Maltese Lace is distinguished by the term 'Bizzilla'. This particular craft flourished in Malta towards the middle of the 17th century. The next 200 years witnessed a shift in lace-making. A small group of Gozitan women became specialized in this craft. Genoese lace makers were brought to Malta in order to revive the industry during the early part of the 19th century. Maltese lace is a direct descendant of Genoese lace. It is distinguished through it's own character, often highlighted by the Maltese Cross.

Bobbin lace is made with various threads, each fastened to an elongated spool or bobbin. 'Ghazel' is the Maltese term used to describe the technique. A pattern is initially drawn on parchment paper. Holes are pricked to show where the pins should be placed. These pins serve to maintain the linen threads stable whilst the lace is made. The parchment is placed on a cushion throughout the whole process.

Lace figured amongst the objects sent from Malta to the 'Exhibition of Industries' held in London during 1881. The commercial potential of Maltese bobbin lace led British missionaries to copy and introduce local patterns in China and India. Initial patterns were copied in silk. Later copied patterns introduced linen and cotton threads.

Motivated by positive demand, the art of lace-making spread from mother to daughter and across neighbours and friends. Before long, lace-making proved its worth as the product was sold to the island's upper class community and abroad. The resulting income raised the general standard of living for some Gozitan families, traditionally belonging to an agricultural society.

A quick stroll across Gozitan villages could reward you with a glimpse of this folklore. Traditional women proudly sit next to their doorway and charm passers-by with their lace-making techniques.

The craft of bizzilla (or lace) has been mastered in Malta by around the middle of the 17th century. Maltese lace is a direct descendent of Genoese lace although it developed its own character, often including the Maltese Cross design.

One of the most recognizable traits of Maltese and Gozo lace is the creamy, honey coloured, Spanish silk from which most of it is made. Another important distinguishing feature of Maltese and Gozitan lace is the 8 pointed Maltese crosses that are worked into most, but not all of this lace. These crosses are done in what lace makers call whole or cloth stitch.

The last of the most recognizable features are the leaves known as “wheat ears” or “oats”. They are plump and rounded in shape compared to the long narrow Bedfordshire lace leaves.

Traditional Malta and Gozo-made doilies usually incorporate all these features and this is what makes them so unique compared to other lace products.

The craft of bizzilla (or lace) has been mastered in Malta by around the middle of the 17th century. Maltese lace is a direct descendent of Genoese lace although it developed its own character, often including the Maltese Cross design.

One of the most recognizable traits of Maltese and Gozo lace is the creamy, honey coloured, Spanish silk from which most of it is made. Another important distinguishing feature of Maltese and Gozitan lace is the 8 pointed Maltese crosses that are worked into most, but not all of this lace. These crosses are done in what lace makers call whole or cloth stitch.

The last of the most recognizable features are the leaves known as “wheat ears” or “oats”. They are plump and rounded in shape compared to the long narrow Bedfordshire lace leaves.