What is Schiffi??

Schiffi is a machine made type of lace which first began in Switzerland in 1863 with the introduction of the Schiffi lace machine by Isaak Grobli. This machine was capable of embroidering a piece of fabric 10 feet wide and many yards long. Basically it was not dis-similar in how it worked to a sewing machine with a needle thread and a bobbin thread but the fabric was held vertically. An operator would sit beside the vast machine and move a lever to create the patterns required. Eventually this method was replaced by a punched paper system which could reproduce a pattern in the same manner as used for jacquard looms.

Fabric (often cotton or linen) is mounted onto the Schiffi machine which then meticulously creates the embroidered design. When completed the design may be washed, dyed or cut to enhance its appearance.

As time moved on the designs for the lace became digitized with a computer taking over the movement of the needles. Fabrics were selected for their softness and suitability for this method of design and different threads were used for the embroidery.

The advantages of Schiffi include the intricate design possibilities, the versatility of fabric created with Schiffi - it can be used for so many purposes from haute couture to home textiles - and the time it takes to create the design compared to hand embroidery whilst maintaining high quality craftmanship.

Schiffi can be used to create floral patterns, geometric patterns or lace like patterns as seen on the two examples of Schiffi work available to order from Victoria Goss - the Dee cotton nightdress and the Deva cotton dressing gown.