Tangled Thread - Needle Tatting - How to Prevent Tangled Thread

Tangled thread is all too familiar of a sight... 

...How can we "STOP" tangled thread? So many people struggle with the frustration of tangled thread in needle tatting. It is one of the top reasons that beginner tatters give up on tatting. I know I struggled with it at first. Over the years I have found that there are two main reasons for thread tangling. But there are a few basic things you can do to cut down on, and possibly remove all together, this problem. I made a short video (link below), to talk about this issue. Check it out, and see if it is helpful. I hope it will be! 

This video will give you tips on how to stop and prevent tangled threads in needle tatting. Katy talks about the main causes for tangled thread and what you can do about it. 

Tatted Medallion (Full Project Tutorial!) - Needle Tatting

I love this quick and easy tatted medallion. Great for beginner tatters and experts alike. Very versatile, with endless uses. Let your imagination run wild, and your creativity guide you. 

For a few of the medallions that I made, I  hand sewed them on to headbands, for a fun and casually cute look (see photos below). 

For full project tutorial please watch the video below. 

And remember, if at any point this video is moving too fast for you, and you would like to take it slower, and get a better look at what I just did or follow along, YouTube has a video speed adjuster/slow motion setting, that is great to make use of.

Happy Tatting!

~ Katy :)

Instructional Video: 

Wedding Dress - Dress it up With Tatting!

This upcycle wedding/white dress, is dressed up even more by the subtle embellishment of tatting, pearls, and vintage jewelry. I love working tatting into every project possible. Even the most subtle tatted touches, can be fabulous!

Style: 1950's style halter top

Brand: Handmade/upcycled

Color: White

Size: S

Skirt length: 20" (just above the knee)

Material: Cotton fabric, zipper, cotton tatting thread, vintage pearls/jewelry,thread, glue

This dress is also convertible. The tatted lace, vintage jewelry and pearl medallion/broach, was constructed to be easily added or removed, for a customizable look. I love being able to upcycle items like this, it is truly "echo chic" = environmentally friendly! 

Dress is available for a limited time on Etsy.com "Click Here" to see listing

PHOTOS: 

    

      

   

 

                 

Two Colors of Thread - Needle Tatting

Overwhelmingly, the question I have been asked the most in the last several month is, "How do I needle tat with two different colors of thread?" Here is a tutorial/how-to video on just that. I hope that you will find it helpful!

Yes, there are other methods, I find that this one is most convenient for me, and I use it most frequently, so I am starting with this method as the first tutorial on this subject. I will share more information about other methods in the future and/or upon request.

And remember, if at any point this video is moving too fast for you, and you would like to take it slower, and get a better look at what I just did or follow along, YouTube has a video speed adjuster/slow motion setting, that is great to make use of.

Happy Tatting!

~ Katy :)

P.S. I would love to see your creations and projects! You can share them with me on the RustiKate Facebook Page. 

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!