Needlelace

One common form of needle lace was cutwork - used for household goods and clothing decoration in the 16th century. One form, known by the Italian name of reticella, was done by sewing a piece of linen to parchment with the lace patterns drawn on it. The threads were then drawn from the linen and embroidering the lace patterns in the open squares. Another form, known by the Italian name of punto in aria was done by embroidering the lace patterns on over drawings of them on parchment.

Here is a website with more information on cutwork:

http://www.arrienne-lace.com/Lace_home.htm