I remember reading many decades ago that one should not mix media when creating needlework. I happily ignored that stricture. As I have continued my study of tatting, I have found that many other needle workers, especially tatters, have ignored it, too. In the files of the Online Tatting Class (which I have led for 14 years now) there are many examples of tatting mixed with other needlework types.



Tatting has been combined with vintage coronation cord with excellent results.

Vintage coronation cord is known to have come in many colors. Here are a few samples from the collection of Shirley McElderry. Coronation cord has only recently begun to be manufactured again but in limited quantity and only in white. It is a braid or cord made mostly from cotton which is made distinctive by the undulating nature of the thread. It has very thin spots which alternate with thick spots. The thin spots make bending the cord in pleasing patterns quite easy.

I try to rescue vintage tatting whenever I can so I was doubly pleased to discover this piece of tatting with coronation cord. I was greatly surprised to see the colored cord, yellow. I later learned about the many colors once available from Shirley.

Later while studying patterns in the Priscilla Tatting Book #2 1919, on pg. 8 fig. 19, I discovered the original pattern for that piece of rescued lace! (This book is available for free download. The link is listed here: http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/3137.asp) The lace had been intended then to dress up a reticule or drawstring bag. But it would certainly do well today as a jabot or blouse insert.







As a class project we worked out the pattern.

But we had to make our own substitute for the coronation cord at the time. Anne Bruvold of Norway chose to substitute ribbon with fantastic results! It is so striking.

There is an vintage booklet all with coronation cord patterns. There is a lot of inspiration for tatters there. It is available for free download, also. (The link is listed here: http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/3137.asp)

If you would like to try working with coronation cord, here is an excellent and easy example of tatting with coronation cord.



R 3 + 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 rw

R 3 + 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 rw



Bottom Edge

R 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 - 4 - 4 rw

R 3 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 3 rw

R 4 + (join to ring 1) 4 - 1 - 1 - 4 - 4 rw

R 3 + (join to ring 2) 1 - 1 - 1 - 3 rw

R 4 + (join to ring 3) 4 - 1 - 1 - 4 - 4 rw

R 3 + (join to ring 4) 1 - 1 - 1 - 3 rw