Any openwork fabric manufactured on complex machinery, such as Leavers, Raschel, or Schiffli machines, designed to imitate handmade bobbin or needle lace. The mechanical process weaves, knits, or embroiders threads at high speed to create intricate floral or geometric patterns. This allows for mass production of delicate trims and bridal fabrics at a fraction of the cost of handmade lace.
Heard on the job
The bridal gown features a silk bodice overlaid with a delicate Chantilly-style machine lace.
Insider tip
You can often identify machine lace by looking closely at the net background; Raschel lace will have tiny knitted chain stitches, whereas handmade bobbin lace consists of twisted and braided threads.