Learning the Art of Tatting

Have you ever wanted to make designs on lace dollies or learn how to do needle tatting? Bet you have no clue where to start, or what a double stitch is; good news it’s the only stitch used in tatting, so you will not have to remember multiple stitches. Well your help is here in the form of a guide. Theses few steps will have you on your way to beautiful stitch work in no time.

First cut a piece of thread to measure 40 inches in length, when you slip the thread through the eye of the needle you will want a 4in/36in split of the thread. Hold the needle with your right hand, with your left hand grasp the longer thread and place it behind the needle holding it with your right index finger. Next grasp the longer thread with your last three fingers of your left hand, the thread that is being held at top with right index finger will now be wrapped over your left index finger in a clockwise motion. Slide the needle toward your bottom fingers, allowing the thread to be on the needle, and then remove with the index finger. The stitch is now on your needle and you will need to hold it in place with your right index finger.

The following is how to complete step 2. First wrap the thread counter clockwise behind your left index finger. Next bend your left index finger, and slide the needle through near your finger nail. To cinch them together you pull the tread down towards the other stitch you are holding with your right index finger.