Tatting - New Season of Needle Tatting Videos

I am so excited to share, that I am working on a new season of needle tatting videos! I have a new studio space, lots of new projects to share, and question from viewers to answer. The first video up, is my RustiKate Intro Video, but MANY OTHER WILL FOLLOW SOON!

Picot Gauge/Spacer - Make Your Own

One of my students made and shared this with me. She wanted a way to make extremely consistent picots, so she cut her card (library card, etc.) into different sized strips. Each then used as a gauge or spacer, for her picots. She tells me that this works great for her, and I hope that if you are looking for a way to practice your picot sizing consistence, that this will work for you too! 

My Students' Beautiful Workmanship (a Photo Album)

I am super proud of the creativity, effort, and skill, of my amazing tatting and arts and crafts students - well done!

Posted by RustiKate on Friday, March 25, 2016

Why is it Special? RustiKate's Tatting Needle

I like to use my own kind of tatting needle, when needle tatting. I prefer a 5” needle with a slightly pointed tip. I find this the best kind of needle, because I like to tat directly onto the edge of fabrics, linens, etc., instead of the traditional way by creating your tatting first and then had sewing it on afterword. Not only does it save time and effort, by tatting directly onto the object that you are wanting to edge (connect tatting to), but it also makes it easier to figure out the tatting dimensions you need to complete your project, because you can adjust your tatting to fit as you go. I simply love this method, and would never want to be without my special needle again. 

I have had people ask me what needle I use, and if they can get one themselves. This is it, and I make them myself. It is equivalent to a sized 5 (standard/mid-range) tatting needle. After having numerous people ask if they can get one, I have decided to make extra and offer them for sale on the RustiKate Esty Shop. If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, please follow the link below, and I hope you will enjoy using it as much as I do!

Happy Tatting ~ Katy :) 

Link: RustiKate Etsy Shop 

Tatting - Best Needle Tatting Tip

Katy's secret "Special Step" in Needle Tatting 

Learn this simple step to make your tatting smoother, flatter, and stronger. Your tatting will lay more beautifully and require less ironing than it ever has before! 

Video Tutorial: 

Tatting - When You Run Out of Thread

     If you run out of thread, double knot where you stop, cut thread about 4” from work, hide thread ends in work, and snip off excess. 

Then simply rethread needle as before. Attach thread were you left off, by inserting needle where you wish to start, bring it up, and make a simple knot at the base of the work, leaving roughly 12” of free thread between the flush knot and the thread on the needle. Then place your needle against your previous work and begin to tat. 

When you run out of thread on your needle, before your project is completed, you need to add more thread. Learn how to tie off, hide thread ends, and add more thread easily, in needle tatting. Katy will show you how, step by step! 

Tatting - Knot

A basic knot should be placed at the end of each chain (Ch. and ring (R.) as it is completed, to secure it and maintain proper shape. At the completion of a project (or if you run out of thread), double knot where you stop, cut thread about 4” from work, hide thread ends in work, and snip off excess. 

Tatting - Close (cl.)

This refers to the forming of a ring (R.). Closing (cl.) is the removal of a ring’s stitches from the needle and the passing of the needle through the loop at the end of the thread’s tail. Tension is then put on the thread until the ring takes its proper shape. 

Tatting - Picot(p) and Double Stitch(ds)

Picot, the space that is left between double stitches, to form a loop. It is helpful to remember that a ds. (double stitch) is always counted as a stitch, even when it appears to be part of a picot.

Tatting - Reverse Work (RW.) in Needle Tatting

When starting a ring (R.), it should point towards the left (think of a wedding “ring” on the “left” hand). When starting a chain (Ch.), it should point towards the right. 

If directions state Not to Reveres Work (NRw.), or does not designate either Rw. or NRw., after a ring or chain, then do not reverse work.  Reversing work determines the way your tatting will lay, and the direction in which the work will go, so refer back to the project photo often, as a guide; especially on vintage patterns, as they may not always indicate this step in their directions. 

Learn how to reverse your work (RW.) in needle tatting, with ease. Katy will show you how, step by step!