Historical Trends in the Lace Manufacturing Industry - Part 2 (1960-2025)

Mar 28, 2026
By Alyson Fleming
Google Research

1960

In 1960, the American lace industry was in a transitional phase, moving from traditional Leavers lace production towards manmade fiber knitting, with several key companies leading the market.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1960s)

Quaker Lace Company (Philadelphia, PA): A dominant producer, particularly in lace curtains and tablecloths. During the 1960s, they continued operations, expanding to locations in Lionville, Chester County, Pennsylvania and Winthrop, Main, before declining in the 1980s.

Fab Industries, Inc. / FabLace, Inc. (Amsterdam, NY): Founded in 1955, the company quickly grew as a knitter of manmade fiber yarns using Raschel knitting machines. They were a significant, rising, and vertically integrated producer by the late 1960s.

Raval Lace Company (Lincolnton, NC): Operating out of North Carolina, this company was reorganized in the 1960s as part of the expansion of the Fab industries organization, contributing to large-scale lace manufacturing.

Leavers Lace Manufacturers: While many specific, smaller firms operated, the industry was defined by those operating English-made Leavers Looms, which were no longer being manufactured after the early 1960s. These machines were crucial for producing high-quality, intricate lace.

Mohican Corporation (NC): A notable textile company involved in lace production, which was taken over by Fab industries in 1966.

Industry Context (circa 1960)

During this era, companies like Fab industries shifted towards modern production methods, such as Raschel and tricot knitting, to meet the demand for manmade fibers, while traditional Leavers manufacturers struggled with the high maintenance of older, imported machines.

1965

In 1965, the American lace industry was in a transitional phase, with several key manufacturers still operating large-scale production facilities using Leavers lace machines and Schiffli embroidery machines.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1965)

Scranton Lace Company: One of the most prominent manufacturers of lace curtains and tablecloths.

Native Laces and Textiles (Division of Indian Head): A significant producer of textiles, Native was known for its lace and tricot operations. In 1965, Indian Head expanded its lace/fabric operations, notably purchasing Fenimore Fabrics.

Patchogue Manufacturing Company: A major producer of lace products, including nettings and curtains, particularly known for its operations in Patchogue, New York.

Fab Industries/Native Lace: While fab industries grew significantly later, its subsidiaries and divisions, such as Raval Lace and other lace-focused entities, were active in the era.

Schiffli Embroidery Manufacturers: While technically embroidery, the North Hudson area (NJ) was filled with hundreds of small to large-scale companies operating thousands of Schiffli machines for lace-like products.

Industry Context (circa 1965)

The mid-1960s marked the end of new English-made Leavers lace machines being imported, forcing US manufacturers to heavily maintain existing machinery, with some factories later consolidating or closing.

1970

Based on industry records and historical textile data from around 1970, Native Laces and Textile Company (often known simply as Native Laces) was one of the largest and most prominent lace manufacturers in the United States.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1970)

Native Laces & Textile Company (Indian head Mills): By 1970, this company was a major player in American lace, operating significant machinery. Following its sale to Indian Head mills in 1962, Native continued as a top manufacturer with key operations including the Raschel Lace Mill and Dyehouse Finishing Mill in Glen Falls, N.Y. and Natona Mills in Dallas, Pa.

Rimco: A major manufacturer of Levers lace (a high-quality machine lace) based in Murphy, North Carolina, which was part of the Native Laces group.

Liberty Fabric Inc.: Known in the 1970s for producing high-end lace trims for bridal and fashion industries.

Plains Textile Corporation: A manufacturer known for creating “Scanlace” and other lace trims in the USA during the 1970s.

Brookside Mfg. Corp.: Active in the 1970s in producing lace with cotton and nylon nets.

Industry Context (circa 1970)

Technological shift: The industry was heavily focused on machine-made lace, particularly Raschel lace (knit lace) and Levers lace (intricate net lace).

Shift Production: While large mills were still operating, the industry was starting to face pressure from cheaper foreign imports, a trend that accelerated throughout the decade.

1975

Based on the context of the American textile industry in the mid-1970s,
there were some lace manufacturers facing decline due to imports and shifting fashion trends, but the list of leaders is listed below.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1975)

Native Textiles (Native Laces and Textiles): A major American manufacturer based in Glens Falls, New York, which continued operating through the early 1970s, later being acquired and incorporated into Carisbrook Industries, Inc. in 1975.

Scranton Lace Company: Historically one of the world’s largest lace manufacturers, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While the company faced challenges in the post-war era, it remained a prominent name associated with American lace production during this period.

