Woven bars are narrow thread structures which are worked across a void.  They can be woven over threads from the ground fabric (where most of the fabric has been cut away), or over threads which have been stitched across the space. Where there are more than two threads, they are divided into two groups and woven in a figure of eight motion.

They are commonly used within cutwork and needlepoint lace (where they are often called brides) to join motifs or areas of fabric.

Woven bars are worked in a similar way to point de reprise although point de reprise normally fills an area. There is a another similar version, called Russian stitch, where the thread is taken over the bar and then comes up behind the weave, not in front of it - both of these stitches will feature in a future RSN Stitch Bank release.

When the bars are worked in a grid design, they are sometimes known as Henrique lace (over two threads) or Cordovan lace/double point de Venise (over three threads) (see the images at the end of the entry).

Woven bars certainly date from the 16th century as they are an integral part of Reticella whitework.  Selected linen threads are withdrawn to leave a grid pattern which is then woven into these decorative bars.  Reticella is used to embellish various garments, including cuffs and the edges of collars during the Elizabethan era.  It also often features on English needlepoint lace samplers from the mid 17th century.

Reticella’s influence can be seen in the many subsequent needlepoint lace techniques which employ woven bars, including Hardanger and Ruskin work.