Editing Lace (section)

{{short description|Openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
[[File:Verknipte kantstrook.JPG|thumb|Valuable old lace, cut and framed for sale in [[Bruges]], [[Belgium]]]]

'''Lace''' is a delicate [[fabric]] made of [[yarn]] or [[thread (yarn)|thread]] in an open weblike pattern,<ref name="thefreedictionary1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lace|title=Lace|website=The Free Dictionary|access-date=23 May 2012}}</ref> made by machine or by hand. Generally, lace is split into two main categories, [[Needle lace|needlelace]] and [[bobbin lace]],<ref name=":12">{{Cite book|last=Frost|first=Patricia|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48140446 |publisher=Miller's |title=Miller's collecting textiles|date=2000|isbn=1-84000-203-4|location=London|oclc=48140446}}</ref>{{Rp|122}} although there are other types of lace, such as knitted or crocheted lace. Other laces such as these are considered as a category of their specific craft. Knitted lace, therefore, is an example of knitting.  This article considers both needle lace and bobbin lace.

While some experts say both needle lace and bobbin lace began in Italy in the late 1500s,<ref name=":12"/>{{Rp|122}} <ref name=":2" />{{Rp|12}} there are some questions regarding its  origins.

Originally [[linen]], [[silk]], [[gold]], or silver threads were used. Now lace is often made with [[cotton]] thread, although linen and silk threads are still available. Manufactured lace may be made of [[synthetic fiber]]. A few modern artists make lace with a fine copper or silver wire instead of thread.