23+ Top Ideas to Use Lace Trim in Crafts

Lace trim is one of those craft supplies that never goes out of style. Whether you’re browsing a vintage fabric market or scrolling through your favorite online shop, you’ve probably noticed that lace trim comes in an almost endless variety — delicate cotton lace, stretchy elastic lace, bold guipure lace, soft satin-edged ribbon lace, and so much more. It’s affordable, widely available, and incredibly versatile, which is why crafters have been reaching for it for generations.

But if you’ve ever bought a gorgeous roll of lace trim and then stared at it wondering what to actually do with it, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel limited by something so delicate and decorative. The good news is that lace trim works beautifully in dozens of different craft projects, from home décor and clothing upgrades to gift wrapping and wedding crafts. Once you start seeing the possibilities, you’ll wonder how your craft stash ever survived without a healthy collection of lace trims in different widths and styles.

In this post, we’re covering more than 23 creative, inspiring ways to use lace trim in your crafts. Some of these ideas are quick weekend projects, and others are bigger undertakings that make stunning finished pieces. All of them are approachable for crafters of various skill levels, and most require only basic tools you probably already have at home.

Let’s dive in.

1. Upgrade Plain T-Shirts and Tops

One of the simplest ways to use lace trim is to add it along the neckline, hem, or cuffs of a plain t-shirt or knit top. A thin strip of ivory or white cotton lace sewn or even fabric-glued along the collar of a basic shirt instantly transforms it into something that looks thoughtful and handmade in the best possible way. You can also sew strips of lace horizontally across the front of a shirt for a boho-inspired pattern, or layer multiple rows for a more dramatic look. Stretch lace works especially well for knit fabrics because it moves with the garment.

2. Decorate Throw Pillows

A plain throw pillow can become a charming focal point with the addition of lace trim. You can sew a wide strip of lace across the front panel before assembling the pillow cover, or glue gathered lace around the outer edges like a frilly border. Layering a piece of lace over a velvet or linen pillow cover gives a beautiful contrast in textures, and it’s a wonderful way to create that cottagecore or shabby chic aesthetic that has been so popular in home décor. This is also a great way to refresh old pillow covers rather than buying new ones.

3. Wrap Gifts with Lace Ribbon

If you want to make a gift feel extra special without spending much money, tie a strip of lace trim around the package instead of — or in addition to — a traditional ribbon. Lace tied in a bow over kraft paper looks effortlessly elegant. You can also weave thin lace through a twine bundle or layer it with satin ribbon for a more luxurious effect. This works beautifully for bridal shower gifts, birthday presents, or anything you want to present in a memorable way.

4. Create a Lace-Trimmed Table Runner

A simple burlap, linen, or cotton table runner becomes a centerpiece-worthy piece when you add borders of lace trim along both edges. You can hand-stitch or machine sew the lace in place, or use iron-on fabric adhesive tape for a no-sew version. This is a popular project for rustic or vintage-themed weddings and dinner parties, and it makes a lovely handmade gift for someone who loves entertaining.

5. Make a Lace Wreath

Wreaths made from lace trim are soft, romantic, and surprisingly easy to make. You can wrap a foam or wire wreath form with strips of torn or gathered lace, layering different widths and textures for a full, dimensional look. Add a few dried flowers, pearl beads, or a satin bow to finish the piece. Lace wreaths work beautifully as wall décor in a bedroom or nursery, and they’re a popular choice for spring and wedding-season decorating.

6. Embellish a Junk Journal or Scrapbook

Lace trim is a beloved material in the junk journaling and mixed media art communities. You can adhere strips of lace to journal pages, use them as borders around photographs in a scrapbook, or layer them under other papers and embellishments for a textured, vintage effect. Staining lace with tea or coffee before adding it to a page gives it a beautifully aged appearance that works perfectly with old maps, vintage stamps, and sepia-toned photographs.

7. Trim a Lampshade

A plain lampshade — especially a drum-style or cone-shaped one — looks stunning with lace trim glued around the top and bottom edges. Use a hot glue gun for quick adhesion, and choose lace that coordinates with the color of the shade. Ivory and white lace on a cream or tan shade looks romantic and warm, while black lace on a white shade creates a bold, graphic contrast. You can also wrap the entire lampshade with horizontal bands of lace for a more maximalist look.

8. Adorn Mason Jars and Vases

Mason jars wrapped with lace trim are a staple of rustic and boho craft aesthetics, and for good reason — they’re quick to make, inexpensive, and endlessly useful. Wrap a strip of lace around the middle of a jar and secure it with twine, ribbon, or a small button. These make lovely vases, pencil holders, candle holders, or wedding favor containers. You can also glue lace around the lid rim of a mason jar for a pretty touch when using them as gift packaging for homemade jams or candles.

