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You are looking for beautiful lace but wonder if it can be made by machine. Many designers worry that machine lace lacks the quality and detail of handmade versions. You need high-quality lace fast.
Yes, lace can be made by machine. Embroidered lace uses computer-controlled machines to stitch patterns onto a mesh base, then the base is dissolved or trimmed away, leaving only the embroidered design as lace. This process delivers clear, dimensional patterns with multiple colors at production scale while maintaining quality close to handmade lace.
I have worked with lace manufacturing for years. I have seen how machine technology transformed our industry. Today I will share exactly how we make lace by machine and why this matters for your business.
- 1 Can Lace Be Made by Machine? Overview
- 2 How Embroidered Lace (Machine Lace) Is Made
- 3 Nine Embroidery Lace Techniques
- 4 How Do You Choose the Right Lace Technique for Your Project?
- 5 Where Is Machine-Made Lace Used in Fashion and Beyond?
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Machine-Made Lace
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 🎯 Ready to Source High-Quality Machine Embroidered Lace?
Can Lace Be Made by Machine? Overview
Can lace be made by machine? Yes. Lace can be produced by machine in several ways:
🎯 Key Machine Lace Types:
- Embroidered lace — Embroidery on a mesh base, then the base is removed (dissolved or cut) so the embroidered design becomes the lace
- Raschel and other machine laces — Warp- or weft-knitted lace on dedicated lace machines
- Laser-cut lace effects — Cutting or engraving patterns into fabric, often combined with embroidery
So "lace" is not only hand-made. Machine-made lace is widely used in apparel, bridal, and accessories. Embroidered lace, in particular, offers clear, dimensional patterns, multiple colors, and efficient production compared with hand needle lace.
✅ Why Machine Lace Matters:
- ✨ Consistent quality across large orders
- 🚀 Fast production for tight deadlines
- 💰 Cost-effective for wholesale buyers
- 🎨 Customizable colors and patterns
How Embroidered Lace (Machine Lace) Is Made
Embroidered lace is a type of machine lace that mimics the look of delicate, openwork lace through embroidery and then removal of the base.
🔧 Process in Brief
Step 1: Base Fabric
A woven mesh (e.g., nylon net, cotton net) is used as the ground.
Step 2: Embroidery
A computer embroidery machine stitches the design onto this mesh with embroidery thread (and optionally other materials such as ribbon or cord).
Step 3: Forming the Lace
The mesh outside the embroidered pattern is removed:
💧 Water-Soluble Method:
The base is dissolved in hot water, leaving only the embroidered design (common in water-soluble embroidery lace).✂️ Cut/Trim Method:
The excess mesh is cut or trimmed away so that only the stitched design remains as lace.
⭐ Key Characteristics
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Clear, dimensional patterns | Stitches build height and texture |
| Rich color options | Multiple thread colors in one design |
| Hand-needle feel | Authentic look at machine speed |
| Production efficiency | Repeatable and programmable |
This is how lace can be made by machine in the embroidered lace form. The exact look depends on which embroidery technique is used (flat, water-soluble, sequin, rope, laser, etc.), as outlined below.
💡 Ready to explore our embroidered lace collections? Visit our luxury bridal collection to see what’s possible with modern machine lace technology.
Nine Embroidery Lace Techniques
Embroidered lace can be made by machine using many stitch and material options. Below are nine common embroidery lace techniques used in production. We at MARRY LACE specialize in all these methods.
1️⃣ Flat Embroidery (平绣) – The Foundation Technique
What it is: The most widely used machine embroidery. Stitches (e.g., satin, fill, running) are worked on a flat base so the design sits on the surface.
✨ Characteristics:
- Fine detail and smooth texture
- Works on any embroiderable substrate
- Base is later dissolved or trimmed to form lace
🎯 Best Uses:
- Bridal dress details
- Dress panels and decorative borders
- Fashion accessories
- General embroidered lace wholesale orders
2️⃣ Water-Soluble Embroidery (水溶绣) – Pure Lace Creation
What it is: Embroidery is done on a water-soluble nonwoven base with embroidery thread (e.g., viscose). The base is then dissolved in hot water, leaving only the stitched design as lace.
