Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of lace fabric?
Embroidered lace (stitching on mesh), chemical/guipure lace (heavy all-over embroidery), stretch lace (with spandex for fitted garments), and eyelash-edged bridal lace. Lace Fabrics also have Conventional or Scalloped Finishes.
Does lace fray? Do I need to hem it?
Most of our laces have finished scalloped edges on both sides, so they can be cut to length without hemming. Cut edges between motifs may need a narrow hem or sealant. Most Lace Fabric is constructed to be cut without fraying due to the nature of its construction.
Is lace hard to sew?
It takes patience: use a fine needle, stabilize with tissue or wash-away stabilizer, and sew motifs rather than mesh where possible. Stretch lace needs a stretch stitch.
What is lace used for besides bridal?
Evening overlays, lingerie, table runners, drapery trim, and apparel details like yokes and sleeves. Stretch Lace Fabrics are used more for Lingerie finished products, the spandex allows for finished sizes with flexibility. Non Stretch and Scalloped Laces are used for the even industry for high end table installs and decor backdrops.
Can I buy lace fabric in bulk?
Yes — Lace Fabric is available in full bolts at wholesale pricing for bridal shops and manufacturers, with free US shipping on orders over $50.
**New FAQs (5) — proposed:**
Can I buy lace just to cut out the motifs for appliqués?
Yes — embroidered lace doubles as appliqué material for veils, bodices, and costume trim. Cut the motifs out with small sharp scissors, leaving a narrow mesh margin to stitch down. The tradeoff is yardage: harvesting wastes the lace around each motif, so we recommend ordering roughly a third more lace than the appliqué area measures — the extra also covers motifs you'll reject for flaws once you see them up close.
Will your ivory lace match my ivory satin?
Maybe not — "ivory" isn't a standard, and ivory lace from one mill can read yellow next to ivory satin from another. We recommend ordering swatches of both fabrics and comparing the swatches in daylight before cutting anything. Here's the honest part: no product photo lets us guarantee a cross-fabric color match, so the swatch step isn't optional for bridal work.
My lace arrived with fold creases — is it ruined?
No. Most polyester lace releases fold creases with a steamer held a few inches away, or by hanging the lace in a steamy bathroom. Never press lace with a dry iron on high heat — embroidered lace can scorch or melt, and that damage is permanent. Go easy on chemical guipure especially: heavy embroidery holds creases longer than mesh-based lace does.
My stretch lace sleeve went wavy — what did I do wrong?
The lace got stretched during sewing — stretch lace sewn under tension ripples once the lace relaxes, especially along scalloped edges. We recommend letting the lace feed naturally without pulling, using a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag, and stabilizing curly edges with wash-away tape. Here's the thing: a wavy stretch-lace seam rarely presses flat afterward, so prevention beats fixing.
How do I wash a lace garment without destroying it?
Turn the lace garment inside out, put the garment in a mesh laundry bag, and machine wash gentle — the bag keeps lace from catching on hooks, zippers, and Velcro in the load. We recommend keeping lace away from Velcro in storage too, since one hook can pull a run through embroidered mesh. Air dry flat; the dryer is where delicate lace goes to die.
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