9. Sew Lace into Lingerie or Sleepwear

Adding lace trim to the neckline, hem, or straps of a camisole, sleep shirt, or undies is one of the most practical and pretty ways to use lingerie lace trim. Even if you’re not a confident sewer, this is a relatively forgiving project because many lingerie fabrics are cut and serged rather than sewn with complex seams. A simple strip of stretch lace sewn along a hem can take a basic cotton camisole and make it feel luxuriously crafted.

10. Decorate a Headband or Hair Clip

Lace trim is perfect for making hair accessories. Wrap lace around a plain fabric headband and secure the ends neatly, or glue layers of gathered lace onto a hair clip base to create a pretty hair accessory. You can also stitch a narrow strip of lace onto a basic elastic headband for a delicate, understated look. These make beautiful handmade gifts, especially for children, teens, and anyone who loves vintage-inspired style.

11. Line the Edges of Shelves

This is one of those old-fashioned decorating ideas that’s come back in a big way. Cutting strips of lace trim and laying them along the front edges of open shelves gives a cozy, cottage feel to a kitchen, bathroom, or display cabinet. You can pin the lace in place, use removable adhesive, or simply lay it flat for a temporary decorating option. It’s especially charming in a farmhouse or vintage-style kitchen when paired with stacked dishes, mason jars, and wooden signs.

12. Make Lace-Trimmed Cards and Stationery

Adding lace to handmade cards is an easy way to give your paper crafting a beautiful, tactile quality. Glue strips of lace along the bottom or top of a card front, or layer it behind a die-cut window for a peek-a-boo effect. You can also use lace trim on the inside of an envelope flap for a charming surprise when the recipient opens the card. Combined with watercolor painting, rubber stamping, or hand lettering, lace trim makes handmade cards feel truly special.

13. Embellish a Tote Bag

Plain canvas tote bags are perfect for customization, and lace trim adds a distinctive touch that sets your bag apart. Sew or iron on strips of lace along the top edge, along the front pocket, or in horizontal stripes across the body of the bag. You can combine lace with fabric paint, iron-on patches, or embroidery for a fully customized bag that looks curated and unique. This is also a great beginner sewing project because the canvas is sturdy and forgiving.

14. Create Lace Bunting or Party Garland

Cut triangles of fabric and sew or glue lace trim along the edges, then string them on twine for a beautiful lace bunting. Alternatively, cut pieces of lace trim into pennant shapes and string them directly. Lace bunting has a soft, romantic look that works especially well for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties with a vintage theme, or as permanent room décor in a bedroom. You can mix in fabric flags, paper pennants, or dried flowers to create a more layered garland.

15. Add Lace to a Wedding Veil or Hair Piece

For DIY brides or anyone crafting for a wedding, lace trim is an essential material. You can add a lace border to a simple tulle veil for an elegant, custom look. Trim wide-brimmed bridal hats with gathered lace, or use delicate lace trim to finish off a floral hair comb. These handmade wedding accessories carry a sentimental quality that you simply can’t find in mass-produced alternatives, and they can be made to perfectly match the fabrics and embellishments used elsewhere in the bridal look.

16. Frame Photos with Lace

Take a plain wooden or cardboard photo frame and use a hot glue gun to apply lace trim along the edges and corners. You can build up layers for a dimensional effect, or keep it simple with one neat strip around each side. White or ivory lace on a distressed white frame looks particularly beautiful as a gallery wall piece or bedside decoration. You can also use lace trim to cover the entire surface of a frame for a fully textured, romantic finished piece.

17. Decorate Candles

Wrapping the outside of a pillar candle with lace trim creates a gorgeous decorative piece that looks professional and intentional. Use a low-temperature hot glue gun or craft adhesive to secure the lace without melting the candle. Keep in mind that you should always supervise burning candles and never leave lace-trimmed candles unattended while lit — for this reason, many crafters use these as purely decorative, unlit pieces, or use battery-operated LED pillar candles inside lace-wrapped glass holders instead.

18. Refashion a Denim Jacket or Shorts

Lace trim and denim is a match made in boho heaven. Sew lace trim along the pockets, collar, or hem of a denim jacket for an eye-catching detail that elevates a wardrobe staple. You can also insert lace panels into the sides of cutoff shorts or add a lace border along the hemline. Black lace on dark denim has an edgy, gothic quality, while cream lace on pale denim creates a more romantic, festival-ready look. This kind of denim refashion also gives new life to older pieces that might otherwise go unworn.