Indian Head, Inc.: Before selling its textile group (which included Native Textiles) to international investors, Indian Head was a major conglomerate holding significant lace manufacturing capacity in the early 1970s.

Carisbrook Industries, Inc.: Formed in 1975 by Hanson PLC (an English company) to take over the textile operations formerly owned by Indian Head/Thyssen-Bornemisza, including Native Textiles.

Industry Context (circa 1975)

The US lace industry in 1975 was undergoing consolidation, as manufacturers faced stiff competition from overseas, leading to the decline or closure of several older, traditional Leavers lace factories.

1980

In 1980, the American lace industry was heavily centered in the Northeast, particularly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, though many firms were facing increasing competition from imports and declining demand for fine, traditional lace.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1980)

Scranton Lace Company (Scranton, PA): known as one of the largest producers of Notingham lace, curtains, and tablecloths in the U.S. during the 20th century,holding a major position in the market until the 1980s and beyond.

Quaker Lace Company (Philadelphia, PA): A significant manufacturer of lace tablecloths and draperies, widely active through the 1970s and early 1980s, often using Dacron polyester blends for their products.

Fab industries, Inc. (Lincolnton NC/New York): A prominent vertical producer of raschel and tricot knitted lace, which was highly active in the early 1980s, reporting high sales figures as of 1984.

Thomas Wilson & Co., Inc. (Port Jefferson, NY): A long-established lace manmufacturer whose recores indicate active operations through the 1980s.

American Fabrics Company: Recognized as a notable producer of lace products during that era.

Schiffli Embroidery Industry (Norther New Jersey): While consisting of many smaller firms, this region was the center of American lace and embroidery, producing a massive portion of the nation’s lace through the 1980s.

Industry Context (circa 1980)

The industry during this time was transitioning toward synthetic fibers like polyester and acetate, with many firms beginning to struggle with market shifts by the early 1980s.

1985

Based on records from the mid-1980s, the top lace manufacturers in America were concentrated in the Northeast (particularly Rhode Island, New York, and Pennsylvania) and North Carolina. Many of these companies were facing stiff foreign competition during this period, with several closing shortly after 1985.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1985)

Fab Industries Inc.: A major publicly traded vertical producer of lace and raschel knitting, with operations in North Carolina and New York, boasting strong sales in 1984-1985.

American Fabrics Company (Bridgeport, CT): known as one of Connecticut’s leading lace manufacturers, specializing in lace for apparel and wholesale, which continued operations into the late 1980s.

Thomas Wilson Lace Company (Port Jefferson, NY): A long-standing, major manufacturer that was still active until its closure in 1986.

Rhode Island Lace Works (West Barrington, RI): A major manufacturer of Leavers lace that operated dozens of traditional machines before its closure around 1990.

Scranton Lace Company (Scranton, PA): Historically the largest producer of Nottingham lace, which was still in operation in the mid-1980’s (though it faced decline).

Washington Lace Company (West Warwick, RI): A key union shop in the Pawtuxet River valley until its dissolution around the early 1980s, leaving only a few major producers in the area by 1985.

Hofmann Laces Ltd. (Cobleskill, NY): Produced rigid and stretch jacquard laces in the 1980s.

Steiner Laces Inc. (NJ/NY): Specialized in re-embroidered and stretch laces.

Industry Context (circa 1985)

The industry was experiencing a shift from traditional “Leavers” lace (a high-quality, complex method) towards “Raschel” knitting (a faster, machine-knitted method). Many manufacturers like the American Fabrics Company were moving to lower-cost labor areas (such as Mississippi) and grappling with increased competition.

1990

In 1990, the American lace manufacturing industry was in a period of consolidation, with several major firms dominating the market while others began closing or downsizing due to foreign competition and technological shifts.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1990)

Liberty Fabrics (formerly Liberty Lace): A major division of Courtaulds Textiles PLC, often cited as a leading supplier.

Desseilles America: Another key division of Courtaulds Textiles PLC, specializing in high-quality lace.

Galler Laces: A prominent lace supplier and producer at that time.

American Fabrics Company: Based in Bridgeport, CT, they were a major manufacturer for 90 years, though they were transitioning toward new technology and moving production to Mississippi and Louisiana around 1990.

Native Textiles: A significant producer that continued operations through the 1990s (later sold in 1998).

Scranton Lace Company: While in its later years, it remained a significant, albeit dwindling, force in the industry, specializing in Nottingham lace curtains.

Hofmann Laces Ltd.: A manufacturer of rigid and stretch jacquard and textronic laces.

Steiner Laces Inc.: A producer of re-embroidered and allover stretch laces.

