The proposed dates for the next Edinburgh Lace Course will be

26th to 30th July 2027

in the James Watt Centre at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.

Full details will be available mid-February 2027.

Go to Course Information for more details.

Our challenge has now become a regular feature of the course. Again, this year we asked for suggestions.

The theme for the challenge in 2027 is SEASONS IN THE GARDEN.

Please make a piece of lace on this theme. It can be any technique, any size, your own patterns or someone else’s. Bring it along to the course where we will have an area for the display.

For 2026 the theme for the challenge will be ‘LACE TO WEAR’.

We are intrigued to see what you come up with. It is an opportunity to get your lace out of the folder and use it.
Have you made a collar, or decorated a t-shirt? What about a fascinator or corsage to wear at a wedding? Have you created a piece of jewellery; a bracelet, necklace or brooch? Or a bag? Or a hat band…….. the list goes on!

We would love to see all the different ways you can use lace.

This could be any technique and any size, it could be your own design or someone else’s. We will have an area to display these pieces of lace.

The challenge is open to all – if you are not attending the course, please make sure we have your entry by 5pm on Monday 20th July so it can be incorporated into the display.

In 2025 we are increasing the number of tutors for the course. Last year, we had such a good response to the course, we have asked Diana Blackburn to join us this year to be our fifth tutor.

We are keen to encourage beginners, lacemakers in their early years and those returning after a break to come to the course. All the tutors will be delighted to help students start or continue their lacemaking journey.

We have also updated the application process to ensure it is fair for all. Information about the course will be sent to everyone on our mailing list on 14th February. If you wish to attend, please reply to the message. You will then be sent an application form. Once this is returned and the deposit paid, your place will be confirmed.

Full information is on the Contact page.

Image from the 2024 HEATWAVE challenge.

For a second year, we were delighted with the number of entries for our challenge in 2024. For 2025 the theme will be MARINE. When you think about ‘marine’, what springs to mind – deep sea, underwater, coastlines, sea creatures or simply the colour?

We would love to see what you create. It can be any size or technique and can be your own design or someone else’s.

If you are not able to attend the course but would like to participate, please have your piece submitted to us by Monday 21st July.

There will be two People’s Choice awards: one for Favourite overall piece and one for Most Original Idea.