Tatting

I am a beginner needle tatter. I would eventually like to learn shuttle tatting. Here are the links to information I have found helpful or inspirational in learning tatting. 

Youtube

• Needle: stitch | chain | rings | ends | split rings and Josephine chain
• Shuttle: ds |

Sites

• InTatters: a popular tatting forum 
• Pintrest Board: Needle Tatting Patterns and Tutorials
• Antique Pattern Library: many old books have brilliant patterns that with today's thread selection look stunning. These are full pdf scans of old books available free.

Blogs

• TotusMel
• The Tatting Player (great for incorporating beads)
• Yarn Player Tats (many awesome tutorials and free patterns)
• Tat-a-Renda
• Tatting Homework
• Tatted Treasures

Free Patterns

• by TotusMel: I love her style. She has a few fabulous instructional videos as well on her youtube channel. Her Etsy and blog has lots eye candy and brilliant inspiration.
• Tatted Mask
• Tatted Barefoot Sandals
• Tatted Lace Corsage Bracelet
• Needle Tatted Chainmaille
   
•  by Penolopy Bulnick
• Tatted Snowflake
• Tatted Square Border Bracelet
   
• Tatted Lace Panties by agasunset
• Tortoise Earrings by Brenda Bonilla

Other

• Spicing up your Shuttles: Decoromana and Lace Lovin’ Librarian

Notes and More

Needle Sizes

• Thread
• #8 Extra Fine [Thread size 80, 70, 60, 50]
• #7 Fine [Crochet Cotton 50, 40, 30, 20 and Pearl Cotton 12, 8]
• #5-0 [Crochet Cotton 20, 10 and Pearl Cotton 5]
• #3-0 [Crochet Cotton 10, 5, Pearl Cotton 5, 3, Finer Sport and Baby Weight Yarn]
• Yarn
• #2-0
• #1-0
• #0-0

Abbreviations

R or r = Ring
SpR = Split Ring
SR = Small Ring
LR = Large Ring
CR = Center Ring
Ch or ch = Chain
ds = Double Stitch
p or (-) = Picot
j or (+) = Join
att = Attach
cl = Close
Rw = Reverse Work
NRw = Do Not Reverse Work
Rp = Repeat
* and ** = indicates repeat range
MT = Marker Thread
B = Bead
SCMR = Self Closing Mock Ring (for tatting through a ring appearing "around" a bead)


Tips and Tricks

• If you are testing if you like shuttle tatting or don't have access to a shuttle, you can use cardboard with thread wrapped around it.
• If you wish to tat while flying, needles aren't allowed. Give shuttle tatting a try.
• If you have problems figuring which side is the front and which is the back, these pictures are so clear.