How to Load a Tatting Shuttle

Lace doilies are a favorite among tatters.

Tatting is a form of needlework that is almost a lost art. Used since at least the 19th century, the process incorporates knots to create a durable lace for doilies, collars and sleeve cuffs. Tatting, much like macramé, uses a series of knots to tie the thread into lace patterns. A tatting shuttle is made of metal, ivory or wood, but all are loaded in the same way.

Things You'll Need

• Ball of crochet thread

Instructions

1. Remove the bobbin from the shuttle if your model allows this. Tatting shuttles without removable bobbins have tiny openings at each end of the shuttle that allow you to wind the tread around the center of the shuttle.

2. Insert one end of the crochet thread into the center of the bobbin.

3. Feed the thread though the hole in the center stem of the bobbin. Tie the thread with a square knot securely against the center stem.

4. Wind the bobbin with thread until the thread reaches the outside lip of the bobbin base.

5. Place the bobbin back into the shuttle if it is the removable type. For non-removable bobbins, you do not need to do anything more. The shuttle is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• The finer crochet thread you use, the more delicate the lace you make will be. Lace is made by slipping the tatting shuttle in between threads and creating knots. No equipment other than the tatting shuttle is needed to make lace.

References

• CraftTown: Free Tatting Lessons
• Absolute Astronomy: Tatting