Bruges Lace Making: Bobbin, Crocheted and Machine Made
The best way to explore Bruges is by walk and we did the best thing by planning our own self guided walking tour. In addition to the attractive facades of the heritage buildings and the winding canals, we went around souvenir hunting too.
Bruges is famous for its handmade laces. Walking through the lanes peeping through the shop windows, taking shots, I enjoyed it the most. Numerous items on display were made with such laces.
Bruges lace making
Lace Fabric
Lace is a decorative fabric that was used in costumes, furnishings and most importantly in royal attires since medieval times. Different dimensions are used for different purposes:
- Narrow laces are used for trims and insertions
- Wide lace fabrics are used for curtains, table cloths, and garments.
During the 16th century lace making was part of every household chore. Mothers first initiated their daughters to this skill with the basic steps to make bobbin lace. Later they would attend lace schools to learn the different ways to make laces. What started as a means of living soon turned into passion and a hobby for women of that era.
It was a matter of pride for the rich and elite to adorn their cloaks and tuckers with fine lace. The poor thus had lots to spin, weave and crochet.
Machine made lace from Bruges Belgium
Flemish lace
More fine the lace, more prices it fetched in the market. It requires skill and dedication and intensive labor. Especially white lace; they are expensive because lot of time goes in to making these and the end result is exquisitely delicate and beautiful.
History of Lace Making in Belgium
Manufacturing of lace began during Ancient Rome. This conclusion is based on the discovery of small bone cylinders in the shape of bobbins.
Bruges is located by the sea, giving it a strategic position for textile trade with other European countries. By the 13th century, Bruges developed a rich fashion industry, which led to its unique lace industry. They developed over 1,500 kinds of lace, woven from silver, gold and silk.
Lace work on bottle cap
During 15th century Charles V decreed that lace making be taught in the schools and convents of the Belgian provinces.
Initially the making of lace was confirmed to the domain of fashion. It was designed to replace embroidery and easily transform dresses to follow different styles of fashion.
It was in the 16th century, due to the technique of lace making, it was credited as a fabric in its own right.
Lace work on bottle cap from Bruges Belgium
Bruges Lace Making
Bruges and lace have been inextricably linked. Thousands of extremely skilled women and girls earned Bruges lace worldwide fame. It is said that at one time, a quarter of all the women in Bruges were lace makers.
Bruges laces were made of cotton threads. The basic process of making them involved in making small pieces. The designs are later joined together to make the final lace.
Laces were made of great width, the designs has distinct border on a lacy background. It looks as if it is full of holes. This lace work is called the bobbin lace, a specialty of Bruges.
The art handed down from centuries. It was taught in schools then, girls qualified in this art while taking religious education. I wish there are more schools today imparting this kind of art and such art is preserved for ever.
Belgian lace crochet
Trivia
Leavers lace is the most expensive and aspired lace in the world.
Sophie Hallette, a family run French lace company specializes in Leavers Lace. Sarah Burton with Sophie Hallette created her lace of choice for Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding Dress.
Belgium is known by the nickname – The Home of Lace.
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I agree, it would be a pity of bobbin lace craft were to disappear. I once attended classes, long enough to understand the basics and to produce a few small items of my own. But the time and concentration required are what is lacking in the world today, where the pace of life is always in a rush…
Lovely! I could see it being used as a pillow cover. I assume its used for frocks, table cloths etc. Right?
I love those laces. Amazing and pretty girlie stuff, i think… and i love it..
Very beautiful I hope you took some home with you, I have some of my mother in laws antique lace which I still use.
These are so so beautiful!! Did u bring back any??????????
Beautiful Belgium laces. I agree with you…the way to see it is to walk. I did it everywhere I went. Belgium is such a wonderful place to visit. The people so kind and accommodating. A beautiful post. genie
I visited your redbubble site, again and just love looking at everthing you do there, I alway am amazed how creative you are. This post shows how versatile your interests are!! And I would like to see more faces of India but can't find the link to that blog now.
A beautiful art, this. I have seen examples of lace making in progress with all the spools pinned to a pillow. There are many ways to make it, and they are very impressive. I appreciate your photos and the way they capture the texture and intricacy of this work.
Very famous lacework indeed!
incredible details in that lace!
Another great post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Oh my gosh! Those laces are exquisite!!
Amazing
Hugs
SueAnn
Such lovely shots of the lace.
Beautiful lace, great compositions, Greetings.
Loved it. I have known this art was quite wide spread in the country side of Spain. At that point of time I thought, perhaps this was on account of the Moorish influence.
These are all marvelous examples of laces. It's hard to imagine the skill required to produce such beautiful work.
Lovely laces !
exquisite work
These are very lovely. I do hope the tradition is continued, and people continue to learn how to make these lovely laces.
The lace is very beautiful. I like the variety you shot.
Make a wonderful souvenir.
Please have a good Tuesday.
Oh, these are exquisite, Indrani! I would so enjoy being able to visit there and see these — would like to be able to have one of these!! You have captured the details beautifully! Hope you have a great week!