🌟 Why Choose Water-Soluble Lace?
- Standalone lace with no visible background mesh
- Strong three-dimensional effect
- Ultimate flexibility and drape
- Perfect for delicate bridal applications
💼 Applications:
- All-over lace fabric
- Lace motifs and borders
- 3D floral embellishment for bridal and lingerie
- High-end apparel overlays
I once showed this process to a fashion buyer from Paris. She watched the base disappear in the water. Her eyes went wide. She said it looked like magic. It is not magic. It is precise engineering. But the result does look magical.
3️⃣ Sequins / Bead Embroidery (亮片绣) – Adding Sparkle
What it is: Sequins or beads (same shape/size) are fed as a string and stitched onto the fabric by a machine with a sequin/bead attachment.
✨ Characteristics:
- 💎 Shiny, decorative finish
- 🎨 Customizable colors and sizes
- ✨ Creates movement and light reflection
🎯 Popular Applications:
- Evening gowns and performance costumes
- Bridal veils and accessories
- Beaded lace collection for luxury markets
- Statement fashion pieces
This technique transforms simple lace into statement pieces. The sequins catch light beautifully. They create movement and shine. This is essential for evening wear and bridal pieces that need to sparkle under lights.
4️⃣ Cording Embroidery (股绳绣) – Bold Definition
What it is: A specialty rope-style embroidery: a strong, colored cord is stitched onto the fabric by the embroidery machine to form lines and patterns.
💪 Advantages:
- ✔️ Clear, strong outlines
- ✔️ Excellent color definition
- ✔️ Adds structured look to lace
- ✔️ Durable for frequent handling
🎨 Use Cases:
- Contours and linear motifs in lace designs
- Modern, geometric lace patterns
- Embroidered border design
- Fashion-forward apparel
5️⃣ Rope Embroidery (绳绣) – Maximum Texture
What it is: Rope or thick thread is laid and stitched by a computer rope-embroidery machine to create patterns and texture.
🔥 When to Choose Rope Embroidery:
You need lace with serious visual impact and tactile dimension. Perfect for bold borders, home textiles, and decorative lace where delicacy takes a back seat to drama.
✨ Key Features:
- Thick, textured look
- Strong 3D and tactile effect
- Very durable construction
- Excellent for lace trim wholesale orders
6️⃣ Eyelet / Punch Embroidery (雕孔绣) – Classic Openwork
What it is: The machine uses punch/eyelet tools to make holes in the fabric, then stitches around the holes (eyelets). The result mixes solid embroidered areas with open, hole patterns.
🌸 Characteristics:
- Light and airy aesthetic
- Reminiscent of traditional broderie anglaise
- Breathable for summer wear
- Romantic, vintage feel
☀️ Perfect For:
- Spring and summer collections
- Blouse panels and dress inserts
- Children’s wear
- Casual fashion accessories
This technique reminds me of traditional broderie anglaise. But we make it by machine. It is faster and more consistent. Our clients love it for spring and summer collections.
7️⃣ Ribbon / Coiling Embroidery (盘带绣) – Soft Dimension
What it is: Ribbon (various widths) is guided through a special foot and stitched onto the fabric with a fine thread to form curves and shapes.
✨ Special Qualities:
- Wide, soft lines
- Very dimensional and soft hand feel
- Can use satin, organza, or grosgrain ribbon
- Creates unique, flowing patterns
👰 Luxury Applications:
- High-end bridal details
- Rose motifs and flowing vine patterns
- Luxury accessories
- Couture fashion elements
I have used this for luxury bridal orders where customers want something different. The ribbons create a unique hand feel. This is excellent for creating rose motifs and flowing vine patterns.
8️⃣ Laser Embroidery (激光绣) – Precision Cutting Meets Stitching
What it is: Embroidery and laser are combined: the laser cuts or engraves the fabric (e.g., lace-style holes or patterns) while the embroidery head adds stitches. One machine or linked process does both.
