Net and lace fabrics: sleeves, dupattas and how to line them

Where net and lace work best

Net and lace are at their best where transparency is part of the design.

• Sleeves: net or lace sleeves on a lined kameez add lightness. Tell us if you want them left sheer or lined in a skin-tone fabric.
• Dupattas: net dupattas are light and carry embroidery well, but can snag on jewellery. Our dupatta sizes and styles guide covers shapes.
• Overlays: a net layer over a coloured kameez softens the colour underneath.
• Yokes and panels: a lace yoke or panel on a plain kurta is an easy everyday way to wear lace.
• Hems and borders: scalloped lace edges can be used as a finished hem, with no turned edge needed.

Lining net and lace

A net or lace body almost always needs a lining or a separate inner, and because you can see through the top layer, the lining is part of the look. A lining in the same colour gives a solid, rich effect. A skin-tone lining makes net look barely there. A contrast lining turns the lace pattern into a feature, which can lift a simple design.

Choose a smooth lining so the net does not catch or cling, and think about comfort: stiff net rubs, so a soft lining or a facing at the neckline, armholes and cuffs helps. Our lining guide covers lining fabrics in more detail, and our organza guide looks at the crisper sheer fabric often used alongside net.

Stitching and care notes

• Seams: net seams are visible, so they are kept narrow, bound or hidden where possible. Lace can sometimes be joined by overlapping motifs so the seam almost disappears.
• Placement: lace motifs and scalloped edges are positioned before cutting, so photos of each full piece help.
• Heat: synthetic net can melt or go shiny under a hot iron. Use a low setting with a pressing cloth, or steam, and test on a hidden area first.
• Washing: hand wash plain net and lace gently in cool water, and dry clean embroidered pieces. Always follow the care label.
• Shrinkage: cotton lace can shrink at a different rate from the fabric it is sewn to, so consider pre-washing it before it is stitched; our pre-washing guide explains how.
• Snags: keep net away from hook-and-loop fastenings, bag clasps and rings; a pulled thread in net is hard to hide.

Ordering

On the stitching quote form, tell us which pieces are net or lace, send photos of each full length in daylight and describe the lining effect you want. If the suit came with an inner fabric, mention it and include it in your photos. For lace edges on a dupatta, see our dupatta finishing ideas. The unstitched suit stitching page explains the rest, and your written quote confirms the details.