Two narrow lace trims. Top: TRC 2015.0249, bottom: TRC 2017.0159We have two examples of narrow lace trim from the first half of the 20th century, which were used for various types of decoration. They have a similar pattern, namely small circles and flower-like silhouettes. The handmade piece (TRC 2015.0249) is a continuous-thread bobbin lace made out of linen with a silk gimp. The machine lace (TRC 2017.0159) is made out of cotton on a Levers machine.

Filling: The handmade piece has a clear cloth stitch structure. You can see the pin holes around the shape of solid parts. The threads follow the flow of the pattern. 
The fillings in the machine made example are more solid, with multiple threads in a V-shaped movement. 


Gimp: In the handmade lace the gimp outlines the pattern, while the machine made example has no gimp. 


Ground: The handmade lace has a central hexagonal hole surrounded by six smaller triangular holes, called Paris ground or kat stitch. The machine made piece imitates the Valenciennes ground, which has a diamond-like shape. 


Side: The handmade lace has no particular obverse or reverse, while the machine made example has a front and back side.

Handmade lace:		Machine-made lace:
TRC 2015.0249		TRC 2017.0159