Teneriffe lace is a needle lace originating from the Canary Islands, specifically Lanzarote and Tenerife (the largest island of the Canary Islands). Its name reflects the fact that this lace was exported from those islands. Though in the Canary Islands it is known as “roseta canaria,” The technique involves creating delicate openwork motifs on a loom/foundation of some sort.
How It’s Created:
- Framework: Teneriffe lace requires a frame/form/loom in addition to thread and needle. Radial “warp” threads are laid down in a regular pattern.
- Stitching–Weaving and Knotting: A single “weft” thread is woven and knotted through the radiating warp threads using a needle.
- Patterns: Contrast between solid and open areas, changes in open area shapes, and interlocking free-spanning threads create intricate patterns.
- Joining Motifs: Individually stitched motifs are joined together to form the final piece.
History:
- Teneriffe lace evolved from earlier cutwork styles that produced medallions and rounded motifs by cutting and stitching threads in existing fabric pieces.
- Originally called “Sol Lace” due to its sun-like structure, Teneriffe lace gradually eliminated the fabric skeleton and used a framework of threads supported by pins.
- Due to the Canary Islands association with Spain & due to it’s position in the Atlantic Ocean, seafarers spread Teneriffe Lace to Latin America in the New World.
Where It Is Still Done:
- Teneriffe lace was popular in the Canary Islands for over 150 years.
- It is still practiced in Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Saba Island, as well as Croatia.
- In Paraguay it reached a new level of complexity and is known as Nanduti.
- Canary Islanders brought it to the USA in Texas and New Orleans.
Other Names for Teneriffe Lace include: Sun/Sol Lace, Lace Medallions, Brazilian Lace, Lace Wheels, Polka Spider Lace; Nanduti.