Tatting

Tatting is a centuries-old technique for crafting lace, which is done through constructing a series of loops and knots. This method is effective for creating lace edging in collars and other decorative items. The lace is then formed through utilizing a pattern of rings and chains, which are formed a half-hitch knot or cow hitch, over a core thread. Tatting is used for a number of practical as well as decorative applications.

History of Tatting
Tatting is an art form that dates back to the early 19th Century. The term was derived from the French word "frivolite" which denoted a decorative line of textiles, which were produced for this technique. Tatting was primarily developed to mimic point lace patterns. Some historians believe that tatting was commonplace during the reign of Louis XV of France in the 17th Century, as carefully-preserved paintings from that era showed women such as Madame Adelaide, who was the king's daughter, to be wearing outfits that featured shuttle designs. However, historians were not able to fully evaluate this fact, and no documentation is present to authenticate that assertion.
Tatting continued to have a large following with the entry of the 20th Century. Most fashion magazines during the early part of this era featured women wearing outfits that had lace collars and cuffs, and also showed baby shower gifts that showed tatting designs. As more modern fashion trends came in, new technology made lace an inexpensive and easy-to-acquire item, while hand-made lace became more expensive and quite rare. Tatting flourished online, and online mailing lists such as eTatters and TatChat were formed in the mid-90s. These two popular online groups worked hard to promote the art of tatting, and this resulted in a revitalization of public interest in tatting worldwide.
Commonly-Used Tatting Techniques and Materials
Shuttle tatting is considered to be one of the earliest techniques for making tatted lace. The shuttle technique involves holding a length of wound thread, and carefully guiding it through a series of loops, to create the required knots. The shuttles come in various shapes, sizes and materials, and most often have appointed look at one end, to help in the proper construction of the lace. Some tatting collectors are even known to have sought after antique shuttles, which date back to the 1800's as well as the 1900's. Needle tatting has two techniques or methods. The more commonly-used technique is where a double thread passes through the stitches, and the result is a creation that's almost similar to shuttle tatting, but offers a much thicker and looser appearance. The second needle tatting technique is one where a single thread passes across the stitches.

Cro-Tatting on the other hand, uses a combination of crochet and needle tatting. The tools used for this technique involve a tatting needle that has a crochet hook at the other end. Cro-tatting can be done through using a bullion crochet hook, as well as a straight crochet hook. Cro-tatting is very popular in Japan, and a lot of people consider this to be more difficult than needle tatting or crochet.

For first-time tatting enthusiasts, you need to first familiarize yourself with the different types of thread used for tatting. The applicable thread types include crochet cotton, as well as mercerized cotton. The threads can be bought in craft shops, as well as from online stores. Second, you need to obtain shuttles, and most of the modern shuttles sold today are made from plastic. Third, you need to properly learn how to wind the shuttle. Lastly, try to practice using the shuttle. You can obtain a number of instructions for using the shuttle online, as well from neighborhood craft stores.