How to Tat a Double Stitch

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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You have to learn the double stitch to do tatting. In fact, it's the only stitch that's required to make tatting. Everything else is embellishment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Wrap the thread over your left hand to form the "ring thread" (see "How to Prepare to Tat," under Related eHows).
Step 2

Hold the thread together (where the circle begins and ends) between your left thumb and forefinger. This is called "the pinch."
Step 3

Unwind about 12 inches of thread from the shuttle to begin to make the first half of the double stitch.
Step 4

Hold the tatting shuttle in your right hand, and extend your ring finger and middle finger.
Step 5

Bring the shuttle thread up and over your extended fingers. Keep the thread that's over your right hand in a relaxed position.
Step 6

Relax the fingers of your left hand, which will allow the ring thread to slightly collapse. Pass the shuttle from right to left under, then over the ring thread (in the working area on the left hand).
Step 7

Bring the shuttle under the relaxed thread loop on your right hand.
Step 8

Pull the shuttle thread taut to the right: With the fingers of your left hand still relaxed and the thread on the right taut, make a quick jerk to the right.
Step 9

Allow the loop of ring thread to transfer into position (to "flip") around the shuttle thread. This forms the first half of the double stitch.

Step 1

Position the first half of the double stitch between the pinch - between your left thumb and forefinger.
Step 2

Hold the shuttle horizontally out to the right, and allow the thread coming from the shuttle to hang slack in front of the ring thread.
Step 3

Hold the ring thread around your left hand in position with your fingers outstretched. Pass the shuttle over the working area of the ring thread, then under the ring thread. Bring the shuttle out toward the right.
Step 4

Relax the extended fingers of your left hand, and pull the shuttle thread taut to the right. This will allow the loop to flip onto the shuttle thread.
Step 5

Raise the middle finger of your left hand, and slide the second half of the double stitch up close to the first half of the double stitch. One double stitch has been completed.
Step 6

Hold this stitch between the pinch.

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