Needle Lace - An Introduction - Stapleford Library and Learning Centre - Adult Learning

About this course

This course will provide you with an introduction to the skills used in needle lace. Using primarily a needle and thread, you will learn the skills required to create a small motif. This simple project will also introduce the basic technique of ‘couching’ the outline of your shape (also known as cordonet) and some of the basic stitches.

You will need no prior knowledge to do this course, but if you have confidence with a needle and thread, you might develop your needle lace skills quicker than if you are new to using a needle, but you will still be able to complete the course. You will be making stitches in air (Punto in aria) and looking at the history of this craft and growth from Italy. It is considered the first true lace because it was the first meant to be stitched alone, and not first onto a woven fabric.

Over the three weeks you will be introduced to the skills used in needle lace and create a motif. Needle lace is made primarily with a needle and thread and is a popular choice for stumpwork designs, because of its intricate texture and delicate appearance (depends on threads). This simple project also introduces the basic technique of couching the outline of your shape (known as a cordonet) and to some of the basic stitches.

What will learners achieve by the end of the course?

• Recognize Tools and Materials: learners will identify and select appropriate needles, threads, and fabrics, understanding their uses and benefits for different projects.

• Practice Mindful Stitching: learners will engage in mindful needlework, using focused stitching as a relaxation technique to improve concentration and reduce stress.

• Starting Needle Lace Motif: learners will demonstrate the start the motif with couching the cordonet

• Create a Needle Lace Motif: learners will complete a decorative motif, demonstrating at least two stitch variations with precision and attention to detail.

• Improve Employability Skills: learners will develop fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail, essential for creative industries and artisan crafts.

• Explore Business & Wellbeing Benefits: learners will outline ways to monetize needle lace skills, including selling handmade pieces, or using lace-making as a therapeutic creative practice for mental well-being.

This approach ensures skill development while highlighting the mental health benefits and employability aspects of needle lace.

What you will need to bring to the course:

Essential

a pointed sewing needle

a blunt tapestry needle

sewing thread

The following are required, but if you have any issues sourcing, please contact the tutor:

20 crochet cotton thread

self-adhesive book cover film (approx. 20cm (8 inch) square)

2 layers of fabric about 2-3 cm larger than the motif (approx. 20cm (8 inch) square)

Booking your place and fee information

If you receive certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course, please visit our funding page for further information.

Residency in England

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must be living in England permanently and live outside of the devolved areas listed below or live within the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) devolved area (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire).

• Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 

• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

• Greater London

• Greater Manchester

• Liverpool City Region

• Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland

• Tees Valley

• West of England

• West Midlands

• West Yorkshire

Residency Eligibility – other criteria

If you are living in the UK on a visa we will require evidence of this in order to be funded for the course, you can upload this evidence when you apply for the course. (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

Some exceptions may apply for example

• Your visa expiry date must be beyond the end of your course

• Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered by the Home Office

• You are receiving local authority support under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989 or the Care Act 2014

Any learner who is not funded full cost fees would apply to these courses.