Needle tatters have it all - a small, handy tool that´s light to carry, they don´t constantly want new, increasingly beautiful and expensive shuttles and crochet hooks and their equipment takes up far less space than the shuttle tatter!

The needle has much to be said for use as a tatting tool but many people complain about the problem of tension. As a beginning needle tatter myself, I have already learned that it´s a good idea to use as fine a needle as you can manage with a given type of thread - the Handy Hands Size 7.0 needle is good for the Altin Basak and Size 40 threads. It´s not good for the finer threads but they have produced a new finer needle; I am awaiting delivery of both the Tat's All needles and Handy Hands, in order to compare them.

With shuttles there is far more variety. There are a number of splendid makers whose shuttles are both beautiful and functional; they either sell them themselves or through the major suppliers. There are a number of different types of shuttles too. The traditional boat shaped shuttles do make a clicking noise when used which can drive people mad, so it´s always advisable to ask if you are tatting near people you don´t know. I generally don´t use them in an open public place. A good alternative to this is the new Silent Shuttle, two types are available from Roseground Supplies and the Shuttle Brothers. I like them both.

Unfortunately the new Aero shuttles are not nearly as good as the ones made in the 70s which are rapidly becoming sought after treasures. If you have one, hang onto it - there are a number of modern imitations which are not really worth parting with your money for.

Alternative shuttle shapes include the Fish shaped shuttle stocked by Georgia Seitz, and you may also see a flat shuttle with two holes with slots cut into the side of the shuttle; this last works perfectly well as a silent shuttle and is particularly good for beadwork. However the thread can slide out of it unexpectedly!

At the lower end of the pricing market, the range of plastic shuttles currently available is perfectly adequate if you don´t want to spend your money on expensive wooden, mother of pearl, abalone shell or even silver shuttles! I love the imitation tortoiseshell Inox shuttle which is great for No. 10 or No. 20 cotton because it holds a massive amount of thread and goes through the fingers like a bomb! The blue and cream German shuttles also work well, and although I don´t like the plastic Clover shuttles with a tip on the end (for pulling the thread through on the join) I know a lot of people do. (I don´t like them because they gouged out my fingers the first time I tried them!) And last, but by no means least, the Tatsy shuttles are great if you are tatting with something really thick (such as piping cord) because they are absolutely huge - a good five inches long.

In short, at present it´s a buyer´s market with more wonderful shuttles coming on to the market every week almost.

Do remember however that every shuttle is different. All are worth trying out at least once although I can guarantee you will find shuttles you like much, much more than the others. So go away, try out lots of different shuttles and needles, and enjoy yourselves!

Here are some additional companies whom you might like to try out:-

Tatting and Design
www.georgiaseitz.com
The Shuttle Shop

Remember that The Shuttle Shop stocks shuttles, the other suppliers all stock a wide range of goods including shuttles, needles, threads and other accessories for your delight.