Tatting

[1] Tatting can be used to make lace edging as well as doilies, collars, accessories such as earrings, necklaces, waist beads, and other decorative pieces.

[citation needed] The result is similar to shuttle tatting but is slightly thicker and looser.

[citation needed] The second technique more closely approximates shuttle tatting because a single thread passes through the stitches.

As well, Florence Hartley refers in The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work (1859) to the use of the tatting needle, so it must have originated prior to the mid-1800s.

In modern patterns, beginning in the early 20th century, the rings are tatted and the arches or chains are crocheted.

[citation needed] The mercerization process strengthened cotton threads and spread their use in tatting.

The following examples describe the same small piece of tatting (the first ring in the Hen and Chicks pattern) Some tatters prefer a visual pattern where the design is drawn schematically with annotations indicating the number of double stitches and order of construction.

[7] Modern tatting pattern books sometimes include jewelry items that can be adorned with beads.

[8][9] Tatting may have developed from netting and decorative ropework as sailors and fishermen would put together motifs for girlfriends and wives at home.

[10] Some believe tatting originated over 200 years ago, often citing shuttles seen in 18th-century paintings of women such as Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Princess Marie Adélaïde of France, and Anne, Countess of Albemarle.

[11] However, recent research by Cary Karp demonstrates some potential connections between the two fiber arts.

When fashion included feminine touches such as lace collars and cuffs, and inexpensive yet nice baby shower gifts were needed, this creative art flourished.

[citation needed] Tatting has been used in occupational therapy to keep convalescent patients' hands and minds active during recovery, as documented, for example, in Betty MacDonald's The Plague & I.

[citation needed] Workshops and competitions in tatting continue to be available from lace guilds and organizations.