How to Read Tatting Abbreviations

Here's the key to reading the abbreviations used in a tatting pattern.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embroidery Scissors
• Tatting Needles
• Tatting Shuttles
• Tatting Thread
• Beeswax
• Bobbins
• Crochet Hooks
• Fabric Stiffeners
• Sewing Needles
• Tapestry Needles
• Threads
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Recognize the basics: r(s) = ring(s); ch(s) = chain(s); p(s) = picot(s). Picots can be: sm p = small picot; lg p = large picot; or designated by just a - (dash) = picot.

2. Learn the verbs: j = join; cl = close; lp = loop; rw = reverse work; sp = leave a space; and sep = separated.

3. Move on: jk = Josephine Knot; sr = split ring; and ds = double stitch. A number before ds will tell you how many double stitches to make.

4. Use shuttle one with s1; shuttle two with s2.

5. Identify individual rings or chains by the alphabetical letters, A, B, C and so on.

6. Know that beg = beginning; prev = previous; * = repeat instructions after an asterisk for a specified number of times; ( ) = repeat instructions between parentheses for a specified number of times; and . (a period) = close the ring or the end of the chain.

7. Use the continuous thread method when you see ctm.

Tips & Warnings

• "Reverse work" is to turn the work upside down. "Turn work" is to turn the work side to side, like turning a page in a book. In most old patterns, you'll see "Turn," and they meant rw.