The question of tape laces from the 17th and 18th centuries is very complicated, extremely complicated. Firstly, from about 1650 to at least 1750 and perhaps into the 19th century, both Flanders and Milan produced laces which are nearly indistinguishable in technique, types of design and so forth.
What about the origin of Czech or Slovenian laces? It is not a 2 pairs lace but it is related with tape lace.
I am very interested in this thread. As you know I am lately working on tape lace (called in Spain Witch Stitch Lace), and we have no other evidence that this lace seems to be worked only since late century here in the South West of Spain and Catalonia. Whereas it is sure that the technique with what it is made is very very old. But where and when was originated?
As far as I have read, and seen old pictures, I have my own hypothesis about the origin of this continuous numerical lace: worked with 10/12 pairs of bobbins, without fillings, the braids turning back on their axis and a constant width, seems to be originated in the Center of Europe influenced by old coarsed Milanese Laces.
Designs had to be very limited and clothstitch was practically the only stitch to work the braids, difficult to work curves, or join 3 or 4 braids at a point, so the possibility of innovation became adding twists to join braids, and later: plaits and leaves (Idrija, Russian.
As a consequence tape laces became lighter. In this way the curves were more graceful and better to work, the designs could be more creative and there was the possibility of innovation.
This is a superficial and very simple vision of continuous tape laces, and I know they are lace researchers and maybe some Czech or Slovenian lacemakers in the list that perhaps would like to make any comment at this respect.
Sorry if this mail is longer than usual...
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