Pointelle

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Pointelle

Pronunciation: pwan-TEL

A knit fabric with a pattern of small decorative holes, creating a delicate, lace-like effect in a soft knit.

What Is Pointelle?

Pointelle is a knitting technique that creates small, regular holes in a fabric by transferring stitches from one needle to another during production. The result is a soft, stretchy knit with a pattern of tiny openings that mimic the look of lace without using lace construction methods. The holes can form stripes, diamonds, florals, or geometric patterns depending on how the stitches are transferred. Common fibres include cotton, modal, and fine-gauge wool blends.

In lingerie, pointelle occupies a sweet spot between plain jersey and lace. It offers the stretch and softness of a knit — which means comfort comparable to your favourite t-shirt — with a decorative quality that plain knits lack. The openwork pattern adds subtle visual texture and breathability. Because it is knitted rather than woven, pointelle conforms to the body's curves without requiring darts or complex seaming, making it ideal for bralettes, panties, and camisoles.

Quality pointelle has uniform hole sizes throughout the fabric. The holes should be intentional and symmetrical — not stretched open or closed at different points. The fabric between holes should not feel thin or ready to tear. Better pointelle is knitted from longer staple fibres (combed cotton or modal) that resist pilling. Stretch pointelle with a small percentage of elastane recovers its shape better than pure cotton versions.

Sinderella includes pointelle in everyday pieces where you want something more interesting than plain fabric but softer and less delicate than lace — the quietly elevated choice.

How to Wear & Style

Pointelle bralettes layer beautifully under open cardigans, slouchy knits, and linen shirts where the texture peeks through. Because the fabric is knitted, it handles machine washing better than lace — use cold water and a mesh bag. Pointelle makes a thoughtful gift for someone who values comfort but finds plain cotton too basic and lace too high-maintenance.

Explore Pointelle Styles

Soft knits with decorative texture — the comfort of jersey with the charm of lace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is pointelle?

A knit fabric with a pattern of small decorative holes, creating a delicate, lace-like effect in a soft knit.

How does pointelle differ from lace?

Pointelle is a knitted fabric where small holes are created by transferring stitches during the knitting process — the base is a continuous, stretchy knit. Lace is a separate construction method where threads are looped or twisted to form an openwork pattern with no knit base. Pointelle is softer, stretchier, and more opaque than lace, making it more comfortable for everyday wear.

Is pointelle lingerie see-through?

Pointelle is semi-sheer. The decorative holes allow some skin visibility, but the surrounding knit fabric provides more coverage than lace or mesh. The level of sheerness depends on the hole size and fabric weight — finer pointelle with small holes is barely translucent, while bold pointelle patterns with larger openings show more skin. It is typically less revealing than standard lace.