Chemical Lace Fabric - Item 20826 | Zelouf Fabrics

Chemical lace is one of the most refined constructions in the embroidered fabric category. Built on a water-soluble base fabric that dissolves after embroidery, the finished textile is all thread - no ground cloth - giving it the open, dimensional hand that bridal and lingerie designers depend on. Zelouf Fabrics carries item 20826 as part of a curated selection of embroidered and lace trim fabrics sourced through 35+ years of relationships in the Garment District.

This fabric sits alongside Schiffli lace and metal lace in Zelouf’s specialty lace assortment. Schiffli lace is woven on a multi-needle embroidery machine - a technique closely associated with the st gallen region of Switzerland, historically the center of fine embroidery production. Chemical lace takes a different path: the design is embroidered in polyester or nylon thread onto a water-soluble base, which is then dissolved away, leaving only the embroidered motif. The result is a lightweight, self-supporting lace with crisp definition and a soft hand that layers cleanly over lining fabrics.

Common applications include bridal bodices, lingerie trim, apparel borders, and ruffle details on eveningwear. The open construction makes it well-suited as lace trim along necklines, cuffs, and hemlines where a flat, non-bulky edge finish is needed.

Features

• Construction, embroidered on water-soluble base; base dissolved post-production, leaving a self-supporting lace
• Fiber content: polyester or nylon thread
• Weight class, lightweight
• Hand feel, soft with crisp motif definition
• Suggested uses, bridal, lingerie, apparel trim, ruffle accents, eveningwear borders
• Fabric width: confirm at checkout or contact our team for current bolt specifications.
• Minimum order, $20; free shipping on orders over $99

Care

Dry-cleaning is recommended for most chemical lace applications. If hand-washing, use cool water and a gentle detergent - avoid wringing or machine agitation, which can distort the open embroidered structure. Always test a small swatch before laundering a finished garment.

Specification

• Fabric Style: Knit
• Contents: 80% POLY 20% METALLIC
• Weight-Gr/Sqm: 351.8971
• Width: 50/52"
• Country of origin: KOREA

Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical lace is produced by embroidering a design in polyester or nylon thread onto a water-soluble base fabric. The base is then dissolved, leaving only the embroidered structure. The technique differs from Schiffli lace, which retains a woven ground, and from metal lace, which incorporates metallic thread into the construction.

How does chemical lace differ from guipure lace?

Guipure lace is a heavier, relief-style lace where motifs are connected by bars rather than a net ground. Chemical lace is typically finer and lighter, making it better suited for layered or draped applications.

What is the fabric width?

Width varies by colorway and production run. Contact Zelouf Fabrics directly or check the product details at checkout for the current bolt width on item 20826.

What is the minimum cut length?

Zelouf’s minimum order value is $20. Cut length minimums may apply - contact our team for specifics on item 20826.

Can I use this fabric for a ruffle or trim detail?

Yes. The lightweight, open construction of chemical lace suits ruffle applications and lace-trim finishing on necklines, sleeves, and hems. Its self-supporting structure holds its shape without additional backing in most trim applications.

Machine Wash, Cold; Gentle Detergent, No Bleach. Tumble Dry, Low Heat. Do not wring.

Our Lace fabric collection features delicate and elegant open, webbed patterns and intricate designs. It can be woven, knit, or crocheted, and may be composed of cotton, silk, or polyester. It is common for lace fabrics to be embellished with decorative sequins, beads, or other embroidery. There are multiple types of lace fabric, such as French-styled guipure lace, hand-made beaded bridal lace, lace on mesh, and form-fitting stretch lace. From floral to geometric, our lace fabric by the yard comes in various patterns and styles.