Needle Tatting vs. Shuttle Tatting. . . Is there a difference in the pattern?

Question

Hi. This is a stupid question, I know. I don't tat....but I am printing off many patterns for someone who does. I can't ask them this question, as what I am doing is going to be their Christmas present and I don't want them to know.

I know there are two different methods to tatting: needle and shuttle. Personally I cannot do either and I do not exactly understand these patterns I am printing. What I would like to know is this: is there a difference in the pattern (the way it is written) for the two different methods? If a pattern was written for needle tatting, could someone who shuttle tats understand it and be able to make the same lace? Is it basically just one pattern, and the tatter decides which method to use...or must they only use one or the other (depending on how it is written)?

Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

I know tatters who both needle and shuttle tat and the PATTERNS are not different, it's the technique that is different. One uses a tatting needle somewhat, but not significantly, differently than a shuttle. I have never gotten the hang of using a shuttle (one of my few fiber/needle arts failures), but I can needle tat. The knots and stitches are still the same, the joins are still the same, it is just a difference in the mechanism you use to build them.

Answer 2

My daughter recently dared me to get one of the tatting needles. It is different for sure than shuttle tatting.

I do believe the patterns could be adapted for needle tatting. It would take just a little bit of flat thinking to adjust them.

The main problem I had with the needle tatting is that you are only allowed about 2 yards of thread at a time. With shuttle tatting you fill the bobbin with like about 50 yards and can work for hours without having those nasty little knot joins.

All the pattern notations are the same. And the same lace can be made with either method. I was just disappointed that the workspace on the thread was so limited with the needle tatting.

I got my instructions and patterns from http://www.tatting.about.com and bellaonline tatting site.

Answer 3

I had a look at a needle tatting pattern, now you mentioned it.
Yes, it does make a difference.
The pattern I read mentioned 'thread the needle' which is something that does not exist in shuttle tatting.
Maybe experienced needle tatters can use shuttle patterns, (as they are rather common) but I would not bet they can.

If you are not sure what kind of tatting your friend does, make sure you include basic tatting instructions for both. That way he/she can learn the other way too.

Answer 4

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RE:
Needle Tatting vs. Shuttle Tatting. . . Is there a difference in the pattern?
Hi. This is a stupid question, I know. I don't tat....but I am printing off many patterns for someone who does. I can't ask them this question, as what I am doing is going to be their Christmas present and I don't want them to know.

I know there are two different methods to tatting:...