Industry Context (circa 1990)

By June 1990, the industry saw the liquidation of some older “Leavers” lace-making machines, marking a shift toward more modern, efficient production methods. Many of these companies supplied the intimate apparel and fashion industries.

1995

Based on data from 1995, the top lace manufacturers in America were largely consolidated under major textile firms, with Liberty Fabrics (a division of Courtauld Textiles PLC) ranking as a leading supplier.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 1995)

Liberty Fabrics (Courtaulds Textile): Identified as a top supplier in 1995, operating in New York.

Desseilles America (Courtaulds Textiles): A major division of Courtaulds focused on Hig-quality lace production.

Galler Lace (Courtaulds Textiles): Another key division under the Courtaulds umbrella, specializing in lace, with a, New York-based office.

American Fabrics Company: Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this was one of the oldest and most prominent U.S. lace manufacturers, using both Leavers machinery and newer technologies to produce lace for apparel and industrial use.

Rhode Island Lace Works: Historically significant producer, although they were in the process of closing in the early 1990s.

Scranton Lace Company: A long-standing manufacturer known for lace curtains and fabrics, which was active through much of the 20th century.

Industry Context (circa 1995)

By 1995, the American lace industry was heavily reliant on Raschel warp knitting machines for production, which had largely replaced traditional Leavers machines. The industry faced significant competition from imports and declining domestic production during this period, resulting in a shift toward specialized or synthetic lace production.

2000

In 2000, the American lace manufacturing industry was in a period of consolidation and decline, facing intense competition from international, particularly Asian, producers.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2000)

Scranton Lace Company (Scranton, PA): Although it closed in 2002, this company was still producing into the year 2000. It was historically the largest producer of Nottingham lace in the U.S.

Liberty Fabrics (divisions of Courtaulds Textiles): A major supplier in the late 1990s, operating divisions like Liberty Lace, Desseilles America, and Galler Laces.

Carolace Industries / Clover Trimmings / Huber Lace and Embroidery: Based in the NYC area, these companies merged in 1998 to become one of the largest lace manufacturers in the U.S. at that time, with significant operations heading into 2000.

American Fabrics: A Bridgeport, Connecticut-based firm that was a successful producer of embroidered lace (often referred to as Schiffli lace).

Leavers Lace Corporation: Known for maintaining traditional, century-old Leavers lace looms.

Industry Context (circa 2000)

By the early 2000, many of these traditional large-scale factories, such as Scranton Lace, began to close.

2005

In 2005, the American lace manufacturing industry was in a period of consolidation following the closure of major long-term players like the Scranton Lace Company in 2002. However, several key companies and divisions maintained significant, high-quality production, often focusing on niche markets or specialized machinery.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2005)

Liberty Fabrics (division of Courtaulds Textiles/Sara Lee): A major producer that maintained operations in the US, specializing in stretch lace and operating, or having recently operated, facilities like the former Seekonk Mill in Pawtucket, Rhod Island, and finishing plants in Virginia.

American Fabrics Company (AFC): Located in Connecticut, this company was a major producer, notable for utilizing over 300 looms and employing around 500 workers.

Desseilles America: Associate with the French lace tradition, it held a significant position in the US market as a division under the Courtaulds umbrella.

Galler Laces: Another key player in the US market during this era.

Gouverneur Lace: Located in New York, this firm was part of the remaining traditional manufacturers, often catering to specialized high-end markets.

Zion Lace Industries: Located in Zion, Illinois, this factory was recognized as a significant producer.

Industry Context (circa 2005)

The “Cadillac” Shift: Many manufacturers in the 2000s were struggling to compete with imports, shifting from high-volume production to specialized, high-quality “Leavers” lace (often termed the “Cadillac” of the trade).

Technological Shift: Companies were increasingly adopting or losing ground to computerized “Jacquardtronic” machinery, which allowed for faster production compared to traditional, labor-intensive looms.

End of an Era: The famous Scranton Lace Company, previously the world leader in Nottingham lace, closed in 2002, shaping the competitive landscape for 2005.

2010

Based on industry records and historical accounts, the top lace manufacturers in America around 2010 were primarily long-standing textile firms specializing in specialized or industrial grade lace. While the US lace industry faced significant decline due to foreign competition, key players remained.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2010)

Native Textiles (Glens Falls, NY): Considered one of the last major American lace manufacturers in that era, it was known for producing high-quality lace before its later restructuring.

American Fabrics (Bridgeport, CT): Noted for its diverse, high-volume production, including specialized lace for apparel and industrial uses.

