What is Shetland Lace?

Shetland Lace is an accepted term for the very fine and elaborate lace knitting produced in the Shetland Isles from the 19th century onwards. It achieved high fashion status in the middle of that century with the presentation of knitted shawls to Royalty and its showing at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition. It subsequently declined from favour with the outbreak of the First World War but it is now attracting new attention from knitters with the development of charted patterns.


Christening Robe		Unst Lace Bridal Shawl

The most famous pieces were the Ring Shawls; these were commonly six foot (180 cms) square but so finely knitted that the completed shawl could be passed through a wedding ring. Shetland Lace is still available today, usually for exclusive items like Stoles, Christening Shawls and Christening Robes, their prices ranging from £100 - £2000 each.