Technique and regional tradition · Lace

Irish Crochet

A fine motif-based lace in which padded roses, leaves and shamrocks are made separately and joined with a crocheted net ground.

Difficulty: Expert
Category: Techniques
Common fibres: Crochet Thread, Mercerized Cotton, Linen thread

Definition

Irish crochet lace builds three-dimensional botanical motifs over a padding cord, then unites them with a background mesh of chains and picots.

Overview

The tradition is well documented in 19th-century Ireland, where it developed as cottage industry lace-making producing an affordable alternative to costly needle and bobbin laces, and became an important source of income for rural households during and after the Great Famine.

Motifs are worked in very fine cotton thread over a bundle of held threads, giving petals a raised, sculptural edge. Once enough motifs exist, they are tacked face down onto a paper pattern and the filling net is worked around and between them, so no two finished pieces are identical.

Characteristics

Raised motifs padded over a held cord
Motifs joined by a chain-and-picot filling net
Very fine thread and small steel hooks

Typical uses

Bridal and heirloom lace
Collars, cuffs and trims
Decorative panels
Fine floral appliqué

Questions

Why is Irish crochet considered difficult?

The thread is fine, the motifs are three-dimensional, and joining them with an even net requires judgement rather than a row count. It rewards patience more than speed.