Tatting is a technique for handcrafting lace, doilies, collars, and edging constructed by a series of knots and loops. The lace is formed by a pattern of rings and chains formed from double stitches (ds), over a core thread. Gaps can be left between the stitches to form picots.

Tatting patterns take some time to know how to read (almost like knitting and crochet patterns) since there are many abbreviations. Some patterns may be spelled out (although it is rare), for example: “Ring, 4 double stitches, 1 picot, 4 double stitches, 1 picot, 1 double stitch, close, reverse work…..”

It takes up a lot of room doing it that way. So, instead of that, most patters are like this:

“R 4-4-1-1-1-4-1-4 Cl Rw….”

R = ring

X number = how many doubles stitches need to be worked

- = one picot

+ = join

Cl = close ring

Rw = reverse work

That is only a few of the many abbreviations, many online websites have a chart of tatting abbreviations.

There are two different methods of the two different ways to tat. The two methods are: Working off the ball, and working with a cut piece of string (a very long piece usually, and hard to work with at times).

Two different ways are shuttle tatting and needle tatting. I personally own a shuttle, but have never used it because I think that needle tatting is easier. Some people may think that needle tatting is harder. I guess one never knows until they try it.

I started tatting earlier this year, self-taught from a book. A really great book for beginners is from Handy Hands Tatting and the ideal size of needle to start with is a size 3 or 5. Once you learn to how to work with the needle and thread and keep a consistent tension, then you can start working with size 7 fine and size 8 extra fine needles and finer threads.

Here are a few patterns that are easy for a beginner: a medallion and lace. The lace actually is called pillowcase trim, but I prefer to put it on my blouses than my pillowcases! The lace can also be tatted right onto a piece of round fabric that has small hole around the edges (or some running stitches).

Medallion: (above) Work off the ball. I added an extra round to the white one.

R 2-2-2-2-2-2 Cl Rw.

Ch 3-3-3-3 Rw.

*R 2-2 +(to next to last p of Prev R) 2-2-2-2 Cl. Rw.

Ch 3-3-3-3 Rw.*

Repeat from * to * for a total of 7 rings and 7 chains.

R 2-2 +(to next to last p of Prev. R) 2-2 +(to second p of first R made) 2-2 Cl. Rw.

Ch 3-3-3-3 Rw. Join to the spot where the first ring and chain meet.

Lace: (above)

Work with a cut piece of thread. You can use up to 5 yards of thread at a time. If you are uncomfortable using that much at once, use 2 to 2-1/2 yards.

R 4-3-2, Lp, 2-3-4 Cl. Leave ¼” space.

*R 4 +(to last p of Prev ring) 3-2, Lp, 2-3-4 Cl. Leave ¼” space*.

Repeat from * to * for desired length. Attach by hand sewing after edging is complete

Here are some great tatting links for free patterns, instructions with pictures on how to tat with a needle, websites that sell tatting supplies (Hobby Lobby also carries tatting supplies), and even some videos on how to tat.

hhtatting.com

be-stitched.com/index.asp

e.n.e.btinternet.co.uk/

wonderfulworldoftatting.freeweb7.com/index.html

hhtatting.com/learn.html

anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=119&type_id=S

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