Most of you have read my articles on various subject matters involving frugal tatting. I’ve written about using a cord threader for waistbands, doll needles and even a piece of wood to wrap your thread around and using it for a shuttle. Well, I’ve found yet another tool for needle tatting. I can’t say as though I came up with this idea but it came to me while I was in the upholstery department last week. Actually, I was looking at some I & O hooks and some rubber plugs for the middle of a CD (I had great plans for making my own drop spindle-the instructions can be found on the internet by doing a search for ‘spindles’). I was looking over the isle, deciding that everything there was too big, when I came upon the gigantic upholstery needles. The instant that I saw this I instantly thought of the size #8, #5 and #3 cotton thread used for various crafts.

WOW! Can you imagine a giant doily made up out of this? And just imagine how fast it will work up. Also, this would be a great size to give to young tatters to work with. Or, the huge size would make it perfect for demonstrating to a group of people. With the large needle and thread, you could have a large group and everybody will be able to see what you’re doing.

There’s just one little bit of an adjustment that you need to do with your needle. When it’s purchased, as an upholstery needle, it’s manufactured with a very sharp point. Of course, this needs to be ground down. Since the diameter of this needle is of quite a size, I don’t recommend attempting to do it with a piece of sandpaper; as I’ve recommended with the doll making needles. I’d suggest taking these needles to a professional knife/scissors sharpener and let them put the needle to their grinder wheel. This will be a lot faster and safer. Make sure to tell them that you want it to be ground down just past where the needle begins to taper. And, ask them if they could gently round the tip for you.

What other items might you make with this larger needle? Here’s where I highly recommend that tablecloth or bedspread where you can display your talents for Sunday or overnight guests to enjoy. If you plan to make a tablecloth, be sure to got o your craft store and purchase some heavy, clear plastic to put over and protect it. An alternative to the heavy plastic would be to purchase a thick, clear shower curtain. Just trim the end with the holes and size and shape to fit your table.

I’m so glad that I was able to share this new inexpensive tatting tool with you, my valued readers. Enjoy! Keep tatting and may all of your ideas be crafty ones.