The VFG believes that informed selling and buying communities are good for the vintage-fashion industry as a whole, and all visitors to the website have access to the VFG resources. These are continually updated and constantly evolving, thanks to a dedicated volunteer staff.
Our blog features our picks of the freshest vintage items, member news and articles. We have also created a growing series of articles on some classic designers.
The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of vintage fashion.
The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international community of people with expertise in vintage fashion. VFG members enjoy a wealth of resources, avenues for promoting their shops and specialties, and camaraderie with others who share a common interest and passion.
The raschel knitting machine was developed in the 19th century as an inexpensive way to produce lace. The machine was named after the very popular 19th century French actress Elisabeth Rachel Félix—better known as Mademoiselle Rachel—who was known for wearing lace. Her name was altered to the German spelling as the Raschel knitting machine was refined in Germany.
Raschel knits range widely in style and use. They are warp knits of a heavier weight than the warp knits made on a tricot machine. Raschel knits are also often characterized by vertical chains of stitches on which a pattern is created.
Gimp “braid” (braid used in the sense of a narrow trim) is made on a raschel type of knitting machine, as is power stretch fabric.
Uses: Depending on the weight and style, uses for raschel knits range from sheer lace to coats, trim to foundation and athletic compression garments.
“Ribbonit”—one example of a raschel knit
Gimp “braid”