Mitchellace, Inc. (Portsmouth, OH): A significant producerof shoelaces and other narrow lace products, documented to be active in 2010.

Scranton Lace Company (Scranton PA): While the original factory was already in decline or abandoned by 2010, its legacy and infrastructure were significant in earlier, closely preceding years.

Lace USA (Los Angeles, CA): A recognized supplier of high-end lace fabrics for fashion, apparel, and home décor.

Liberty Fabrics (part of Courtaulds Textiles): A major supplier with significant uS operations in NYC, specializing in lace for lingerie.

Industry Context (circa 2010)

These companies were notable for their ability to manage complex “Leavers” lace machines and other high-volume production, which are rarely produced in the US today

2015

Based on 2015-era industry data and manufacturers active during that period, the top lace manufacturers in America primarily consisted of specialized, high-end textile producers, alongside several larger, diversified textile companies.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2015)

Leavers Lace Corporation: Known as one of the few remaining manufacturers to use traditional, century-old English looms to produce authentic Leavers lace.

Galler Laces: A notable US-based manufacturer that operated during this period,o ften involved in supplying high-end, intricate laces.

Desseilles America: A subsidiary of the French lace maker Desseilles, acting as a key supplier for American high-end fashion and lingerie in the 2010s.

Liberty Fabrics: Another major player in the US lace market through the early 2010s, with a significant presence in New York and manufacturing capabilities.

Milliken & Company: A large American textile manufacturer noted for producing industrial and apparel textiles, including specialized lace products.

Lace USA: Based in Los Angeles, this company was established as a premier manufacturer and supplier of specialized lace fabrics for apparel and home decor in the US.

Industry Context (circa 2015)

By 2015, the US lace industry was heavily focused on high-end niche markets (bridal, fashion, lingerie) due to competition from overseas producers. Most American lace manufacturers in that period were concentrated in the Northeast and California.

2020

In 2020, top lace suppliers operating in or supplying the American market included specialized manufacturers and importers focusing on high-quality apparel, bridal and decorative lace. Key players recognized for their quality and market presence during this period included Cotton Lace, Royal Universal Lace, United lace, and Solstiss USA.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2020)

Cotton Lace: Known for producing high-quality cotton lace within the USA.

Royal Universal lace: Positioned as a luxury lace supplier in America.

Solstiss USA: A major provider of French Leavers lace with a significant presence in the U.S. market, often used by luxury fashion brands.

Gelmor Lace: Specialized in authentic Lyon lace, supplying high-end designs in New York.

Golden Dolphin Distributors: Known for manufacturing and importing fine embroidered fabrics, lace, and trimmings, later supporting e-commerce through Lace USA (est. 2021, active in 2020 via parent company).

Industry Context (circa 2020)

These companies served various sectors, including haute couture, lingerie, and wedding apparel.

2025

Based on 2025 industry reports and manufacturing data, top lace manufacturers and suppliers in America for 2025 include established leaders focusing on high-end, bridal, and technical lace, alongside specialized importers.

Key Manufacturers, Industry Leaders and Innovators (circa 2025)

Solstiss Lace: Identified as a world leader in French Leavers lace, with U.S. showrooms in New York and L.A. that serve high-end fashion and bridal designers.

Gelmor Lace: Recognized as a major supplier of authentic French lace and tulle in the US, known for catering to bridal and evening wear.

Lace USA: Based in Los Angeles, California, recognized as a leading supplier of high-end lace fabrics for fashion, apparel, and home décor.

Klauber Bros. Inc.: A long-standing manufacturer known for producing high-quality laces, including raschel and stretch lace.

Liberty Fabrics (Div of Courtaulds): A major player with manufacturing facilities in Orange, VA., specializing in intimate apparel laces.

AV Creations: Listed as a leading supplier of high-quality Guipure (GPO) lace, catering to couture and bridal designers.

American Fabrics Co.: A significant producer of lace and embroidery, with manufacturing in Mississippi and New Jersey.

Malibu Textiles Inc.: A New York-based supplier of wide stretch laces and novelty laces.

Industry Context (circa 2025)

In 2025, the U.S. Lace market is heavily influenced by a blend of vintage styles, such as high-neck Victorian designs, with modern, durable materials. Key suppliers are focusing on “chemical lace” (also known as Guipure), which is known for its intricate, durable, and three-dimension appearance.

Major Textile Players in 2025

While not exclusively lace makers, large-scale US textile manufacturers influencing the 2025 market include:

Milliken & Company (South Carolina)

Unifi Inc. (North Carolina) – focusing on sustainable, recycled yarns for apparel.