Sewing With Lace

Hand-stitch lace with a tight stitch or choose a narrow zigzag stitch on a sewing machine.

Sewing with lace presents a few problems not encountered when working with other types of fabric. But with some patients and skills, even a novice seamstress can create an extraordinary sewing project with lace. Something as simple as a lace trim can transform a sewing project into an entirely new, delicate and romantic piece. Or create an entire project, such as a curtain, out of a large panel of lace.

Lace Trim

Add a lace trim to a sewing project by first hemming the fabric you are going to sew the lace onto. Match the design at the end of the lace with the design at the beginning to create a seamless trim. Use an overhand stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch to help secure the lace to the other fabric. You might find it helpful to iron both the fabric and the lace prior to sewing the trim to the fabric. This helps keep both fabric and trim straight so that your measurements are more accurate.

Gathering Lace

There a couple of effective ways to gather lace. You can pull a thread on the straight part of the lace, also known as the "heading." The heading is made up of several threads and will gather when you gently pull one thread. You can also hand-stitch a thread through the center of a piece of lace and then gently pull the thread until the lace gathers. You can use gathered lace to embellish any sewing project, including adding a decorative element to the front of a blouse.

Lace Panels

When sewing lace panels, it's often necessary to add a hem to prevent the lace from unraveling. The size of the hem varies depending on the material and project, but 1/2-inch hem will often suffice. If you are sewing lace-panel curtains, adjust the measurements according to the hardware you will be using. The curtain rod should be smooth so that it does not snag the lace fabric and should fit the theme of the room. Pre-shrink your lace fabric or purchase pre-shrunk lace fabric before starting the project to assure proper measurements with the finished product. Fold the hem and iron it flat before sewing. Choose either to machine or hand-stitch the lace hem with small stitches down the entire length of the hem.

Projects with Lace

Create a lace angel for an ornament or decorative pin. Gather a small piece of lace by sewing a stitch down the center, pull and knot. This will create the wings, which can then be added to a paper-cone angel body and embellished. You can also add a lace trim to a throw pillow or a bed pillowcase. Alternatively, add a lace trim to garments, quilts and tablecloths. Or add a full panel of lace to cover the entire surface of a pillow or other surface.

References

• Home Sewing Projects: Sewing with Lace