Learn how to tat!

Top Drawer! You've taken the first step to learning tatting! You won't be sorry.    Tatting is fun and relaxing, and unlike some other types of crafts, you can do it without looking down! It is small enough to take anywhere, so you'll always have something to do when you're waiting.    It is not easy at first, especially without a person or at least a video tape to watch the actual movements, but I hope this page helps.    Take a look at my photos, and READ the directions carefully (if you are like me, you gloss over them - DON'T!).   And check out other how-to-tat sites, because maybe my style of tatting (or style of teaching) is just not suited to you! The important thing is to learn, not where you learn from!

To start you'll need at least one shuttle and thread.   I suggest a shuttle like a clover or susan bates plastic, or something not-to0-big, not-too-small, that has a spike.   (Again this is a matter of personal preference!!I use many different types of shuttles comfortably.)  Special very fine tatting thread is sold in crafts stores, but I use thicker thread, like size #20 cebelia or #5 pearl cotton, as many others do, too!  I like the sheen and the rich colors.  It yields a beefier tat than the very finetatting threads, and I like the way it looks.  Choose whatever thread you like, but you may find the thicker thread (maybe even Size #3 Pearl Cotton) easier to learn with, as you'll be able to see the knot better!  You will also need scissors, and you can use a fingernail clipper - especially if you are taking your tatting with you in a little purse.    That way it won't cut your tatting by accident.

In the next several pages, I'll teach you how to do the tatting knot, make rings, chains, and how to do joins.  The hardest part will be the "flip" or transfer of the knot.  I will start with chains, because it will be easier to see "the flip".   It's really harder to explain than it is to actually do!  It's one of those things that you try to grasp, get frustrated, and toss it down.  But, if you are like me, you will wake up in the middle of thenight some time later, try it, and FINALLY GET IT!!  Believe me, you will feel like a nuclear physicist when you do get it.  After that, you'll be tatting pretty quickly.  That's another thing about tatting - it doesn't take long until you have a nice little piece of lace to be proud of.

I hope the pictures explain the technique well -if you are using Internet Explorer, you can click on the images to get a larger one, too.   I'm going to assume you know NOTHING about tatting, and I will go really slowly! I remember how hard it was to understand when I was still learning.  It will seem awkward going through the motions so slowly, but work on it and it will come naturally as you speed up.  So then let's get started!!

Get your S.U.V. (Shuttle Utility Vehicle) ready!