In this Taixtile podcast episode, we delve into the world of historical shuttle tatting! We provide you with an introduction to the technique itself and explore its historical background. Additionally, we showcase our current and past projects and present some books that we have been using or that seem relevant to us. As a special treat, we have a guest appearance by Lea – also known as @miraziecosplay - a cosplayer from Denmark, who has used and incorporated the tatting technique in a lot of her projects. Enjoy!
In this Taixtile podcast episode, we delve into the world of historical shuttle tatting! We provide you with an introduction to the technique itself and explore its historical background. Additionally, we showcase our current and past projects and present some books that we have been using or that seem relevant to us.
As a special treat, we have a guest appearance by Lea – also known as @miraziecosplay – a cosplayer from Denmark, who has used and incorporated the tatting technique in a lot of her projects.
Enjoy!
Introduction
Shuttle tatting is a lacemaking technique that involves a small shuttle, typically made of metal or plastic, to form loops and knots with thread. The shuttle is passed through the loops to create a series of interconnected chains. The size of these chains, the use of picots and the number of knots define the lace pattern.
In this episode, we talk about the rise of shuttle tatting in the 18th and 19th centuries, explore the various projects that can be created using this technique, and discuss how tatted lace was combined with other lace techniques.
For further reading, we have also created some blog posts about the origins of tatting and about making a tatted yoke for historical undergarments. Feel free to check them out if you’re interested!
Work in Progress
Clara is completely new to shuttle tatting and has only created a few basic lace designs so far.
The first one consists of only a small number of knots with picots. She intends to use this design as an edging for a neckline or sleeve cuffs.
The other pattern is based on the book “Priscilla Tatting Book No. 2” from 1915.
Despite closely following the instructions, Clara’s tatted lace turned out differently from the one pictured in the book. Even after making a few adjustments, the lace still doesn’t quite match the intended look. It’s a project she plans to tackle in the future.
From the Archives
Nany presents you a few tatted lace borders, that she has created over the last few years. She experimented with different threads in various thicknesses as well as with different patterns. They’re beautiful to look at, yet she’s still unsure what to do with them and what to use them for.
One finished object that involves tatting is a corset cover. The lace design was taken from the “Pricilla Yoke Book – Crochet & Tatting” from 1916.
More information can be found on this blog post.
On the Bookshelf
The publication “Schiffchen-Arbeiten (Frivolitäten)“ (1910), edited by Emmy Liebert, is a book that offers a series of instructions and designs for various uses. Nany is particularly inspired by a tatted apron that she would like to create in black thread.
The book “Filet – Handarbeitstechnik Band 4” is covering different filet lace techniques, like netting, Armenian lace, Palestine lace but also Tatting lace. While we didn’t use this book for learning tatting, it’s still a precious book in our collection of lacemaking techniques.
The “Encyclopedia of Needlework” is a handbook written by Thérèse de Dillmont in 1893. We’ve already presented this book in our third podcast episode about bobbin lacemaking.
This book gives, amongst other things, an overview about the technique of tatting as well as instructions about working special tatted lace designs.
Within this episode we marvel about a few of those lace edgings. One day, we’ll have to try out some of those!
Creators of the World
Photo credits: @kelevarphotography
Photo credits: @lacosplay
We’d like to present you Lea aka Mirazie Cosplay, a cosplayer from Denmark. Lace tatting has been a family tradition which is one of the reasons she wanted to learn this technique. Slowly, while also developing her many skills in the making of cosplays, she created tatted lace pieces, that she integrated into her cosplay designs. Some examples are the Howl cosplay from the Studio Ghibli movie “Howl’s Moving Castle” as well as Disney’s “Snow White” (see below). Her attention to detail is amazing!
We’re very happy that Lea is part of this Podcast! Thanks for joining us!
Do have a look at her Instagram account if you want to see more of her work!
Photo credits: @miraziecosplay