Late last year Victoria Bingham profiled tatting artist Pat Moffatt. We were utterly enchanted with her work, and asked Pat to write a tutorial for us, to explain how this beautiful work is created.
Tatting is a thread knotting technique that can create beautiful lace pieces. The first documentation of tatting, or frivolité, is from in Europe in the eighteenth century. The variety of pieces that can be created is endless, and pieces can be two- or three-dimensional. Tatting is made up of a series of knots that are used to form rings and chains. The thread used must be smooth and even, and must have a high twist. In its simplest form, tatting is made up of a series of double stitches and picots. Picots are added for decoration and used for joining elements together.
The simplest form of tatting uses a shuttle, but you can create more complex structures working with two shuttles
This tutorial will use a single shuttle and will focus on four essential tatted lace skills:
- creating double stitches
- creating picots
- closing rings
- joining elements
Learning these four basic techniques will allow you to create a beautiful, tatted edging.
Shuttle tatting uses fine thread (and, optionally, beads, as seen in the image above) to create intricate and fascinating lacy shapes. They’re often for use as trims and edgings on garments and linens, and Pat uses the technique to create remarkable earrings.
Essentials tools for Shuttle Tatting
- Tatting shuttle
- Crochet hook (if there is no hook on a shuttle)
- Scissors
- Tatting thread
Notes on materials and equipment:
- Tatting shuttles come in various shapes and sizes. Some use a bobbin to hold thread. Others have a fixed shaft within the shuttle. Some have a hook, while others have a pointed pick, or no hook or pick. The larger the space for the thread, the more thread (especially a thicker thread) can be loaded onto the shuttle. The type of shuttle you prefer is a personal choice and you may need to try out different styles before you arrive at one that suits you. A reasonable first choice is an Aerlit tatting shuttle with two bobbins and a built-in hook. Another good option is the Moonlit shuttle which has a built-in hook and fixed shaft.
- If you’re using a separate crochet hook, either a 0.75 mm or 1 mm size are good options. The exact size of the crochet hook can vary depending on the size of the thread you are using and the size of the join picots you create. Essentially, you want to use a size that will not split your thread.
- Thread specifically made for tatting is best as it is less likely to twist when you’re working with it. As well, it will slide easier when closing rings.
- Thread comes in various qualities and thicknesses. Unfortunately, not all brands use the same thickness scale. Many use a number as the gauge, e.g. 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 gauge. In this case, the larger the number the finer the gauge. Five (5) gauge is similar to crochet cotton. Eighty (80) gauge is similar to sewing thread. Others use a description for the thickness gauge. For example, Olympus brand uses the following scale: “Very Fine,” “Fine,” “Medium,” and “Thick.”
- Use your individual preference when choosing a thread gauge for a project. For beginners, a 5 or 10 gauge (or Thick) is a good option to start with. Crochet cotton can be used, but depending on the brand it can be more difficult to work with. Aunt Lydia’s crochet cotton is a brand that is a reasonable option. The “Classic 10” line is labeled as a 10 gauge and their “Fashion 3” is labeled as a 3 gauge. The Fashion line will be easier for beginners as it is thicker and has a silkier finish.
All photos by Pat Moffatt unless otherwise specified.