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Filet
 

Information About

Lacis





HISTORY

Filet lace is a form of decorative netting and a such can be presumed to have derived at some point from the netmaking that a fishing community would require.

If we agree that the latin word ''filatorium'' (normally translated as ''Network'') is being used to describe Filet lace then Jourdain (1904) quotes a reference to Exeter Cathedral possessing four pieces of Filet lace in 1327 . Ingram (1922) states that there was a "cushion of net-work in St. Paul's Cathedral so {Link without Title} early as 1295 ."

More evidence comes from the publication of a pattern book by Vinciolo in 1587 which contains approximately 60 patterns which are suitable for Filet lace.


TECHNIQUE

As mentioned above Filet lace is created on a ground of knotted net. That ground can either be made by the Lace maker or As Of 2005 purchased commercially in either handmade or machine-made varieties.

Making the net by hand with a netting shuttle / needle and a gauge involves anchoring the piece, using either a heavy cushion (which Carità (1909) recommends be made of lead) or a stirrup around the workers foot. Having a secure anchor against which to maintain tension a square net is made starting from one corner and adding a new mesh on each row until the desired size is reached, then by decreasing. The individual meshes are formed on a gauge which helps ensure a uniform size and are created by knotting to a loop in the previous round.

The net to be worked on is then stretched taut on a frame and the decorative stitches applied.

Many designs involve blocking out the main design in Linen Stitch , indeed some designs consist entirely of linen stitch. This creates solid and open areas on the piece. Open areas in the design can then be decorated using a variety of other stiches.

Filet Lace is typically created in a single color of thread, usually white or Ecru .


REFERENCES

  • Carità (1909). ''Lacis''. Sampson Low, Marston & Co.

  • Th. de Dillmont (1923). ''Filet-Guipure''. Mulhouse (Frankreich)

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  • Vinciolo, Federico (1587). ''Les Singuliers et Nouveaux Pourtaicts''

  • Quinault, Marie-Jo (Dec. 2003). ''Filet Lace: Introduction to the Linen Stitch''



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