Puncetto Valsesiano (also calledpuncetto della Valsesia,punto avorio or simplypuncetto) is a type ofneedle lace originating inValsesia, in thePiedmont region ofItaly, and used for doilies and decorations on handkerchiefs and clothes. The alternative namepunto avorio means 'ivory stitch', and is thought to refer to the smooth white appearance of a closely-worked lace.[1] It is characterised by symmetrical geometric patterns, especially grids of squares.
_(14770565374).jpg)
The first written reference to puncetto valsesiano, or perhaps a precursor to it, is in a deed from 1685 referring to a handkerchief trimmed with "ponchietto".[2] A seventeenth-century statue of theMadonna in chapel no. 4 atSacro Monte di Varallo portrays her making lace in what appears to be puncetto valsesiano style.
Puncetto Valsesiano is worked forwards and backwards on the right side of the work only, usually from bottom to top.[3][4] It can be made as a standalone piece, or used as an edging for an existing fabric item.
Contemporary lacemakers can reproduce historical patterns with diagrams and instructions.[5]
Lace types | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needle lace |
|  | |||||||
| Bobbin lace |
| ||||||||
| Tape lace | |||||||||
| Crocheted lace | |||||||||
| Machine-made lace | |||||||||
| Other types | |||||||||
