Vologda lace is a unique type of decoration in the Russian folk art that impresses with the richness and variety of its lines, ornaments, and patterns. In this article, we’re going to tell you about the special features of Vologda lace, as well as about its origins.

Origins

According to historical sources, the creation of Vologda lace as a home handicraft can be dated back to the 17th century. That time, craftsmen in Vologda had just started to learn lace making, and over time, this technique evolved in the European countries too. It also influenced the development of Russian lace craft as a trade.

In the 1820s, many landlords ‘ estates near Vologda began to create centers of lace weaving, where serf girls were weaving lace trims to the dresses of ladies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Lace decoration of clothes was in fashion in many European countries.

Lace weaving was getting increasingly popular. If by the end of the 19th century four thousand women were involved in lace-making, by the beginning of the 20th century their number increased to almost forty thousand people. Also, a vocational school which taught lace-weaving was opened, and the lace union with its own art laboratory was founded in Vologda.

At first, the makers were weaving lace that was used for decorating clothes, and then the workshops began to produce a large number of products apiece, such as napkins, gloves, tablecloths, scarves, curtains, and covers of lace.

Patterns of Vologda lace

Lace-makers often used motifs from nature, or various floral designs.  They were inspired by nature, therefore they tried to reflect it in their works.  Over time, other ornaments were added, geometric shapes, triangles, squares appeared. A characteristic feature of Vologda lace is a wide border that forms a pattern, and a thin, mesh background.

There are also such patterns as:

• Farforiki
• Spider
• Kosoryadka
• Mill
• Path
• Turtle
• Fish
• Bur

Vologda lace today

In recent decades, many people are getting increasingly interested in the lace craft. In Vologda, there is a museum where you can enjoy the unique lace items. There is a large number of workshops both live and on the Internet for those who would like to try lace-making. Vologda lace making is a meticulous job. However, there are many types of weaving, and you can try any of them.

Vologda craft got a broad fame in Russia and abroad. Vologda lace can be called unique; they attract lots of tourists to Vologda, and the works of Vologda lace designers and makers have won prizes at many European exhibitions.