Tatting is a form of lacemaking. You use a ball of thread and a shuttle to tie knots into elaborate designs. Other forms of lacemaking include crocheting, bobbin lace, Battenburg lace and many others. Many of these can be duplicated fairly well with machines now, but tatting can't be duplicated readily because of its unique change in tension in each stitch. 
 
 

I learned from a friend showing me how to do it, but there are some good online resources as well as books. The book that I have is actually from a used book store so I don't know about its current status. It has good illustrations as well as an assortment of patterns to use also. 
 
Tatting by Cathy Bryant  ISBN #0713465549 128 pages Hardback, A Batsoford Book 14.99 pounds net.
Here is what Amazon.com has to say about this book. Read it here.

 
Carrie Carlson's Tatting Instruction (Very good illustrations and explainations!)

 
 
 
 

It is a old form of lacemaking that will die out if not continued. It is relaxing and fun to do while making time pass very quickly. It is small and portable and is great to do while riding in a car or waiting in a doctor's office. It will be something unique to pass on to your children as something that you made. I am hoping to begin a hope chest for my daughter so she can have these things to use once she gets married. I hope to make pillowcases and linens for her.
 
 

Start with finding a shuttle for yourself. Get a ball of crochet thread and wind up the thread onto the shuttle and then go look at the information on this web page for more details and good pictures. 

Carrie Carlson's Tatting Instruction

Have Fun!

You can make lace edgings as well as doilies and tablecloths. You are only limited by your own imagination!
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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