Bobbin lace had been made at Mechlin, a town with various important textile industries situated between Brussels and Antwerp, since the origins of the technique in the 16th century. One of its characteristics was that it was made as one continuous piece, rather than parts that were subsequently joined, and together with the fineness of the particular thread used in its construction, this made it the softest and most delicate of all laces. For this reason it was considered particularly suitable for use with lighter clothing in the summer months. Another characteristic of Mechlin lace was the use of a distinctive, shiny thread to outline its motifs.