Filet lace patterns

 

I’ve been studying filet lace patterns again and found some lovely ones in a French book of designs. Unfortunately it isn’t dated but I think it was probably published in Paris in the early twentieth century. The booklet is basically a catalogue of designs that can be purchased by mail order.

There are a variety of types and styles of pattern. Several are ecclesiastical in nature including those shown here, as well as some vignettes of biblical figures such as David and Goliath and Judith and Holofernes, which are a bit bloodthirsty, and some more benign ones of angels and cherubs.

Other items are designed for the home such as these small table mats and there are also patterns for larger mats and chair backs and arm covers. Although several of these patterns are quite large and complicated I think they were designed to be worked by amateurs in the home. No instructions are given in the booklet but the text states that they are included with the patterns. However, from previous patterns I have seen I think they would have assumed a high level of skill from the worker and would not be very detailed. The booklet also includes advertisements for the type of thread required to make the patterns but I do not know if the instructions included the amount required or not. It would be lovely to see some of these beautiful pieces worked, but failing that, the designs are a lovely reminder of times past.