Croatian Pag needlepoint lace. It is produced in Pag, the main town of the Island of Pag. The needlepoint lace of Pag was originally applied on traditional folk costumes – at the front of the female chemise and on the rim of the headgear. The production technique is characterized by the initial particular and strict geometrical patterns. The application of the Pag lace changed over time. It started as trimming on traditional female linen clothing and became later an element of interior decoration of bourgeois houses.
The production of the Pag needlepoint lace requires a small, tightly stuffed semicircular pillow, a needle, and white thread, as well as steady and immaculately clean hands. The pattern, on which small holes trace the contours of the foundation, is fastened to the pillow.
Patterns always follow straight geometric forms. Small hollow or full circles, larger circles, triangles, leaves, rhombus, rosettes, zigzag lines, edged by obligatory small circles, etc.
One of Croatian traditional crafts is lacemaking, particularly aloe lace. It is woven from the middle part of aloe leaves. These pieces are very thin and delicate. The pattern is created with a special netting needle.
Charming handkerchief from the 19th century. It’s so delicate and sheer, made of lace. And the handkerchief is adorned with embroidered initials BA. One of the most beautiful handkerchiefs I’ve ever seen!