⚡ Technical Advantages:
- 🎯 Extremely precise edges (within 0.1mm)
- ✂️ No fabric fraying
- 🔷 Complex geometric patterns possible
- ⚡ Fast production for intricate designs
🏆 Premium Applications:
- High-end bridal and couture fashion
- Architectural lace patterns
- Rhinestone applications with precise placement
- Technical sportswear with lace elements
This is one of our newest offerings at MARRY LACE. I am excited about the possibilities. The laser can cut patterns too complex for traditional methods.
9️⃣ Appliqué Embroidery (贴布绣) – Bold Color Contrast
What it is: Another fabric is cut to the design shape, placed on the base, and then stitched down (and optionally padded) to form a motif.
🎨 Design Benefits:
- Strong color contrast
- Possible 3D effect with padding
- "Patch" or layered aesthetic
- Versatile fabric combinations
🎯 Best Applications:
- Casual and bohemian fashion
- Children’s clothing
- Home textiles and crafts
- Statement accessories
- Costume design fabrics
I have made lace with velvet appliqués for a luxury accessories line. I have made lace with metallic fabric appliqués for performance costumes. The technique is versatile. It is bold. It makes lace that stands out.
💡 Production Insight from MARRY LACE:
"We often combine multiple techniques in one lace design. For example, flat embroidery for the base pattern, sequin embroidery for accents, and laser cutting for precise edges. This ‘hybrid lace’ approach gives maximum visual impact and is increasingly popular with haute couture buyers."
— Cindy, Sales Manager, MARRY LACE
🎯 Want to see these techniques in action? Explore our complete product collections or request samples by contacting our team at sales@marrylace.com.
How Do You Choose the Right Lace Technique for Your Project?
You now know nine techniques exist. But which one fits your specific project? The wrong choice wastes money and time. How do you decide?
Choose your lace technique based on four factors: intended use (bridal, apparel, accessories), required durability, aesthetic style (delicate vs. bold), and budget. Water-soluble and flat embroidery suit delicate bridal work; sequin and rope embroidery suit statement pieces; laser and eyelet suit modern, geometric designs.
📊 Decision Matrix: Technique Selection Guide
| Technique | Best For | Durability | Cost Level | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🧵 Flat Embroidery | General lace, versatile | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium | 💰 Low-Medium | 🚀 Short |
| 💧 Water-Soluble | Bridal, lingerie, motifs | ⭐⭐ Medium-Low | 💰💰 Medium | ⏱️ Medium |
| ✨ Sequin/Bead | Evening wear, performance | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium | 💰💰 Medium-High | ⏱️ Medium |
| 🔷 Cording | Modern, structured lace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 💰💰 Medium | ⏱️ Medium |
| 🧶 Rope | Bold borders, home textiles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | 💰💰 Medium | ⏱️ Medium |
| 🌸 Eyelet | Summer wear, casual | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium | 💰 Low-Medium | 🚀 Short |
| 🎀 Ribbon/Coiling | Luxury bridal, soft motifs | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium | 💰💰💰 High | ⏳ Long |
| ⚡ Laser | Couture, technical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 💰💰💰 High | ⏱️ Medium-Long |
| 🎨 Appliqué | Casual, bold designs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | 💰💰 Medium | 🚀 Short |
🎯 Practical Selection Examples
Example 1: Bridal Dress Bodice 👰
Need: Lace for a fitted bridal bodice that looks expensive in photos.
Recommendation: Flat embroidery or water-soluble embroidery combined with sequin accents.
Why: Gives delicate detail plus sparkle. We can add custom color development to match exact shade preferences.
Example 2: Casual Summer Blouse ☀️
Need: Light, breathable lace inserts for a casual blouse line with moderate budget.
Recommendation: Eyelet embroidery or simple flat embroidery with partial cut-away base.
Why: Keeps cost down, maintains airy feel, fast production for quick reorders.
Example 3: High-End Evening Bag 👜
Need: Durable, eye-catching lace for luxury handbags.
