Some tatters prefer a visual pattern where the design is drawn schematically with annotations indicating the number of double stitches and order of construction. Ring five ds, three picots separated by five ds, five ds, close, turn, space R 5ds, 3 p sep by 5ds, 5ds, cl, turn, sp R 5-5-5-5 cl rw sp The following examples describe the same small piece of tatting (the first ring in the Hen and Chicks pattern) Older patterns use a longhand notation to describe the stitches needed, while newer patterns tend to make extensive use of abbreviations such as 'ds' to mean 'double stitch,' and an almost mathematical-looking notation. Some tatting designs incorporate ribbons and beads. Cordonnet thread is a common tatting thread Perl cotton is an example of a beautiful cord that is nonetheless a bit loose for tatting purposes. The best thread for tatting is a 'hard' thread that does not untwist readily. Newer designs from the 1920s and onward often use thicker thread in one or more colors, as well as newer joining methods, to reduce the number of thread ends to be hidden. The mercerization process strengthened cotton threads and spread their use in tatting. This thread was either made of silk or a silk blend, to allow for improper stitches to be easily removed. Often they were constructed of small pieces 10 cm or less in diameter, which were then tied to each other to form a larger piece - a shawl, veil or umbrella, for example. Older designs, especially through the early 1900s, tend to use fine white or ivory thread (50 to 100 widths to the inch) and intricate designs. It is not that widespread however (in Japan the primary form of tatting is shuttle tatting, and needle tatting is virtually unknown.). Takashima Tatting uses a custom needle with a hook on one end. Stitches of cro-tatting (and needle tatting before a ring is closed) unravel easily, unlike tatting made with a shuttle.Ī form of tatting called Takashima Tatting, invented by Toshiko Takashima, exists in Japan. Some tatting instructors recommend using a tatting needle and a crochet hook to work cro-tatting patterns. Many people consider cro-tatting more difficult than crochet or needle tatting. In modern patterns, beginning in the early 20th century, the rings are tatted and the arches or chains are crocheted. In its most basic form, the rings are tatted with a length of plain thread between them, as in single-shuttle tatting. Patterns are available in English and are equally divided between yarn and thread. One of the earliest patterns is for a crocheted afghan with tatted rings forming a raised design.

In the 19th century, 'crochet tatting' patterns were published which simply called for a crochet hook. One can also cro-tat with a bullion crochet hook or a very straight crochet hook. The cro-tatting tool is a tatting needle with a crochet hook at the end. Few patterns are written specifically for needle tatting some shuttle tatting patterns may be used without modification.Ĭro-tatting combines needle tatting with crochet. In the late 20th century, tatting needles became commercially available in a variety of sizes, from fingering yarn down to size 80 tatting thread. As well, Florence Hartley refers in The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work (1859) to the use of the tatting needle, so it must have originated prior to the mid-1800s. However, it may be seen that the Victorian tatting pin would function as a tatting needle. Although needle tatting looks similar to shuttle tatting, it differs in structure and is slightly thicker and looser because both the needle and the thread must pass through the stitches.

To work with a second color, a second needle is used. Rather than winding the shuttle, the needle is threaded with a length of thread. The needle used must match the thickness of the thread chosen for the project. A tatting needle is a long, blunt needle that does not change thickness at the eye of the needle. Rozella, published in The Modern Priscilla. The earliest evidence for needle tatting dates from April 1917, in an article by M.E. The second technique more closely approximates shuttle tatting because a single thread passes through the stitches. The result is similar to shuttle tatting but is slightly thicker and looser. With the more widely disseminated technique, a double thread passes through the stitches. There are two basic techniques for needle tatting. Traditional shuttle tatting may be simulated using a tatting needle or doll needle instead of a shuttle.

Antique tatting shuttle