21 Types of Lace Fabric & Trims: Guide for Garment Creation

Once crafted entirely by hand, lace was a luxury reserved for the elite, its intricate motifs requiring hours of meticulous labor. Today, modern machinery has made this beautiful fabric accessible to all, while still preserving the artistry that makes lace so special. Lace is primarily categorized into two main types based on production methods: needle lace (created with a single thread using buttonhole stitch variations) and bobbin lace. Beyond these core categories, there’s a world of lace styles to discover—read on to find your perfect match for any project.

As the name implies, this lace features delicate floral or decorative embroidery covering an entire mesh base. It’s a versatile choice for dresses, blouses, and even home décor. For those feeling crafty, you can learn to create your own allover lace using a sewing machine with guidance from specialized sewing resources.

Renowned for its softness and elegance, Chantilly lace showcases fine floral designs outlined in silk thread on a sheer net background. Traditionally crafted in black, it now comes in a spectrum of colors. What sets it apart? Its delicate mesh base and frayed-edged scallops—double-scalloped Chantilly lace trims are known as Galloon Lace. The embroidery is integrated into the lace-making process, resulting in a seamless, ethereal look.

A step up from Chantilly, alencon lace features raised motifs embellished with beads and thick silk cords (called “cord”) on a sheer net. This cord outlining creates beautiful dimensionality, making the designs pop. Authentic French alencon lace is 36 inches wide with a fine fringe on scallop edges, while factory copies are typically 60 inches wide. A favorite for bridal gowns and veils, this premium lace is costly but delivers unmatched luxury.

Also known as guipure lace, Venice lace boasts intricate raised floral or geometric patterns—no mesh base required. Instead, embroidery is stitched onto a temporary cloth that dissolves during finishing, leaving standalone motifs connected by silky threads. It’s available as full-width fabric, appliqués, or trims, offering versatility for high-end designs.

Meaning “lace without a ground mesh,” guipure lace originated as handmade Venetian lace (a pricey luxury). Today, machine-made versions make this elegant, motif-driven lace accessible to all. Its sturdy construction allows for piecing together to create statement garments.

Unlike full-width lace fabric, appliqués are individual motifs sold separately. These can be stitched onto any fabric to add focal points, accents, or intricate details to dresses, jackets, or accessories.

Designed for finishing hems, necklines, or sleeves, this trim has one straight edge and one scalloped edge. Most come with a gathering thread along the straight edge for easy ruffled effects. French beading lace includes small openings for threading ribbons, while extra-wide edging lace is called flounce.

Ideal for adding decorative panels between fabric pieces, insertion lace has two identical straight edges. It can be stitched between panels or sewn together (using a zigzag stitch) to create wider lace pieces. Swiss embroidered insertion lace is crafted on batiste fabric with machine embroidery for a delicate finish.

A narrow cotton batiste strip with evenly spaced holes (resembling a ladder), Swiss Entredeux acts as a bridge between lace and fabric. It features plain batiste sections on either side of an embroidered ladder; after stitching, excess fabric is trimmed, and it’s joined to lace with a zigzag stitch for a seamless look.

Irish crocheted lace is the most famous style of this handcrafted lace. Originally created to mimic expensive Venetian lace, it has since gained its own reputation for intricate, elegant designs. One of the few laces still made by hand, it’s a timeless choice for heirloom pieces.

Also called shuttle lace, this delicate handmade lace is crafted using a shuttle tool and fine cotton thread. Through looping and knotting warp and weft threads, intricate designs are formed—perfect for edging handkerchiefs, collars, or pillows.

A type of fringe lace, tassel lace features knotted tassels along one edge. Typically made from cotton or nylon, it adds texture and movement to garments or home décor.

Characterized by regular holes for inserting ribbons, this lace is a staple in heirloom embroidery. Its symmetrical edges make it easy to integrate into designs, adding a customizable pop of color.

This lace features beading along one edge—when inserted between two fabrics, it creates the illusion of hand-embroidered beads. It’s a subtle way to add sparkle to dresses or blouses.

Combining metallic threads with beaded embroidery, this lace offers glamour and shine. Perfect for evening wear, formal gowns, or statement accessories, it elevates any design with a touch of luxury.

Stretchy and versatile, elastic lace is widely used for lingerie, headbands, and garment embellishments. Its flexibility makes it ideal for fitted pieces that require comfort and style.

This trim features rows of smocking (gathered fabric stitched in decorative patterns), adding texture and a vintage-inspired look to dresses, tops, or children’s clothing.

One edge of this trim is pre-gathered, creating a ruffled effect that mimics gathered fabric. It’s perfect for adding volume and softness to hems, sleeves, or necklines.

Recognizable by its zigzag pattern, Ric-Rac lace is made from cotton, silk, or metallic threads. It’s used as an accent, edging, or seam insertion, with one side displayed outward for a playful, retro touch.

Though not strictly lace, Broderie Anglaise mimics lace with eyelets and cutwork. Originating in England, this whitework embroidery is done on cotton or linen, often in light or white hues. Silken Terene or cotton threads are used, and it typically features a cutwork edge—similar to cutwork embroidery, Hardanger, and drawn thread work.

A budget-friendly synthetic option, nylon lace is widely used for its affordability and versatility. It features a straight sewing edge and a scalloped or embroidered lace edge. chemical lace (a type of nylon lace) is made by embroidering cotton or polyester on a silk base, which is then burned away to leave freestanding embroidery.

Whether you’re sourcing for bridal couture, ready-to-wear collections, or home décor, Inspire Textile Ltd offers a curated range of premium lace fabrics and trims. As a trusted B2B supplier, we deliver high-quality, on-trend lace solutions—from classic Chantilly to durable nylon lace—backed by flexible MOQs and reliable lead times. Partner with us to elevate your designs with exceptional lace that blends artistry and functionality.

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