Recommendation: Laser embroidery combined with rope or cording, plus sequin accents.
Why: Precise geometric patterns, added texture and strength, premium appearance.
Example 4: Lingerie Collection 💕
Need: Soft, comfortable lace with excellent drape and comfort.
Recommendation: Water-soluble embroidery, optionally with stretch.
Why: No rough mesh backing, moves with body, feels good against skin, can use elastane threads for fit.
🤝 Working with Your Lace Fabric Supplier
When you work with a lace fabric manufacturer like MARRY LACE, communication is key. I always ask clients these questions:
📋 Essential Questions:
- ❓ What is the final product? (dress, bag, trim, etc.)
- 💰 What is your target price point?
- 📦 How much do you need, and when?
- 🎨 Do you have a reference image or sample?
- 🧼 What are the care requirements? (washable, dry-clean only, etc.)
These answers help me recommend the right technique. They help our team create accurate samples. They ensure you get exactly what you need for your textile sourcing requirements.
🌍 Our Global Capabilities:
- 🏭 Manufacturing facilities in Hunan, China and Izmir, Turkey
- 🎨 20,000+ original, copyright-protected designs
- 📈 1,000+ new designs annually
- 💪 30+ specialized embroidery machines
- 📦 Flexible MOQs for small and large orders
✉️ Need expert guidance on choosing the right lace technique?
Our technical team is here to help. Contact us at sales@marrylace.com or visit our design process page to learn how we develop custom lace solutions.
Where Is Machine-Made Lace Used in Fashion and Beyond?
Machine lace shows up everywhere now. You see it daily. But where exactly do different lace types work best? Understanding this helps you plan your product line.
Machine-made lace is used extensively in bridal wear (dresses, veils, accessories), fashion apparel (dresses, blouses, lingerie), accessories (bags, shoes, headpieces), and home textiles (curtains, cushions, table linens). Different techniques suit different applications.
👰 Bridal and Wedding Applications
Bridal is our largest market segment at MARRY LACE. Machine lace appears in every part of a wedding dress.
🎨 Typical Bridal Lace Requirements:
- ✨ Ivory or champagne colors (with custom color development)
- 💕 Soft hand feel
- 🌸 Dimensional patterns (3D flowers very popular)
- ✨ Sequin or bead accents for sparkle
- 🎯 Consistent dye lots (critical for matching pieces)
Where We Use Different Techniques:
| Garment Part | Best Technique | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bodice | Flat or water-soluble | Delicate, romantic patterns |
| Skirt overlay | 3D floral or laser | Dimension and movement |
| Sleeves | Stretch flat embroidery | Comfort and fit |
| Veils | Water-soluble | Adds pattern without weight |
| Accessories | Various | Gloves, hairpieces, shoes |
Our luxury bridal collection covers all these needs.
👗 Fashion Apparel – From Runway to Ready-to-Wear
Fashion apparel uses lace in countless ways. The variety is enormous.
🏆 High-End Ready-to-Wear & Couture:
- Laser embroidery and rope embroidery for modern, architectural looks
- Water-soluble embroidery for delicate insets and overlays
- Sophisticated techniques for premium positioning
☀️ Casual Fashion:
- Eyelet embroidery for summer collections
- Appliqué embroidery for bohemian styles
- Bulk lace fabric for trim and small details
💕 Lingerie Special Requirements:
Comfort is essential. Water-soluble embroidery dominates here.
✔️ Soft threads
✔️ No rough edges
✔️ Must stretch (elastane threads)
✔️ Washable
✔️ Extensively tested before production
👜 Accessories and Small Leather Goods
Accessories offer creative freedom. A handbag can feature bold rope embroidery that would be too heavy for a dress.
📦 Popular Accessory Applications:
- 👜 Handbags and clutches (bold embroidery)
- 👠 Shoes (especially bridal and evening)
- 👒 Headpieces and fascinators
- 📿 Belts and jewelry components
- 🎨 Small motifs for brooches and earrings
I worked with a shoe designer from Italy last year. She wanted lace that could withstand stitching and pulling during shoe construction. We developed a cording embroidery on a stable mesh base. The cord reinforced the lace. The shoes turned out beautiful and durable.
