needle-lace

A craftsperson creates a delicate needle-lace flower.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • lace made by hand using a needle: "needle-lace" refers to a type of fine, decorative fabric or trimming created by stitching thread with a needle, rather than using bobbins or machines. It is characterized by intricate, openwork patterns.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She spent months creating a delicate needle-lace collar for her dress. (A hand-stitched lace piece made with a needle.)
  • The antique shop sold a handkerchief edged with intricate needle-lace. (Decorative fabric made by needlework.)

Advanced Usage

• "needle-lace technique": the method of making lace using only a needle and thread, often involving stitches like buttonhole or blanket stitch.

  • The artisan demonstrated the needle-lace technique during the workshop. (The specific hand-stitching method.)

• "needle-lace pattern": a design or motif created within the lace.

  • The needle-lace pattern featured floral motifs and geometric shapes. (The decorative design in the lace.)

Variants and Related Words

• Needle lace (n): an alternative spelling or compound form, meaning the same as "needle-lace".

  • She specializes in traditional needle lace from Italy. (Hand-stitched lace.)

• Needlepoint (n): a related form of embroidery on canvas, not the same as needle-lace.

  • Needlepoint uses a different technique than needle-lace. (Embroidery on a mesh foundation.)

Synonyms

• Point lace: a historical term for lace made with a needle.
• Handmade lace: lace produced by hand, often including needle-lace.

Related Idioms

• "lace with a needle": a descriptive phrase for the craft of needle-lace.
  • She learned to lace with a needle from her grandmother. (To create needle-lace.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Lace up: to fasten or tighten with laces, not directly related to needle-lace.
  • He laced up his boots before the hike. (Fastened with laces.)