Read an Excerpt
Tatting Patterns and Designs
By Gun Blomqvist, Elwy Persson Dover Publications, Inc.
Copyright © 1967 for Frivoliteter, by Gun Blomquist and Elwy Persson.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-13992-0
CHAPTER 1
Tools & Materials
The most important tool for tatting is a shuttle. A shuttle should be about 7cm. (2in.) long and 2cm. (3/4 in.) wide, and made of celluloid, bone, tortoise shell, or plastic. It is made up of two tapering discs held together by a middle section called a bobbin. The tips of the discs should touch at both ends to keep the thread from getting loose unintentionally. There is a hole in the middle of the bobbin for threading the yarn. The yarn is pushed through the hole, wound round the bobbin of the shuttle until it reaches the outer edge. Make sure the shuttle is not too full, or the yarn will tend to get dirty and be harder to work with.
It is a good idea to have more than one shuttle on hand so that you can try out several patterns at the same time.
In more advanced work requiring two shuttles, it is helpful if the shuttles are different in colour as the two seperate yarns can then be easily distinguished. You will get the best results if you use an even, fine yarn, one with neither too loose nor too tight a twist. This kind of yarn is easy to work with.
D.M.C. Cordonnet Special is very good and is available in many different thicknesses and colours. The gauge numbers given in the instructions can, of course, be varied for coarser or finer yarns, as required. When considering what thickness the yarn should be, take into account the size of the finished article and the intricacy of the motif. As a general rule thicker yarns will suit bigger motifs, smaller yarns more delicate patterns.
We have tried out various other materials, such as window blind cord, fishing net twine, and rug warp, in an effort to produce a coarse, rustic effect, but these have proved uncomfortable to handle and difficult to work with. After all, the most delightful quality of tatting is its delicacy!
CHAPTER 2
Techniques
Tatting consists of stitches and picots. The most common stitch is the 'double stitch'. Picots are loops made by leaving a distance between double stitches, and it is important for both practical as well as aesthetic reasons that these be even. For this reason it is important to learn how to handle the shuttle evenly, without any jerking movements.
Joining Rings
When the required number of rings have been made, lift the work round your thumb. Join in the required picot. Both threads must be on the underside of the work.
Joining Threads
Make a weaver's knot (see Fig. 2–8). The join can be made either between two rings or onto the thread which is round the hand. The join should be positioned so that it is hidden by the stitches.
Second Thread from Ball
Make the double stitch of the first ring as usual, tucking in the end and letting it follow the shuttle thread a short distance. When the ring has been completed, make the chain, which requires a second thread, by reversing the work under the ring and round the hand. Proceed as for the first ring. When the chain has been completed, bring the double stitches together, reverse the work, make the next ring and join it to the first.
Two Shuttles
The second thread must be on a shuttle when parts of the chain do not face in the opposite direction to the ring. Two shuttles must also be used for working designs.
Definition of Terms
Inner ring — the middle portion of the work.
Ring – the section of the pattern which is always tightened so that a separate unit is formed.
Chain – a section of the pattern where the beginning and end are connected.
Josephine knot – a section of the pattern consisting of half stitches. The beginning and end do not quite join.
Half stitch – the first half of a double stitch.
Picot – a loop between double stitches.
A middle ring consisting, for instance, of 2 × 12, will theoretically contain only eleven picots, but actually it must have twelve. The twelfth one is worked by tying the two ends together to form a picot.
Nature as a Model
When you have mastered the technique, you will want to create your own patterns. Nature is full of things to inspire the tatter, such as seed capsules, leaves, flowers, dry twigs, mosses, and any number of things. See if the pictures on pages 20, 31, 52, 73 and 88 can't suggest something to you.
CHAPTER 3
Edgings & Insertions
Gullan
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 80
Size: 0.7 cm. (1/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, + = joining, — = picot.
Number of shuttles: One
R5 — 5 — 5 — 5. R5 + 5 — 5 — 5.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Inga
Purpose: Edging
Yarn. D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 2 cm. (7/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, + = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One
R5 — 5 — 5 — 5. R6 — 6. R5+5 — 5 — 5. R6+4 — 2 — 2 — 4 — 6.
