TATTING

 Tatting is a form of lace making. It is achieved by making knots, called the "double-stitch" and adding loops called "picots" out of fine thread. The thread is wound onto a small, hand held, shuttle. The thread is wrapped around the fingers of the left hand,and the right hand is used to make the knots. For more intricate patterns, two shuttles, or a ball and shuttle are used. Patterns containing chains will always need two shuttles (or a ball and shuttle). The finer the thread, the smaller the work will turn out. This makes the work look more like a lace. If the thread is thicker, the pattern will appear more bulky in design. Depending on the pattern you choose, and the way you want your finished piece to look, the choice of thread will follow. See my "Links" page for some links to tatting patterns and instructions.

Tatting shuttles come in many forms. They are made from many materials also. Antique tatting shuttles are found in silver, ivory, bone, wood and metal. Today, most craft stores carry shuttles made of plastics or stainless steel. Although these shuttles work quite well, there are some wood crafters who make beautiful wood shuttles today. Try my "Links page" for an excellent link to someone who makes beautiful, hand carved tatting tools from many types of wood.