Beetons Book of Needlework | Page 2

of the different portions which constituted the
pattern, and then these portions had to be sewn together with a needle
and thread. The ingenious workers on the Continent have also given
much attention of late to the art of tatting, and our instructions now
printed comprise what we consider the best mode of learning and doing
this exceedingly interesting and fashionable work.
[Illustration: Tatting Pin.]
Tatting differs entirely from crochet, and is composed of stitches

forming knots. It is intended as an imitation of point lace, and is
especially used for trimming under-linen, on account of its strength.
To make the stitches or knots a small instrument is used, called a
shuttle. This shuttle consists of two oval pieces, flat on one side and
convex on the other, and is made of wood or ivory.
The two oval pieces are joined together by a strong cross-piece. The
illustration shows the construction of the shuttle. These shuttles are
made in ivory, pearl, tortoiseshell inlaid with pearl, and silver; they are
also manufactured in coloured bone, black, red, and white. The best to
work with are the pearl for a white shuttle, and the inlaid tortoiseshell
for a black shuttle; the prices vary from sixpence to one shilling and
two-and-sixpence each. In selecting a shuttle be careful to see that the
ends close, as if dropped it soon becomes unthreaded, which is very
inconvenient. The cotton intended for the work is wound round this
shuttle, and the thickness of the cotton varies according to the style of
work. It is better to use the proper tatting cotton, because it is stronger
than the ordinary kinds; this is manufactured by Messrs. Walter Evans
and Co. for the purpose. Their Boar's Head Cotton is also frequently
used, and answers very well.
_Shuttles._
These are made in 3 sizes:--Finest, No. 1; No. 2, useful medium size;
No. 3, the largest.
_The Way to Hold the Hands._
Take the shuttle in the right hand, between the thumb and second finger,
and allow the forefinger to remain at liberty, and rest the under part of
the shuttle between the second and third and on the middle finger. Place
the thread round the three middle fingers of the left hand, so as to form
a loop, keeping the second and third fingers a little apart, and bring the
cotton again between the thumb and forefinger, letting the end fall
within the palm of the hand, while the end of cotton which holds on to
the shuttle passes over the thumb-nail.
_To Make a Stitch._
Keep the hands in the position above described; pass the shuttle at the
back, through the loop--that is, between the second and third fingers.
Take the end of the shuttle which comes out from the loop between the
forefinger and thumb of the right hand, and strain the cotton very
tightly towards the right. When the cotton is drawn through the loop,

this cotton must not be impeded by the fourth finger; it should, on the
contrary, slide over it, and be drawn tight. It should divide the loop into
two parts. After this withdraw the second left-hand finger, which is
above the cotton, and pass it again under that cotton, so as to draw up
the loop. A _half-stitch_ is thus formed, and must be tightened by being
drawn closely to the forefinger and thumb of the left hand. For the
remaining half of the stitch keep the hands in the same position, but,
instead of letting the cotton fall over the thumb, pass this cotton over
the back of the hand; then let the shuttle fall between the second and
third fingers of the left hand, in front, and take it out again at the back,
strain the cotton very tightly, withdraw the second finger from the loop,
letting the cotton which is behind the hand sweep over the fingers.
When this is done, guide with the unoccupied fingers of the left hand
this second half-stitch up to the other, thus completing one stitch.
_The Way to Make a Loop in Tatting._
When a certain number of stitches are made, very tightly draw in the
loop by straining the cotton until the first stitch touches the last, and
thus a loop is formed. During this process the stitches should be held
tightly between the forefinger and thumb.
_The Way to Make a Purl._
A purl is a small loop of cotton often used as an edging in tatting, as,
for instance, round the outer edge of the ovals in tatted insertion No. 2.
The following is the easiest method of making a purl:--The stitches are
not made quite closely together at the place where a purl is to be made;
about one-sixth of an inch is left between each. This space is left free