Interweave SKU: EP12789

Finished Size: About 1 inch (2 cm) in depth; each repeat, about 1 inch (2 cm) wide

Thread: Presencia Fincrochet, 100% cotton thread, size 80, 1,301 yards (1,189.6 m)/50 gram (1.8 oz) ball, 1 ball of #3000 Ecru.

Hook: Crochet hook, steel, size 13 (.85 mm)

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project

Originally Published: PieceWork May-June 2015

The Torchon lace from the excavation of the paddleboat Arabia (see preceding article) that inspired this project was a product of the technique of bobbin-lace. For this edging, crochet is used instead.

Crochet has proven to be a perfect technique to mimic other forms of lace, including bobbin lace, filet, tatting, Venetian needle lace, and drawn thread work. The idea of using crochet to imitate other laces probably came about as soon as lacemakers realized how versatile crochet could be. Torchon-style lace, whether it is made as a traditional bobbin lace or in crochet, makes a nice clean line edging to add the right touch to any project.

From my pattern collection, I found Torchon crochet patterns first appearing in a couple of “art” crochet pattern booklets, which are not dated but appear to be from about the nineteen teens. Torchon crochet seemed to fade from patterns books for a while only to show up again in issues of Needlecraft Magazine of the early 1930s.