Shuttle: an oval shaped object used in tatting.

It’s a simple enough explanation; yet, it is so lacking in correctly describing what a tatting shuttle is and does. More importantly, when does one chose one shuttle over another. They all do the same thing-tat. So, what difference does it make. Just pick up the nearest shuttle and get busy, right? There are many who would beg to differ with you.

With the vast producers of shuttles and the vast monies going to purchasing various types of shuttles, one must acknowledge these sales as some degree of proof that there are preferences for each type of shuttle which is made and sold. The most common shuttle, being the plastic two piece shuttle which is pressed together and dubbed the ‘clicker’ type of shuttle; due to the clicking noise made when winding the thread around the built-in bobbin. The plastic shuttles are the least expensive to produce and therefore, easier to replace; for those who have limited income.

I wish to describe and discuss just a few types of shuttles. The first shuttle shape may be plastic, ivory, metal or even bone. This type of shuttle is basically oval shaped and slightly pointed on each end. But, there’s no long point (which is used to hook the thread in joins). These shuttles; I do not recommend to the newer tatters. Since these shuttles do not have a long point or hook which is used in the joins, a separate hook, of some sort, is needed to accomplish this. One would either need to put down the shuttle, take the hook in hand to complete the join, then put down the hook and take back up the shuttle. The once-popular pin-hook has been revamped and can purchased these days. In fact, they are now made in such a fashion so that they are worn about the neck for easy access while tatting.

Some shuttles are made in two pieces. There’s nothing wrong with these shuttles and some people prefer the smoothness and feel of working with these shuttles. The only negativity that I’ve found with these shuttles is that they do, on occasion, come apart. They can easily be pressed back together. But, before doing so, I’d recommend using some type of glue to assure that they didn’t come apart again. This type of shuttle is another one that is easy to acquire tatters can afford to have a number of these on hand.

The sword-fish type of shuttle is a nice one to have. Again, this is inexpensive shuttle which may be made of either one or two pieces. The long point allows the tatter something to use to grab the thread for a join without being too cumbersome. This is another great shuttle for beginners.

Next, the metal hooked shuttle is also fairly inexpensive and makes joins extremely easy since the hook can be passed through the picot and used to grab the tatting thread to pull back through the picot.

All of the shuttles I’ve previously spoken of are classified as ‘working’ shuttles. I call them this because they have a function but are not decorative, pretty, or anything special. Yet, they play an important part in the lives of almost every tatter. These are usually the first shuttle a tatter works with. They are considered the good old standbys.

The second group of shuttles that I’d like to discuss are what I’d call the decorative ones. This is not to say that they’re designed just to be put on the shelf or in a special velvet-lined box and put up; only to be brought out to show and brag about. Decorative and pretty, though they may be, they’re also a very functional type of shuttle. There’s just something about tatting with a pretty shuttle that puts a smile on your face, while quickly working knots into our latest project.

Whatever style of shuttle you use (or even if you ‘create’ your own style of shuttle out of whatever material you have handy) really is of no importance; except that it be functional and comfortable to you-the tatter. If you are not happy and comfortable with your equipment then you’ll be less likely to continue your endeavor with the skill of tying knots to create rings, chains and picots in such a way as to form lovely works of art in the creation of doilies, bookmarks, laces or whatever you create with your shuttle and thread. So, above all, be happy with the supplies that you work with; whether your shuttle is plastic or titanium.

In my honest and humble opinion, the only bad shuttle is a broken shuttle.