R5+5 — 5 — 5. R6+6.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Ulla
Purpose: Edging or insertion
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 1.4 cm. (5/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, × = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
R5 — 5 — 5 — 5. C5 — 5. R5+5 — 5 — 5. C5 — 5. R5+5 — 5 — 5.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Astrid
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. 30
Size: 3 cm. (1 3/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
R5 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5. R5+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5.
R 5 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5. C5 — 5 — 3 — 3 — 5 — 5+. C5 — 5.
R5+5 — 5. C5. R5 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5.
R5+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5. R5+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5. C5.
R5+5 — 5. C5+5+. C5+5 — 3 — 3 — 5 — 5.
Fia
Purpose: Insertion
Yarn: D.M.C. No.20
Size: 2 cm. (3/4 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One
Row 1: R5 — 5 — 5 — 5. C7. R5+5 — 5 — 5. C7.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Row 2: R 5 — 5 + 5 — 5. C7. R5+5+5 — 5. C7.
Ingeborg
Purpose: Edging or insertion
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 1 cm. (3/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, C = chain, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread.
C2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2. Reverse work.
C2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2.
Join to the picot first made.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Martha
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 1.5 cm. (5/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C= chain, + = joining, 2 × 6=2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
Row 1 : R6 — 5 — 1. R 1 + 5 — 5 — 1. R 1 + 5 — 6. C16. R6+5 — 1.
R 1 + 5 — 5 — 1. R 1 + 5 — 6. C16.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Row 2 : + C 2 — 4 — 2 × 7 — 4 — 2 + 4. C2+4 — 2 × 7 — 4 — 2+.
Carla
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 2 cm. (7/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
Row 1: R 4 — 4 — 4 — 4. C5 — 5. R4 + 6 — 6 — 4. C5 — 5.
R 4 + 4 — 4 — 4. C5 — 5. R 4 + 6 — 6 — 4.
Repeat until the lace is the required length.
Row 2: + C 2 — 9 — 9 — 2 +. C2+9 — 9 — 2+.
Boel
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 4 cm. (1 5/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, 3 × 7 = 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
Motif 1: Three-leaved clover: R5 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5.
R5+2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5. R5+2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5. C5 — 2 — 2 — 5.
R5 + 4 — 4 — 4 — 4 — 5. C8.
Three-leaved clover: R5 + 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5. R5+2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5.
R5+2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5. C8. R5+4 — 4 — 4 — 4 — 5.
C5+2+2+5.
Three-leaved clover: R5 — 2 — 2 + 2 — 2 — 5. R5 + 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5.
R5+2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 5. C 5 — 3 × 7 — 5 +. C 5 — 3 × 7 — 5.
Motif 2 and all subsequent motifs: Same as motif 1 except that the chains in the upper edge are joined, as the illustration shows.
Selma
Purpose: Insertion
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 4.5 cm. (1 3/4 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, Hs = half stitch, 2 × 6 = 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
Row 1: R3 × 12. C2 × 6. R5 — 5. C2 × 6. R5 — 5. C2 × 6.
R3 × 12.
Row 2:8 Hs. 8 Hs. R5 + 5. R5 — 5. 8Hs. 8Hs.
R 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3.
R3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3. R3 × 12. R3 × 12.
8 Hs. 8 Hs. R5+5. R5 — 5. 8 Hs. 8 Hs.
R 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3. R 3 × 12. R 3 × 12.
Row 3: Same as row 1 but joined, as the illustration shows.
Annette
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No.40
Size: 3.5 cm. (1 3/8 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, 3 × 8 = 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3, — = picot
Number of shuttles: Two
Shuttle 1: R 3 × 10.
Shuttle 2: R 3 × 12. C3 + 3 × 9 +.
Shuttle 1: R3 + 3 × 7.
Shuttle 2: C3 + 3 × 9 +.
Shuttle 1: R3 + 3 × 9. C7+7 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 7 — 7.
Margareta
Purpose: Edging
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 5 cm. (2 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number= number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, — = picot
Number of shuttles: Two
Row 1: Shuttle 1:R5 — 5 — 5 — 5. R5 + 5 — 2 — 5 — 5. R5 + 5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 2 : C10. R5 — 5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 1:R5 + 5 — 5 — 5. C5. R5+5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 2 R 5 + 5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 1: C10.
Shuttle 2 R 5 + 3 — 2 — 3 — 5. R 5 + 3 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 3 — 5.
