Searching for a retirement hobby that goes with you anywhere? Check out Tatting.
Using a needle or a shuttle Tatting is a form of needlework.
Needlework also includes knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and embroidery.
From sporting events to your local coffee shop, Tatting is a hobby that’s great for people on the go or who enjoy Tatting in the comfort of their homes.
Depending on where you live, Tatting has other names in France; Tatting is called Frivolet and in England, it is called knotting, and in America, it is called Tatting.
You can create beautiful Tatted pieces using a needle or a shuttle, a pattern, and a ball of thread.
A Little History of Tatting
Tatting originated thousands of years ago when fishermen and sailors used large shuttles weaving cords into knots to make and repair fishing nets.
While copying, their method using a miniature shuttle or needle and some thread is how Tatting came about today.
Popular in America during the 1930,1940, and 1950’s Tatting was a way to accent collars on clothing and to make beautiful doilies.
Supplies needed for Tatting
Tatting requires little investment, with your supplies fitting into a small bag.
It might be something to try.
A shuttle or needle, thread, pattern, and pair of scissors are all you need to start your Tatting hobby.
Besides learning the stitches, you must decide which tool you want to use, a shuttle or a needle.
I put both on your supply list; you will ultimately determine what works best.
Some people find it hard to work a shuttle; others find it hard to work with the needle.
Once you decide and have your other supplies, the learning begins.
Remember to learn anything new; practice and be patient with yourself.
How do you learn Tatting?
You can teach yourself Tatting.
You can read a book called Corticelli lessons in Tatting By Nellie Ellison, published in 1916 at
Scrolling through the book, you will see photos and written instructions.
You will also see various abbreviations of stitches commonly used and other designs.
Another way is to search www.youtube.com
looking for videos from beginners to advanced tatting lessons.
You can also check with your local yarn shop and see if they have any classes on Tatting.
Tatted patterns your grandmother used are still in use today.
Isn’t that wonderful to know you could be Tatting the same piece your grandmother Tatted?
What Stitches should you learn?
Tatting is tying knots; when you understand the stitches, you use them repeatedly to create something beautiful.
These are a few stitches and abbreviations
d s. Double or Full stitch
p. Picot
cl Close work
r w Reverse work
ch Chain
This video talks about abbreviations and how to read a pattern.
Tatting – Basic Tatting Pattern Abbreviations in Needle Tatting by RustiKate
What could you make?
When you are Tatting, you could make a collar for a shirt or edging for clothing or jewelry.
Some people make Tatted pillowcases, and others make Tatted handkerchiefs.
You can also make Christmas ornaments, Doilies, and other accessories.
What do you think?
Is this a great pastime, or should we explore it a little more?
Small investment; you can pick up and go with this hobby, but only a little inventory.
Is it the perfect hobby?
Let us know what you think.
This post is dedicated to Gertrude, who shared her talents in Tatting, Knitting, and Sewing with others for 96 years.
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