Tatting is an ancient lacemaking craft which probably originated in 16th century Poland, and was known as “Poor Man’s Lace”, because it could be done by anyone, while real lacemaking was kept a closely guarded secret by certain lacemaking families.  One theory suggests the art was carried around the world by sailors who passed their time experimenting with knotting techniques similar to those for net-making. 

However, its popularity did not really take off until later, when aristocratic ladies found it to be a great way to display their artistic ability, jeweled tatting shuttles, and the gracefulness of their own hands.  Interest waned with the industrial revolution and the availability of inexpensive machine made laces and edgings.  Unfortunately, we now realize machine made items will never compare to those made by hand.

You may have heard that tatting is difficult to learn, or "A Lost Art". At The Yarn Cottage, Tatting is taught with patience and as an "alive" and "knot lost" Art. Tatting is enjoying a wonderful surge in popularity, thanks to the internet, and it's practicality is certainly KNOT limited to edgings for baby things. It is also a supremely satisfying and highly portable inexpensive craft.

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1. One basic stitch, the double stitch, is the main technique to be mastered.  Soon, you will be off and running.
2. Most designs are based on a combination of rings and chains.  Rings are formed by wrapping a thread around the hand, then, using a thread filled shuttle in the opposite hand, a number of double stitches are formed on that same thread, then it is drawn closed into a circle.  Chains are formed by making the double stitches on a secondary thread.
3. Small loops, called Picots, are placed throughout the tatted piece by simply leaving extra thread between double stitches.
4. Tatting can be done with a Shuttle or with a special needle.  Most patterns are adaptable for either method.
5.  Fine quality Cotton thread is commonly used for Tatting, but any number of different materials can be used after the basic stitches are learned on smooth, high quality thread.