Needlelace
All needlelace is based on the "Buttonhole" * or "Blanket" stitch

This Contemporary Needlelace is one of the few handmade laces still made commercially today. 
The lacemaker is working on Needlelace like Rose Point, Brussels Point or Point de Gaze. (three names for needlelace)  The Pattern is drawn on parchment and attached to two layers of fabric to make a surface to work on. When the lace is completed it is carefully cut away from parchment and /fabric
Loose Needle Lace stitches are formed into many various stitches.
*Buttonhole stitches are tightly packed Needlelace stitches. They can be done over foundation threads as they are below...

or each suceeding row can be worked upon the previous row creating a solid area rathere than a light airy one. Most needlelaces use a combination of techniques.
Other needle laces
Needlelace Links
Sources