🏠 Home Textiles and Decorative Applications
Machine lace brings elegance to homes. Home textile lace must be very durable.
🏡 Common Home Applications:
- 🪟 Curtains with wide lace borders (rope or eyelet embroidery)
- 🛋️ Cushion covers with lace panels
- 🍽️ Table linens with lace trim or overlays
- 🎨 Decorative accents throughout the home
Key Requirements:
- ✅ Very durable (frequent washing)
- ✅ Colorfastness
- ✅ Stronger threads and robust techniques
- ✅ Bolder aesthetic (viewed from distance)
This is a growing segment for wholesale lace fabric buyers.
🔬 Industrial and Technical Applications
This surprises some people, but lace techniques now appear in technical textiles.
🚀 Innovative Technical Uses:
- Sports brands: Laser embroidery for decorative ventilation patterns
- Medical textiles: Eyelet embroidery for breathable bandages and supports
- Automotive: Laser-cut lace-inspired patterns for interior visual interest
- Performance wear: Combination techniques for function + aesthetics
These applications push our manufacturing capabilities. They require consistent quality and often special certifications. But they show how versatile machine embroidery lace has become.
🎯 Ready to explore applications for your product line?
Browse our specialized collections:
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine-Made Lace
❓ Can machine lace match the quality of handmade lace?
Yes. Modern machine lace can match or exceed handmade lace in many aspects. Machine embroidery creates precise, consistent patterns with dimensional texture and multiple colors. While traditional hand needle lace has unique character, high-quality embroidered lace from skilled manufacturers like MARRY LACE achieves comparable visual richness and durability, with the advantage of consistency across large orders and faster production.
⏱️ How long does it take to produce machine embroidered lace?
Production time varies by technique and order size:
| Technique | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Simple flat embroidery | 1-2 weeks (moderate quantities) |
| Complex (laser/ribbon) | 3-4 weeks |
| Water-soluble | +1 week (dissolving & drying) |
| Custom color matching | +1-2 weeks |
At MARRY LACE, we provide detailed timelines for each project during the quotation phase. Contact us for your specific project timeline.
📦 What is the minimum order quantity for machine lace?
MOQs depend on technique and customization level:
- ✅ Standard designs: As low as 50-100 meters
- ✅ Custom designs: Typically 300-500 meters
- ✅ Specialty projects: Flexible MOQs available
💡 MARRY LACE Advantage:
We understand that bridal and couture clients often need smaller quantities for testing before large orders. We offer flexible MOQs to support your business growth. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
🧼 Is machine lace washable and durable?
Yes, most machine embroidered lace is washable, though care requirements vary:
| Technique | Care Method | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble, flat, eyelet | Machine washable (gentle) | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Sequin, ribbon | Hand wash or dry clean | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| Rope, cording | Machine washable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
Always request care instructions from your lace fabric supplier for specific products. We provide detailed care labels with all our shipments.
🎨 Can I get custom colors and designs?
Absolutely. Custom development is a core service for B2B buyers.
🌈 At MARRY LACE, we offer:
- ✨ Custom color development to match your exact shade
- 🎨 Custom pattern design based on your sketches or references
- 🔧 Modification of existing patterns
- 💡 Entirely new design creation
📅 Typical Process:
- Submit your color swatch or design concept
- We create samples (2-3 weeks)
- You approve samples
- Bulk production begins
Visit our products page to see our capabilities or contact our design team.
🤔 How do I choose between Guipure lace and embroidered lace?
Understanding the Difference:
Guipure Lace:
Pattern held together by connecting bars (called "brides") rather than a mesh background. Many modern Guipure-style laces are made by water-soluble embroidery method.Embroidered Lace:
Broader category including lace made on mesh that is later removed or trimmed.
