Tatting Shuttles

There are many kinds of shuttles. I have a collection that contains several different types. Shuttles come in various materials-metals such as steel, brass, chrome, silver; plastics including earlier plastics such as celluloid; and other natural materials such as wood, bone, horn, and shell.

I started out with a metal shuttle, because that's all I could find at my craft store.   I think it is OK to learn with a metal one, because it is easy to wind, and the hook is easier to use.   (The bad thing about my metal shuttle is that hook always catches on my thread and frays it.)   Maybe the larger size makes it easier to grasp while you are learning, too.

After I got the hang of tatting, I tried a plastic shuttle, and I liked the smaller size.  It just takes a little practice using the tip for joins, after being used to a full hook.

They can come with a spike or hook on one end for making joins, or without. Those without a hook can have tips that are pointed or rounded. For an open-ended, bobbinless shuttle, the tips should be tight (touching), unless a large gauge thread or wire is being used, and then sometimes the tips are open a bit.
The thread is wound around the core of the shuttle, or on a removable bobbin.

Flat Shuttle

The flat styles of shuttles, the "Lady Hoare" for example, are more like a knitting or weaving bobbin, with the thread wrapped around the outside of the shuttle.

Lady Hoare Style