Tatting! The adventure begins!
by on Aug 21, 2013

A very long time ago I made an attempt to learn to tat.  I’m typically a self-taught crafter, and the internet wasn’t around at that time.  Needless to say, I gave up almost as quickly as I started! Moving forward to 2 weeks ago, (yes, only two weeks!!!) I gave needle tatting a try. Now there are great books and you-tube videos to help you learn.  So along with those sources and a tatting needle, I found it so quick to pick up!  I know there are shuttle tatting people and there are needle tatting people. I now fall in the latter group.

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This is my first project, a bookmark pattern I found in the book, Mastering Tatting. I used Curio Spearmint and a #5/0 tatting needle. (the ribbon I purchased at Joann’s).

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I found the charts and instructions easy to follow. And with the needle tatting, I found the process fairly quick (I’m an instant gratification type of gal!). Just a word of warning though, Curio is a little heavier than tatting thread, so take that into consideration that projects may turn out a bit bigger than the image in the pattern. Otherwise, it’s a great thread for learning the art of tatting.

Knit Picks is now carrying tatting tools, supplies and books. There are several shuttles, tatting needles, and several hankie styles to choose from. I didn’t have time before posting this blog to show you the hankies I’m working on.  I’ll make another post when they are done.  Also, the hankies work great with crocheted edging (I’m working on one of those too!)

Give it a try, I bet you will love it! I would love to hear about your tatting adventures!

12 Comments
Tags: Office Gossip, tatting, Works in Progress

12 comments

  1. Leanne Silva / September 13, 2013

    Does anyone know how to add tatting onto a piece of knitting? For example, what if one wanted to add a tatted insert to a low-cut top one was knitting? Or what if a person wanted to add tatted cuffs onto knitted sleeves or something? Or what about a tatted collar for a knitted top or blouse?
  2. Sidra Goldsmit / August 23, 2013

    Is there a different technique for left handed people? I have always wanted to learn to tat & this seems like the best opportunity.
  3. Aparna / August 22, 2013

    My mom taught me shuttle tatting when I was in high school back in India. I remember making lace edges for many of my indian clothes and getting tons of compliments from my friends in college.. hope this lovely art is revived to its old glory
  4. Sara Jane Apple / August 22, 2013

    P.S. I love the Curio yarn for crochet but had not thought to tat with it yet. Curio’s colours are so unique, they will make great heirloom pieces.
  5. Sara Jane Apple / August 22, 2013

    My DAD use to tat so my sister tells me. I must have inherited his muscle memory because I can do the needle tat movements without thinking.
    I too find the needles more easy then the shuttles, and with more versatility with yarn sizes.
    I just taught myself to tat in the last 2 years, the same way you did Kelly. It’s so nice to see it coming mainstream on Knit Picks.
    Thanks for the inspiration and support. We are not alone!
  6. Patti / August 22, 2013

    I bought tatting thread, a book, a shuttle, and spent a few hours and was making little loops and circles in no time! I set it aside though, I have so many projects going right now that I decided to at least TRY and stay focused!!! but I’m anxious to get back at it — that and brioche knitting!
  7. Megan / August 21, 2013

    I love tatting. I use a shuttle and I have been tempted to pick up some Curio to tat with. Maybe you guys can start carrying some size 20 thread if Curio sells well.
  8. Terre / August 21, 2013

    This is outstanding! My grandmother taught me to tat when I was about 15. I am now 63 and always looking for new patterns. Congrats KnitPicks, another old art form of handwork is being kept alive!!
  9. Tammy / August 21, 2013

    My grandma taught me and my sister how to shuttle tat 30+ years ago and I still can remember her saying that she was so surprised that we weren’t making knots. I do think that shuttle tatting is something easier learned in person and needle tatting is easier if you need/want to be self-taught. I hope tatting makes a comeback. I have some tatted edgings from my grandma that I cherish.
  10. Shirley Park / August 21, 2013

    Thank you for this post. I, too, tried to teach myself how to do this… And gave up fairly quickly. This project here looks lovely. Great inspiration.!!
  11. Misty / August 21, 2013

    I tried a while ago and gave up but I have bren enthralled with the intricacy of it. I’m glad knitpicks is helping people carry on this beautiful traditional art. Thanks for sharing!
  12. Cheryl Dumont / August 21, 2013

    Very nice. Someday I want to learn how to do this