Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Cotton lace is lace made entirely or mainly from cotton yarn. It has a matt, natural look, a soft feel and breathes well, which is why it is used for children's clothing, summer dresses and blouses, nightwear, pyjamas and home textiles – tablecloths, curtains, pillowcases and bed linen. It is sold by the metre or on a roll as a narrow edging, a band with two finished edges or a wide lace.
What sets cotton lace apart
Unlike synthetic laces made of polyamide and polyester, cotton lace has no sheen and looks more "handmade" and warm. It absorbs moisture and is pleasant in direct contact with the skin, which makes it the preferred choice for baby and children's clothing. On the other hand, cotton shrinks in the wash, creases and is less resistant to abrasion than synthetics. These characteristics must be taken into account when choosing the main fabric and caring for the product.
Types of cotton lace
Knitted cotton lace
It is produced on knitting machines and resembles hand-knitted or crochet laces. The motifs are larger and more textured – scallops, fans, flowers. It is used for the edges of tablecloths, curtains and shelves, and decorative bands on dresses and skirts.
Cotton embroidery (embroidered lace)
A motif embroidered with cotton thread on fine cotton fabric such as batiste, often with cut-out holes – so-called "broderie anglaise". It is a classic for summer blouses, children's dresses, nightwear and romantic-style lingerie. It is available as a narrow edging, a band with two edges and wide fabric.
Macramé and heavy cotton lace
A dense, voluminous lace with geometric or floral motifs, produced by embroidering on a soluble base. It is used for accents on boho-style clothing, bags and home textiles.
Cotton lace with threaded ribbon
Lace with openwork holes through which a narrow satin ribbon is threaded. It is typical of baby and children's clothing, nightwear and decorative cushions.
Widths and uses of cotton lace by the metre
| Width | Use |
|---|---|
| 1–3 cm | edges of collars, cuffs, necklines, baby clothes |
| 3–7 cm | hems of dresses and skirts, sleeves, nightwear, pillowcases |
| 7–15 cm | flounces, bibs, curtains, tablecloths |
| full width | whole embroidered parts – blouses, dresses, top layers |
How to choose cotton lace
- Composition – 100% cotton gives the most natural look; a blend with polyester shrinks less and resists creasing better.
- Density – a denser lace is more durable with frequent washing, typical of children's clothing and bed linen.
- Sewing edge – check that the straight side is wide and stable enough for a seam.
- Colour – natural tones (ecru, ivory) and optical white look different next to the main fabric; compare on a sample.
- Pre-shrinking – ask whether the lace has been decatised (pre-shrunk) or plan your own test.
Shrinkage – the main risk with cotton lace
Cotton lace can shrink after the first wash, especially if it has not been treated against shrinkage. If the lace shrinks more than the main fabric, the edge starts to pucker and the product loses its shape. To avoid the problem:
- Wash a sample of the lace and of the main fabric at the temperature that will be stated on the label.
- Measure the difference in length before and after washing.
- If the difference is significant, decatise the lace before cutting or choose a blended composition.
- Combine cotton lace with cotton or linen fabric – materials that behave similarly in the wash.
How to sew cotton lace
Cotton lace is easier to sew than synthetic lace because it does not slip. Use a universal 70–80 needle and a thread that shrinks similarly – cotton or cotton-polyester. Narrow edgings are sewn with a straight stitch along the straight side or inserted into the seam between two layers of fabric. With embroidered bands with two edges, the seam runs along the very edge of the embroidery. The ends of the lace are turned under or enclosed in the seam so that they do not fray.
Caring for cotton lace
Cotton lace withstands higher temperatures than synthetic lace – often 40 °C, and white items even higher if the main fabric allows. Iron on the wrong side while slightly damp. Avoid bleach if the item is coloured. Old white laces that have yellowed over time can be refreshed by soaking in a mild oxygen product, but always test on a hidden area first. The care you state on the label must match the most delicate material in the product.
Cotton lace and embroidery for brands
Besides standard motifs, brands often look for lace in their own colour or embroidery with a motif characteristic of the collection. In such cases, the lace is combined with custom embroidery, such as emblems and appliqués in the same colour range.
Where cotton lace is not the best choice
- Lingerie and swimwear – stretch and quick drying are needed; stretch polyamide lace is more suitable.
- Products made of synthetic fabrics – the polyester base does not shrink while the cotton lace does, which distorts the edge.
- Workwear and heavily used clothing – cotton wears faster than synthetics.
- Products washed at low temperature and tumble dried – the combination increases shrinkage.
In these cases, choose a synthetic lace with a matt look that imitates cotton, or a blended composition.
Cotton lace by the metre from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of haberdashery for clothing based in Sofia. In our lace category you will find cotton laces and embroideries in various widths and motifs, by the metre and on rolls. We work with manufacturers of children's clothing, lingerie and home textiles throughout the EU. We send samples quickly, and minimum quantities depend on the article – send an inquiry with the motif, width and quantity.
