The textile trade proved to be very profitable and by the 13th-century, Bruges became the epicenter of Europe’s textile trade. The large quantities of various fabrics meant that Bruges developed a rich fashion industry, which paved the way for the development of its unique lace industry.
Bruges Lace
The great fondness of the Flemish residents of Bruges for impressive, quality clothing, led to the development of over 1,500 kinds of lace, woven from silver, gold and silk. Some claim that the Flanders’ unique weaving method, using small looms, was not developed in the region, and in fact originated in ancient Rome. Since those times, Belgium’s provinces developed many techniques for weaving lace, earning Belgium the nickname “The Home of Lace”.
These days, there are two main lace weaving techniques that are practiced in Belgium – the Bobbin Method, also known as the “Brussels Method” (since it is mainly sold in Brussels), and the Bruges Method that uses a loom. The people of Bruges are experts in producing lace so delicate that it is not meant for mass production due to the long and arduous process of weaving it.
Traditional Lace Weaving
All throughout Bruges you can find little shops selling intricate lace items. The shops are usually run by 50-90 year old women, who continue to weave lace by the traditional bobbin method. These artisans preserve the centuries-old tradition and produce quality lace item of various fabrics, colors and patterns. Belgium’s entire lace weaving industry is comprised of about 1,000 weavers that produce everything manually, without any motorized machines or other technological aids. The country doesn’t even have a single lace factory because it honors the ancient tradition of weaving and wishes to keep it alive.
How is Lace Woven?
Quite often, the basis for lace weaving is a piece of paper with a printed version of the pattern the weaver wishes to create. In this weaving method, the weaver uses 22 needles (called “Bobbins”), two of which are called “Conductors”. The more complicated the pattern, the more bobbins will be needed. Some pieces are so intricate that they require the use of over 200 bobbins.
We Invite You to the Tiniest Art Exhibition You’ve Seen!
We're used to seeing statues in museums and squares - but have you ever seen art the size of the space between your fingers?
Watch a Talented Young Dancer Turn the World Upside Down!
Veronika Khistova is only 14 in this video, but she makes everyone laugh with her upside-down dancer routine!
How Belgium Functioned For Two Years Without a Government
Forming a government in Belgium is so difficult, the country has been operating without one for nearly 2 years! But how is that possible?
The Real Reason Why the Mona Lisa is SO Famous
Why is the Mona Lisa the most famous painting in the world? What makes it special? Watch to find out the true story behind Da Vinci's masterpiece
Listen to a Magical Rendition of "Bésame Mucho" by Il Divo
Prepare to be entranced by Il Divo's rendition of one of the most enchanting love songs ever written - Bésame Mucho.
These 3 Girls Made the Judges Stand Up in Praise!
The performance of these young ladies dancing the Pinga dance is so impressive!
The Most Gorgeous Train Rides in the USA...
Loosen your grip on the steering wheel, these rail-road trips will give you the opportunity to take in sights that the interstate doesn't deliver.
6 Minutes of Magic in the City of Budapest
We invite you on a breathtaking 6-minute journey through Budapest in incredible 8K quality!
A City of Ice: Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival on Camera
15 photos of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival in 2020
10 Famous, Gorgeous Streets We Should All Stroll Down
If you are also attracted to the 10 streets in front of you, maybe one day you will find yourself there
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
Take a Walk Among 11 of London's Greatest Sights
Join us on this virtual journey, accompanied by informative explanations, and get a taste of the wonders that London has to offer.
WATCH: Visit the Stunning Old Chinese Town of Lijiang
The beautiful Old Town of Lijiang in China's Yunnan province is a truly spectacular place that allows you to step into the past. View it in full high definition
8 Island Cities that Are Wonderful Places to Visit
These densely-populated islands are intriguing, and each boasts a unique history.
This is How to Best Pack a Suitcase When Going Abroad
Getting ready for a trip can be a real pain, especially when it comes to packing and taking care of your clothes. Thankfully, this video is here to help!
15 Underrated National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Yellowstone and Yosemite are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these underrated national parks now.
Visit the Most Beautiful Monasteries in the World!
These monasteries are beautiful in both the spiritual and the architectural sense.
Traveling to Two Gorgeous Dutch Cities...
Haarlem and Delft in the Netherlands are places where history and beauty come together...
