Guipure Lace (Etched Lace)

Guipure embroidery has a typically sculptural look: the base fabric is embroidered with threads forming a continuous motif – afterwards the base is dissolved, so that only the embroidery remains.

From etching to washing out

In the past, the base was removed either by etching away the fabric between the motifs or by heat treatment – hence the name etched lace. Today a process developed by the Swiss embroidery company "inter-spitzen" is used: the fabric is simply washed out with warm water after being embroidered with lustrous polyester yarn.

One of the finest laces

Etched laces are among the most expensive lace fabrics – their production is very time-consuming and costly. They are therefore found mainly on high-quality lingerie and festive underwear.

Learn more about laces and appliqués in our Underwear Glossary.