19. Make Sachets and Lavender Bags

Lace-trimmed sachets are one of the prettiest small craft projects you can make, and they’re also genuinely useful. Sew or glue a small fabric pouch, fill it with dried lavender, rice, or pot pourri, and finish the opening with a strip of gathered lace tied with a ribbon. These make thoughtful gifts, perfect for tucking into drawers and linen closets. You can make them in batches quickly and customize them in different fabrics and lace styles for different recipients.

20. Embellish Shoes and Boots

Craft-grade fabric glue makes it easy to add lace trim to shoes without any sewing. Apply lace along the toe box, around the ankle of a boot, or along the heel edge of a flat shoe for a distinctive detail. Ballet flats and simple canvas sneakers work especially well for this project. You can also create lace shoe clips by attaching gathered or flat lace to a clip backing — these are removable and can be swapped between shoes.

21. Decorate Plant Pots

Terracotta or ceramic plant pots wrapped with lace trim have a beautiful, boho-cottage aesthetic. Use craft glue to adhere the lace to the outside of the pot, either as a single band around the middle or covering the entire surface. Sealing the lace with a coat of decoupage medium helps protect it and keeps it attached longer. These make lovely gifts for plant lovers and are a great way to display houseplants in a living room or on a windowsill.

22. Trim Curtains and Window Panels

Adding lace trim to the hem or leading edges of curtain panels creates a custom, finished look without requiring advanced sewing skills. You can hand stitch or use iron-on adhesive to apply wide lace trim along the bottom hem of existing curtains, or sew a double border along the inner edge of each panel. This technique is especially popular for bedroom curtains where the goal is a soft, romantic, or vintage-inspired atmosphere.

23. Create a Lace Bookmarks

This is a quick, satisfying project that uses tiny amounts of lace trim. Cut a strip of sturdy cardstock into a bookmark shape, then glue a strip of lace along the bottom edge, perhaps with a small tassel or charm attached. You can also sew a fabric bookmark from two pieces of ribbon or fabric, adding lace between the layers so it peeks out from the edges. Lace bookmarks make charming handmade gifts for readers and are especially popular at craft fairs and markets.

24. Design a Lace-Trimmed Apron

Whether you’re making an apron from scratch or adding embellishments to a purchased one, lace trim brings a beautiful domestic charm to this practical kitchen garment. Add gathered lace along the hem of the apron skirt and along the pocket edges. A double ruffle of lace along the bottom creates a particularly lovely effect that feels both vintage and functional. Linen aprons with ivory lace trim are popular in farmhouse and cottage kitchens and make thoughtful handmade gifts.

25. Decorate Baby Items and Nursery Accessories

Lace trim is a beautiful addition to baby and nursery crafts. Add delicate lace to the hem of a onesie, the edge of a muslin swaddle, or the border of a crib blanket. Nursery décor items like fabric baskets, mirror frames, and wooden letter signs all take on a soft, sweet quality with the addition of lace. Always choose soft, natural-fiber lace for items that will be in close contact with a baby’s skin, and make sure all embellishments are securely attached.

26. Craft a Lace Dream Catcher

Dream catchers made with lace trim instead of — or in combination with — traditional cord and webbing have a uniquely feminine and romantic quality. Use lace ribbon or wide lace trim to create the web inside the hoop, weaving it through in an irregular, layered pattern. Hang strips of lace, feathers, beads, and ribbon from the bottom of the hoop. The result is a wall decoration with beautiful texture and movement that looks stunning in a bedroom or nursery.

Tips for Working with Lace Trim

Before you dive into your next project, a few practical tips will help you get the best results. When sewing lace onto fabric, use a fine needle and a shorter stitch length to avoid tearing the delicate fibers. A zigzag stitch along the edges of cotton lace helps prevent fraying. If your lace is synthetic and heat-resistant, a gentle press with a warm iron under a pressing cloth will keep it smooth and wrinkle-free.

For no-sew projects, both hot glue and fabric glue work well with most lace trims, but test a small section first to make sure the adhesive doesn’t bleed through or cause discoloration. When staining lace for a vintage look, brew strong black tea or coffee, submerge the lace for 10 to 30 minutes depending on your desired color depth, then lay it flat to dry. The result is a warm, antique tone that blends beautifully with kraft paper, natural linen, and aged wood.

Storing your lace trim flat or loosely rolled around a cardboard tube prevents creasing and keeps it tangle-free, which matters more than you’d think when you’re trying to work with very narrow or very long pieces.

Final Thoughts

Lace trim has an incredible ability to make things feel more intentional, more crafted, and more beautiful. Whether you’re adding a delicate edge to a handmade card, transforming a plain t-shirt into a boho statement piece, or creating romantic home décor with gathered lace and vintage fabrics, the