Orvieto crochet lace

Italiano

Orvieto crochet lace is somehow similar to Irish lace, as the former originated from the latter. Nevertheless, as years go by Orvieto lace has been getting its own peculiarity and a very original identity.

Orvieto lace is made with a very thin crochet hook, using white or ecru cotton thread. Three different kinds of thread are used: the gimp (n°120) to make the so called "ornato" design; another gimp (usually n°8) to point out the drawing pattern; a very thin thread (n°150) to make the point ground. The different thickness of threads is aimed at pointing out the peculiar subtlety of the lace, emerging over a very thin net surrounding the "ornato".

At present it is possible to buy Orvieto lace works made with thicker threads (n°100). They are rather coarse compared to the authentic former lace, impalpable and refined.

The Orvieto lace working technique requires a great ability in crocheting and very good drawing notions.

The ornato design is sketched out with basting stitches on a cloth; then the ground net, connecting the different drawing patterns, is made.

The Orvieto lace designs, worked with full crochet stitches, are made mainly by single crochet stitch; sometimes linked with chains and single crochet stitches. In this way it is possible to create flowers and leaves with either even or embossed surface, linked by smooth stems and tendrils. Often the ground net is scattered with small picots, giving a dotted aspect to the net. The edge of the work is often made with a series of picots.