Would You Dare Enter These Haunted Castles?
These castles and mansions will give you the creeps!
Colorful Travel Photos from Around the World - 13 Pics
Can travel photos be any more colorful?
Catch the Fall At These Gorgeous Locations...
Fall is coming soon, and with it these beautiful places awake to a colorful and beautiful existence. Here are a few of the most beautiful locations to enjoy the beauty of the fall at.
Stave Churches Are Among Norway's Most Precious Treasures
Throughout the middle ages, dozens of wooden churches were erected. Today many of them can still be found standing proud in beautiful Norwegian villages.
8 Secret Rooms in the World’s Most Famous Landmarks
The world's famous landmarks hold some secrets, right there under the noses of the many visitors. Learn about 8 hidden rooms tucked in the most visited places.
14 Incredible Experiences in the City of Rio de Janeiro
If you're still on the fence about visiting Rio de Janeiro, here are 14 must-see sites and attractions that will surely convince you.
The Netherlands Is a Country of the Future For 7 Reasons
The Netherlands is a country that others should emulate for a whole variety of reasons, not least these 7 we're about to show you in this article.
7 Amazing Wonders of the World Nobody Told You About
It's not all about the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Giza, here are 7 amazing, ancient buildings that most of us have no idea about.
12 Stunning Spots That’ll Change the Way You See Poland
12 beautiful and eye popping places in Poland that anyone and everyone should visit, from picturesque little towns with huge and ancient castles to sky-breaking mountains with snowy peaks - there is so much beauty to enjoy.
10 Beautiful Castles Literally Built For Romance!
Castles seem to be a supreme statement of true love, built with great hardship and expense, to serve as a romantic home taken out of a fairy tale, and to live in it happily ever after...
Up Above the World So High - 17 Aerial Photographs
Enjoy this collection of breathtaking aerial photographs taken by British pilot Lee Mumford.
Vintage Photos Show What Life in Holland Was Like in 1890
These postcards of Holland in the late 1890s shed some light into what life was like back then.
Underwhelming Tourist Attractions
A selection of 12 such disappointing sights you may want to avoid on your travels.
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.
Visit Prague, One of the Most Stunning Capitals in Europe
Why not take a stroll through this incredible, historical old town? You won't regret this!
Visit 9 of the Most Unusual Towns in the World
A village of Dwarves? A city covered in trash? a whole town underground? These strange places will amaze you!
The Most Dazzling Ancient Castles and Fortresses on Earth
Featured in this sizeable collection of articles are the most noteworthy castles, palace and fortresses in Europe and beyond
Take a Scenic Ride Through Europe’s Highest Alpine Railway
Embark on a journey all the way to Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps, 3.454 meters (8.051 ft) above sea level, on a train!
11 Unique Museums to Visit in the City of Prague
we've compiled a list of the top 11 must-visit museums in Prague!
Wedding Outfits Around the World Are Anything But Boring
Here is a list of 15 of the most grandiose and exotic traditional wedding outfits you will ever see
10 Fascinating Places to Visit in Jordan
Jordan is a beautiful and exotic country. As you can imagine, it's home to many places that are worth visiting, such as the capital, Amman. Here are the top 10.
13 Unmissable Sights in the Exotic City of Baku
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Baku, we have compiled a short guide of 13 must-see attractions.
13 Gorgeous Sights in the Veneto Region, Italy
To help you plan your Italian vacation, we have compiled a list of 13 must-see places in Veneto.
The Uncompromising Beauty of the Southern Pole...
In this video you can see the storm of color that is the Aurora Australis, streaking across the skies of the most southern point on our globe.
8 Glorious Places on Earth That Are Largely Untouched
Here is a look at some of the most amazing untouched destinations on Earth that are inhabited by very few people.
Big Wheeled Beauties to Make You Want to Live on the Road
These 10 Recreational Vehicles come packed with all the space, comfort and durability needed for the ultimate road trip
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful Isles in the World
This video will take you all around Koh Samui with the help of a drone.
The Architectural Wonders of Europe Never Looked Better...
Watch as some of the most stunning structures of Europe come alive in beautiful detail.
Weird Architecture: 12 Really Unusual Buildings
From a building that sings in the rain to one that looks like a pair of dancers, these weird and wonderful structures are sure to blow your mind.