Lace, the product of intense, time-consuming hand work, signaled prestige, power, and wealth, and acted as important finishing touch on elite dress. Martha Washington owned several sets of lace that she used to adorn her gowns, caps, and other accessories. Later descendants shared pieces of the lace with friends and family as mementos of the great lady. The hexagonal mesh ground, cordonnet (thick outline thread) and buttonhole stitches on this tiny piece are typical of the Alençon lace style.