Crochet Needlework

Lacework is an important branch of the Turkish handicrafts. It is being applied since 2500 BC. One of the oldest samples is found in Egypt. For some researchers the first samples had arrived Turkey from Venice and other European countries after 16th century, while the others claim that the crochet works had been carried to Europe from the eastern countries through Anatolia by Venetian. As to the same suggestion, these works then had been changed in style and named “lacework” and had been brought to Turkey. Lacework is preferred because it is thought to bring charm and aesthetic to our homes, furniture and clothing.

In 12^th and 13^th centuries, laced clothes had been prepared for the seniors in Christian churches. In 16^th century, it had become widespread in the community as well. In 17^th century, laced clothes had been the symbol of status and can just be worn by the higher class. If someone from lower class had worn a laced piece, s/he had been punished. In later periods, the size of the lace on the clothes had differentiated as to the social status. The officers had been assigned at the border gates to measure the sizes of the laces on the community’s clothes. If a person from lower class had worn a long-laced cloth, her/his laces had been cut short.

Lace had taken such place in the community life that the coffins had been wrapped with lace. After the French Revolution, many of the lace manufacturers had been guillotined.