How to create a lace inlay?

Learn how to create a lace inset

In this video, we'll share all our tips for creating a lace inset on an Osaka pattern placemat, either in a rectangular shape or a knot. This technique can also be used in many other areas, from home furnishings and accessories to even clothing. It's a fun technique to master, requiring a little time and precision, but it immediately yields a beautiful and refined result.

As a guide, we used 1.4 m of lace for the placemat with the frame, and 1.2 m of lace for the placemat with the bow.

In this video, we show you step by step how to create a lace inset.
Below you will find further explanations, our sewing tips and the keys to adapting this technique to your own projects.

1. What is a lace inset in sewing?

Lace inset is a decorative sewing technique that involves inserting a strip of lace directly into the fabric, as if it were an integral part of it. Unlike lace that is simply laid or applied, inset lace creates a clean, controlled opening, highlighting the lace pattern while maintaining an elegant and durable finish.

This technique is widely used in sewing clothes, lingerie, and accessories, but it also works perfectly in home sewing projects. It allows you to add a delicate, refined, or graphic touch, depending on the choice of lace and fabric.

It's a beautiful way to elevate a simple project with a couture detail that makes all the difference.

2. Where can you use lace inlay in your sewing projects?

Lace inlay is suitable for many sewing projects, both for clothing and decoration.

Lace inset on clothing

You can add lace to clothing, on the front or back of a blouse or dress, but also on sleeves, to bring a subtle and very refined detail to your outfit.

Combined with a fluid or lightweight fabric, such as viscose or fine cotton, the lace inset offers a soft and elegant finish.
Pair it, for example, with our linen or poplin fabrics available on our website.

Ikatee Sewing Tip: If lace insets seem daunting, you can start with a simpler approach, such as applying lace to the sleeves or neckline. For example, we used this technique on our Helsinki dress pattern . It's an ideal first step to getting comfortable with lace, with an equally delicate result.

Lace inset on accessories

Pouches, bags, and totes are perfect for lace embellishments. Lace then becomes a true design element, ideal for personalizing an accessory or creating a handmade gift.

Our Ikabanana (fanny pack) and Voyage bag patterns are particularly well-suited to this type of sewing detail. Easy to sew and available in several versions (sizes and styles), they are two ideal patterns for incorporating pretty lace insets.

Lace inlay on household linen

Placemats, tablecloths, table runners or cushions are also perfectly suited to this technique.
The lace inset adds an elegant and timeless decorative touch to your home sewing projects.

This is also an ideal technique to apply to certain models in the Ikatee Home collection, such as the Osaka placemats.

3. What materials are needed to create a lace inlay?

Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment. Good preparation is the key to a clean, even, and neat result.

The essential materials for a successful lace inlay

• Choose the right lace: Opt for flat lace with even edges, which is easier to stitch and position. Cotton lace is particularly suitable. For a harmonious look, choose a lace color close to that of your fabric.
  Discover our selection of lace and trims .
• The main fabric: Linen, cotton, viscose, poplin, voile… choose a fabric that matches the style of the project and the weight of the lace. The thinner the fabric, the lighter the lace should be.
• Matching thread: A quality thread, in a matching color, will allow for discreet and strong seams. Mettler threads are particularly strong and well-suited to this type of project.
• A rule
  Essential for drawing precise guidelines and correctly positioning the lace before sewing.
• Suitable machine needles
  Universal needle or microtex depending on the fineness of the fabric and lace, in order to avoid damaging the fibers.
• Fine pins or sewing clips
  To keep the lace in place without distorting or marking it.
• Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter
  The cut must be clean and precise for a neat and professional result.
• An iron
  Essential for laying the pieces flat, facilitating stitching and checking the positioning of the lace before final sewing.

Find all our haberdashery products to easily equip yourself.

Ikatee sewing tip :

Always do a test on a scrap of fabric before working on your final piece, especially if the lace is fine or fragile.

Lace inlay: an accessible and elegant sewing technique

All you have to do is choose your lace, your fabric and get started: this technique adapts to many projects and easily lends itself to all your sewing desires.

Discover all our technical tutorials