand much of your money. Beautiful laces that you create gives a sense of achievement and pleasure beyond comparison. Sure, it may demand some of your time, but hobbyists are often involved in activities that they truly love. If lacemaking excites you in unexplainable ways, every project that you take up gives you yet another chance to work the needle and the thread to style very unique patterns.

Did you know? In the 17 century, display of lace was restricted by the law to the nobility in France. All laces were handmade and very, very expensive. Despite the laws, rich commoners would buy the finest of artistic laces, thus putting more pressure on the aristocrats to make their status noticeable. 

Eventually, with the advent of machinery, good quality produce was available in plenty, and the handmade industry started to fade slowly. However, the hobby of lacemaking has since persisted in many families as they take pride in their heirlooms creating beautiful Bobbin laces that use Bobbins to manipulate and hold the stitches in place. Needle lace has also retained its glory, mainly with variations in buttonhole stitch – a highlight in England.

Lacemaking and its various forms 

There are many types of laces – Fabric laces, Net-based laces, Knotted lace, Knitted lace, Tape-based lace, and Crochet Lace.

Crocheting creates fine lace patterns that are used in edging tablecloths, rugs, netting, trims, meshes, bags, and scarves. The most complex form of crochet design is Tunisian – the Afghan stitch that includes both knitting and crocheting. This type of lacemaking is quite time consuming, taking hours, days, months, and even years sometimes to create these exquisitely crafted items.

Needle lacework uses openwork embroidery, designed entirely with thread on fabric. Tatting consists of one knot, double stitch lacemaking. In this, threads are pulled into curved formations and joined in larger groups known as motifs. The lacework is delicate looking but strong.
 

“There are machines today that can make laces, but nothing compares to the real beauty of hand worked laces.” 

Issues affecting the visibility of the craft 

Lacemaking is a rewarding hobby and very few lacemakers sell their art. Many hobbyists pursue this activity with passion and often write and teach about the subject. The reason for this decline in market share is because most practitioners are elderly, who no longer work on their heirlooms. There are only very few young men and women today with a keen interest in lacemaking.

Training issues are the main causes of a massive decline in specialized teachers. In fact, there is no apprentice for that matter to learn the trade. Also, the most prominent reason is lack of awareness.

Many struggles with outdated myths – that lacemaking is difficult and takes a lot of patience. There are materials available today to simplify the process and reinstill the love for the hobby.

Today, lacemaking has gone modern, although the traditional does exist. Lacemakers engage in their craft, which is no less than a big project. These designs will thrive and continue to amaze everyone.

Do you already practice lacemaking as a hobby? If not, try your hands at setting up lace patterns in your leisure. 

Related hobbies: Knitting, Leather crafting, Do it yourself 

 

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