Tatting Plus Crochet

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 crochet with excellent results.

example from the files of the Online Tatting Class Jeanne Zukowski

Here Jeanne Zukowski, USA, prepared a sample of bruges crochet braid for us to study.

To this bruges style crocheted braid she later added a simple pattern of alternating rings and chain on both sides of the bruges braid and formed it into a round motif.

example from the files of the Online Tatting Class Jane Moody
For our study Jane Moody, a published designer from Illinois, created this round motif with a tatted center of outward facing rings surrounded by a ring and chain repeat. Then she encircled the entire tatted motif with bruges braid.

example from the files of the Online Tatting Class

There also exists a method called crochet tatting or crotat, in which a bullion hook (a hook whose shaft is the same diameter from hook to handle) is used and thread wrapped onto the hook. The hook is also used to make the join into a ring. In earlier times, the chain between rings was simply crocheted, usually slipstitch, but it is possible today to create a chain with the tatted look. View the work of Mary Marcontell.
example from the files of the Online Tatting Class

An Irish crochet clones knot was introduced to the class by Mindy Araji from New Zealand. She crocheted the clones knot for the center and then surrounded it with tatting.

example from the files of the Online Tatting Class

Another combination of tatting and crochet is the "over crocheted" picot. In this photo of a commercial tablecloth, the common practice of industrial tatters in mainland China over crocheting the picots is featured.

example from the files of the Online Tatting Class

The potential for enhancing tatted flowers by over crocheting the picots was introduced to the class by master tatter and designer from Germany, Helma Siepman.

The possibilities are endless. Experiment!

	Georgia Seitz BellaOnline's Tatting Editor