R5+3 — 2 — 3 — 5.
Shuttle 1 : C10. R5 — 5+5 — 5.
Shuttle 2 R 5 + 5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 1: C5. R5+5 — 5 — 5.
Shuttle 2 R 5 + 5 — 5 — 5. C10. Repeat Row 1.
Row 2: Attach thread to bottom ring.
+C1 — 1+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 5.
R5 — 5+5 — 5. C5. R5 — 5+5 — 5. C5. R5 — 5+5 — 5.
C5+3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3+1 — 1+.
Svea
Purpose: Edging. Can also be used for collar
Yarn: D.M.C. No 30
Size: 5 cm. (2 in.) wide
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, R = ring, C = chain, 2 × 6 = 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 2, — = picot
Number of shuttles: One, and second thread
Motif 1 : R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. C6 — 6. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3.
C6 — 6. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. C6 — 6. R4 — 4 — 4. C6.
R 4 + 4 — 4 — 4. R 4 + 2 × 6 — 4. R4+4 — 4 — 4. C6. R 4 — 4 — 4.
C6+6. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. C6+6. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. C6+6.
R3 — 3+3 — 3. R3 — 3 — 3 — 3. C6 — 6.
Motif 2 and all subsequent motifs: The same as 1.
CHAPTER 4
Stars
Mounting a mobile requires four brass wires, 17, 13, 11 and 9 cm. (6 3/4, 5 1/4, 4 3/8, and 3 1/2 in.) long, respectively. The length of the yarn to link the wires has to be worked out so that the motifs hang freely and balance correctly.
Purpose: For mobile, table-cloth or handkerchief insertions
Yarn: D.M.C. No. 30
Size: 6.5 cm. (2 5/8 in.), 5 cm. (2 in.), 4 cm. (1 5/8 in.), 35 cm. (1 3/8 in.), 2 cm. (3/4 in.)
Abbreviations: Number = number of double stitches between the picots, Ir = inner ring, R = ring, C = chain, + = joining, + — = joining and picot, 3 × 4 = 3 — 3 — 3 — 3, — = picot
Star No. 1. Two Shuttles
Row 1: Shuttle 1: R 4 — 4 — 5 — 5. C 6 + — 6. Repeat 5 times.
Row 2 : C8 + (shuttle 2 : R6 — 6)8 + — 8 + (shuttle 2 : R6 — 6)8 +.
Row 3:C6 — 6 — 6 — 6 — 6 — 6 — 6+. C6 + 6 — 6 — 6 — 6 — 6 — 6.
Row 4:C + 6 + — 8 + — 8 + — 8 + — 6 +.
Row 5 : C6 + (shuttle 2 : R 6 — 6) 10 + (shuttle 2: R 6 — 6) 10 + (shuttle 2:
R 6 — 6) 10 + (shuttle 2: R 6 — 6) 6 +.
Star No. 2. One Shuttle and Second Thread
Ir: 5 × 5. Tie ends for fifth picot and cut.
R2 — 2 — 2+2 — 2 — 2. C5. R2 × 11. C3 × 4. R4 + 4. C3 × 6.
R4 + 4. C3 × 4 + 5. C5.
Repeat 5 times.
Star No. 3. Two Shuttles
Shuttle 1:R5 — 5 — 5 — 5 (middle).
Shuttle 2:R5 — 10 — 5.
Shuttle 1: C11.
Shuttle 2:R6 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 6. R 6 + 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 3 — 6.
R6+3 — 3 — 3 — 6.
Shuttle 1: C11.
Repeat 4 times.
Star No. 4. One Shuttle and Second Thread
R6 — 6. C3 × 7. R6 + 6. C3 × 5. R6 + 6. C3 × 5. R6 + 6.
C3 × 5+. C3 × 4. R6+6. C3 × 4. R6+6. C3 × 4. R6+6.
C3 × 4. R6+6. C3 × 4. R6 + 6. C3 × 4. R6 + 6. C3 × 4.
Star No. 5. Tie Shuttle and Second Threads Together.
C3 × 7. R3 × 12. R3 + 3 × 11. C3 + 3 × 6.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Tatting Patterns and Designs by Gun Blomqvist, Elwy Persson. Copyright © 1967 for Frivoliteter, by Gun Blomquist and Elwy Persson.. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.