Open English lace
ENGLISH LACE (No. 17). This is to be worked with the finest thread
that is made. Do a number of Sorrento bars (closely twisted threads),
at equal distances, in one direction throughout the space: then take
one thread under all these, in exactly the opposite direction; take a
stitch on the braid to secure it, and twist to the first cross. Pass
the needle under the single thread and over the twisted one, till it
has gone four times round, when the spot will be sufficiently large.
Twist on the single thread to the next cross, and repeat. Do this
until the whole space is filled, as seen in the engraving, where the
distance between the threads is sufficiently accurately represented.
This lace always looks best, however, when the lines are diagonal.
English lace is often radiated; that is, the lines are more distant
from each other at one edge than at the other, and the spots
proportionably larger, presenting the appearance of a fan.
OPEN ENGLISH LACE.
