Tatting is an ancient technique used to make lace and lace. This technique of unclear origin, perhaps French, was very popular in the Victorian period and during the 50s and 60s of the last century. The term "tatting" is reminiscent of speaking in a thick voice. In recent years it has been recovering and it is a hobby that gives a lot of satisfaction, as it is easy to learn (contrary to what it might seem, observing the incredible complexity of the drawings made) and there are a lot of schemes and ideas available for lovers of this art. Tatting laces are elegant, fine and at the same time can also be useful: doilies, runners, collars, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, border for cushions, earrings, necklaces and so on. If you are interested in learning more about this technique, this is the article for you; will give you the basics.
Steps
Step 1. The first thing to do is familiarize yourself with the yarn used in the tatting
It is advisable to use thin and very twisted cotton that must flow easily during processing, cotton for crochet and mercerized cotton. One yarn brand that makes tatting cotton is DMC. The yarn can be purchased online or in haberdashery and specialized stores.
Step 2. Buy some shuttles
Ancient shuttles were made of ivory, mother of pearl, tortoiseshell bone, bakelite, gold, silver, steel while modern shuttles are made of plastic. If you want, you could collect the ancient models, albeit with some difficulty for the version in turtle bone and ivory due to the restrictions set by the legislation on the protection of endangered species. Start with the modern ones and, in case you are passionate about this art, you could always dedicate yourself to collecting ancient shuttles!
Step 3. Learn how to load the shuttle
Wind the thread onto the bobbin located in the center of the shuttle. If your shuttle has a hole in the center, insert the thread through it and tie a knot before starting work. Note that, in some cases, the coil is removable. Do not wind the thread over the edge of the shuttle.
Step 4. Practice using the shuttle
On wikiHow you will find other articles dedicated to the topic. Here are some guidelines.
- Take a shuttle with a pointed end and 2 mercerized cotton balls. Wind the yarn onto the bobbin as described above.
- Take the shuttle with your right hand, between the thumb and middle finger, keeping the index free as indicated in the image.
- Place the shuttle on your middle and ring fingers.
- Place the thread around the three fingers of the left hand (see drawing), so as to form a ring, keeping the middle and ring fingers slightly apart, holding the thread between the thumb and forefinger and then letting the final part fall into the palm of the hand, while the cotton thread with the shuttle passes over the nail of the thumb.
Step 5. Try different tatting points
Once you are familiar with the various "operations" indicated above, you can start with the basic stitches, such as double stitch, rings, chains, etc. After doing some practice and acquiring the right "technique" in making a tatting lace, you can start your first job.
Step 6. Learn to reverse the job
In tatting, the rounded end of the loop you are working on is placed at the top. An interesting effect can be made to transform the work from top to bottom. The instructions indicate this reverse work with "rw". To do this, once you have worked a ring, rotate it so that the base of the ring is facing up and then the new ring will be worked as usual, upwards.
Step 7. Start your first job
Start with borders or simple works, you will find many ideas and help on the web.
Advice
- If collecting old tatting shuttles is your thing, you may have noticed that some pieces were made with ivory and tortoiseshell bone. When you collect items in these "protected" materials, you must make sure that they are vintage and possibly have them guaranteed with a certificate from specialized antique dealers. Do not purchase new ivory or tortoiseshell items, as this would violate endangered species protection laws and encourage illegal poaching. Ancient shuttles can be made of bone, mother of pearl or inlaid wood. Collecting shuttles can be a pleasant pastime for fans of vintage sewing and embroidery.
- If you use two different colored threads, one for the bobbin and one for the ball, you will easily notice any errors. If the work is done correctly, it should only be one color. If there were two shades, there would be something wrong with the realization.
- Tatting is completely different from crochet and is made from stitches that form knots. It is considered an imitation of the lace stitch, and is often used as a border in linen, due to its strength and resistance.
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Learn the abbreviations:
- n = node
- "n.d." = double knot
- "p. pip." = picot or pippiolino (or peppiolino)
- "p.p." = small picot
- "an." = ring
- "ch. and C." = close
- "V. and volt." = to turn
- "arc." = arch
- "att." = to attach
- "ann." = knot
- "cont." = continue
- "cat." = chain stitch
- "rip." = repeat
- = always repeat the part of the explanation between * and *
- n. G. = Giuseppina knot which is obtained by making 5 simple knots around a ring and then closes leaving the thread underneath slowly so as to look like an empty ring in half.
