Border of Cut-Work Embroidery Edged with Macramé

anonymous, c. 1600

Lace originated in the 16th century by systematically removing threads from a piece of linen or cutting it, and filling or wrapping the holes with embroidery. This is a rare example of early lace, in which the pattern is partly cut out. The bottom is edged with macramé, another early forerunner of lace, in which linen threads are decoratively knotted.