The background to the modern-day inheritance of design and technique is followed up by instructions on basic methods with worked examples and step-by-step explanations of problems to be encountered and solved.

The main body of the book presents over 80 patterns for the home lacemaker to work and develop, some dating from the Italian Renaissance and pre-Revolutionary France. These are followed by chapters on freehand design techniques and tips on finishing and mounting worked pieces. Pauline Knight also illuminates the variants of Filet — Filet Guipure and Filet Richelieu.

With over 100 photographs, working diagrams and line illustrations — many unpublished and from rare sources — this should be an irresistible book for all those interested in extending their lacemaking repertoire.