Torchon lace

[2] Torchon lace was notable historically for being coarse and strong, as well as consisting of simple geometric patterns and straight lines.

[5] It was in the 19th century that the term for this style of lace became attached to the characteristic angular forms and motifs we think of today.

[6] Torchon lace was used by the middle classes for edging or insertion, and also to trim cotton and linen underwear, where it was ideal because of its strength and because it was inexpensive.

[4] Colored threads were occasionally used historically, but in general Western European Torchon lace was typically white.

By the early 20th century, machine-made copies were being made that were almost indistinguishable from the hand-made lace.

[4] Modern Torchon lace making includes many kinds and colors of objects, no longer limited to the edging or insertion strips of the historical interest, although patterns are available to recreate many samples of these types.

[15] Artists like Jane Atkinson have brought Torchon lace into the 21st century with new patterns and colors.