Carrickmacross appliqué

Carrickmacross appliqué is a type of Irish lace that originated in Carrickmacross around 1820 and was produced until the early 20th century. It was also known as cambric appliqué or Limerick cut cambric.1

The technique involves drawing a design on a firm fabric, covering it with machine net and muslin, and then whipping a cord to the pattern's outline. The muslin between motifs is cut away, leaving the net background. A rarer guipure form omits the net, using buttonholed bars to connect design elements. Designs often feature simple flowers with exposed net centers decorated with stitches. Carrickmacross lace is described as a guipure or appliqué lace of Irish origin, typically featuring floral or foliage designs.12