Tatting

Tatting is a very old technique for handcrafting lace[?]. The instrument that is used is called a shuttle, and shuttles come in various shapes and materials. Tatting was traditionally used to make lace for ladies' dresses as well as doilies and other decorative uses. Because it is extremely time consuming (it can take hours to make only an inch of lace) it is very rarely practised anymore. Tatting was also used to create fishing nets[?], although the shape of the shuttle is different from the typical tatting shuttle, and is still practised for a form of net repair in fishing communities.

Contrary to popular belief, many people around the world still participate in the art of tatting and the craft is experiencing a resurgence in interest around the world.

It is believed that tatting originated as a craft of sailors who would put together motifs for their girlfriends and wives waiting for them.

In modern times, in addition to shuttle tatting, a long, thin needle can be used as an alternative method to form the double-hitch knots used in tatting.

Tatting instructions and patterns can be found all over the web, including some streamlined video instructions