The lightweight appeal of eyelet endures in offering fashionable interpretations that keep the fabric timeless. Offered in a variety of patterns, this soft and tightly woven cotton fabric provides versatile options of stylistic interpretation, for certain. Eyelet fabric is certainly a versatile and durable lace fabric that holds a long history in fashion. Perhaps considered a Summer material due to its airy appeal, however, the warm days of Spring may also simply beckon a frock of eyelet…
Eyelet can be described as a type of “Cutwork” lace that is characterized by small cut outs surrounded by embroidery edged using a “buttonhole stitch”. Often referred to as “Open work”, “White works”and “Pulled thread”, history links the origin of eyelet to Scotland during the 1700’s. Of note, in 1782 an Italian trader and specialist in fine Saxon embroidery, Luigi Ruffini, traveled to Edinburgh and introduced this white embroidery. With more durability than the “bone lace” that was common, this method of embroidery soon became popular and the term “Ayrshire needlework” was given to this cotton cloth of distinction. In France, “Broderie Anglaise” (French for English Embroidery) is referred to as “a whitework needlework technique incorporating features of embroidery, cutwork and needle lace that became popular in England during the 19th century”. Beautiful designs of eyelet cutwork would embellish cotton garments and even linens with great popularity. Precise holes, artistically arranged, in a fabric medium that offers patterns of fashionable delight!
The details of the eyelet are all at once romantic and feminine, perhaps even playful, but move beyond into a fashion statement of feminine elegance. A timeless classic in fabric detail that has been reinvented time and time again. Although eyelet can be found in a variety of colors, it is the white eyelet fabric that seems to be equated with the fabric itself. The myriad of arrangements of spaced holes create visual patterns of distinction. Whether interspersed with embroidered elements of large, bold designs or delicate lacy patterns that present a design of small, neat holes, the choices are perhaps personal. Fashionable interpretations, indeed…
Consider the beauty of white eyelet. Fashion has certainly taken this fabric beyond the basics of being a cotton fabric of common pattern. Fashionable styles evolve. This lightweight and airy fabric that offers a refreshing appeal will certainly never go out of style. It will merely continue to be reinvented within the world of fashion..
Onward,
Kristin
House Appeal 