💡 Decision Guide:
- ✅ Choose Guipure/water-soluble for bold, standalone motifs
- ✅ Choose embroidered lace on mesh for all-over patterns and lighter effects
Our sales team can help you decide based on your product needs. Email us at sales@marrylace.com.
💼 What is the difference between wholesale lace and retail lace?
| Aspect | Wholesale Lace | Retail Lace |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 50+ meters (bulk) | By yard/meter (small) |
| Buyer | Businesses (brands, designers, boutiques) | Individual consumers |
| Price | Lower per meter | Higher per unit |
| Services | Customization + technical support | Limited options |
| Lead time | Production schedules | Immediate availability |
🏭 As a B2B Lace Fabric Supplier:
MARRY LACE focuses on wholesale and bulk orders, offering:
- 💰 Better pricing
- 📦 MOQ flexibility
- 🤝 Professional services for business customers
- 🌍 Global shipping from China and Turkey facilities
Visit our contact page for wholesale inquiries.
📞 Have more questions?
Our experienced team is ready to help you find the perfect lace solution. Reach out via:
- Email: sales@marrylace.com
- Website: www.marrylace.com
- Learn more: About MARRY LACE
Conclusion
Machine-made lace is not only possible but essential for modern fashion. Embroidered lace techniques from flat to laser offer quality, efficiency, and creative freedom that hand methods cannot match at scale. Choose the right method for your needs and work with experienced suppliers to bring your vision to life.
🎯 Ready to Source High-Quality Machine Embroidered Lace?
Transform your next collection with premium machine lace from MARRY LACE.
🌟 Why Choose MARRY LACE?
✅ 20,000+ original, copyright-protected designs
✅ 1,000+ new designs launched annually
✅ 30+ specialized embroidery machines (China facility)
✅ 9 advanced machines (Turkey facility)
✅ Flexible MOQs for specialty and bulk orders
✅ Custom color development to match your exact requirements
✅ One-stop service from design to global delivery
🛍️ Explore Our Collections:
🤍 Luxury Bridal Collection
Premium lace for wedding dresses, veils, and bridal accessories
💎 Beaded Lace Collection
Sequin and bead embroidery for evening wear and special occasions
🌸 3D Floral Embellishment
Dimensional lace with depth and texture
✨ Rhinestone Applications
Sparkling accents and crystal details
🎨 Custom Color Development
Match any shade to your brand requirements
📏 Embroidered Border Design
Elegant trim and finishing details
📞 Get Started Today:
For wholesale inquiries and custom development:
📧 Email: sales@marrylace.com
🌐 Website: www.marrylace.com
📝 Contact Form: Get in Touch
📚 Learn More:
🔍 Our Design Process
See how we develop custom lace from concept to production
ℹ️ About MARRY LACE
Discover our 20+ years of lace manufacturing expertise
📖 Industry Blog
Read more insights from our production and design team
🛒 All Products
Browse our complete lace fabric catalog
💼 Serving B2B Clients Worldwide:
Fashion designers • Bridal boutiques • Apparel manufacturers • Textile wholesalers • Garment factories • Luxury brands • Costume designers • Accessory makers
🌍 Global Reach, Local Service:
Manufacturing facilities in Hunan, China 🇨🇳 and Izmir, Turkey 🇹🇷
Shipping to Europe, USA, Middle East, Russia, and beyond
🎉 Special Offer for New B2B Customers:
Request samples from our current collections and receive:
- 📦 Free sample book (10+ lace varieties)
- 💡 Free consultation with our design team
- 📊 Custom quotation within 24 hours
👉 Contact us now to claim your welcome package!
👤 About the Author
This article represents insights from the MARRY LACE production and sales team, led by Cindy (Sales Manager), based on over 20 years of experience manufacturing premium embroidered lace fabric from our facilities in Hunan, China, and Izmir, Turkey.
Our technical specialists share professional expertise on fabric selection, customization options, and production optimization to help B2B clients make informed sourcing decisions.
Learn more:
Last updated: February 2026
Note: Techniques and availability may vary by supplier and region. Contact MARRY LACE for current capabilities and lead times.
