Replies

1. 
   Lucky_Hart | Jan 19, 1999 06:53am | #1

   *
   You CAN do it!

   Cut a piece of bridal illusion or fine tulle in a COLOR TO MATCH YOUR TABLE OR LACE LINER (this color advice will make the mend disappear) about 10" wide and 10" longer that the tear (I'm assuming the tear is straight - if not just make sure the illusion extends about 5" on either side of the tear). Place lace on large flat surface (like the table where the cloth is used), center the illusion under the tear and baste in place.

   Using good quality hand sewing thread, poly or cotton, (Gutterman, Metrocene, Dual Duty are fine) in appropriate color to match the lace, stitch the tear to the illusion at both edges of the tear. Stitch again about 1/2" from first rows and again another 1/2" away, each row of stitches hidden in the lace pattern. Stitches don't have to be fine or close, just enough to hold down tear edges and probably over only one thread or connector of the lace design. Stitches should be pretty relaxed so as not to make the repair stiff. Most important to make the stitches disappear is color selection of the thread. Even if the lace is white I wouldn't use "white" thread but rather the next shade which is usually a "warm" white. Check color by pulling length of thread from spool and laying on the lace but cover the spool. Stand back and squint. If the thread disappears, you picked the right one. (When you see the thread compacted on the spool the color looks different and you what your mind selects, not what your eye says is right.) After stitching is completed, remove basting and trim away excess illusion (about 1/2" from last stitch row).

   Good luck.

1. 
   Carolyn | Jan 31, 1999 10:11am | #2

   *Small tears or holes in polyester lace such as that used in bridal wear or evening wear can be repaired with fray-check. By working with the lace flat on foil covered cardboard or something else you can stick pins into, reposition rip so that edges meet and carefully apply fray-check to glue edges back together. This works very well on bridal veils, but be sure to allow to dry completely before removing pins. Sometimes more than one application is needed to fully mend the rip.

2. 
   [email protected] | Mar 01, 2016 09:38am | #3

   repair of lace tablecloth

   I am in the process of repairing mine by quilting it to an old (soft) sheet with a small beige pattern in it -  ( I could have used a new low thread count sheet.)   

   I positioned the lace tablecloth over the sheet on the floor, leaving about 1 1/2 inch at the "top" and 3 inches on side edges.  I did  not remove excess sheet length  as the  lace spreads out  as I work.  I sewed the top edge to the sheet for control, pinned the sheet in the frame  and rolled the sheet onto the quilting poles - leaving the  the tablecloth loosely draped over the "end" pole.   I am trying to secure the side edges as I work to an equal distance from the side sheet edges.  Then fill in the stitches in the center pattern areas.

   After quilting the two together I will turn the sheert edges under  the table cloth (to the sheet side)  and hem with the sheet and lace edges matching as much as possible.  Not done yet but so far so good.

   I am thinking it will provide body, protection, and make the pattern more evident and also add a layer of protection  for my antique table.

   Hilda in West Virginia