I joined the Spokane Shuttlebirds Tat Days 20th Annual Workshop 2016 in Spokane Valley WA along with more than 75 tatters and 10 teachers gathered together to share and learn new tatting methods and patterns. The classes are designed for all levels of experience.
This year I introduced Japanese Style Hook Tatting to a group of tatters. Up to now we had just tried to match the thread to the needle as in regular needle tatting not always with good results. But thanks to a group of Japanese tatters we now have this info about thread sizes.
Recommended thread for Takashimabari, Japanese Needle Tatting Needles
Takashima-bari
No.0 is right for the lace thread #18 to Cotton Maxi L
No.2 Mohair to Balon 6000
No.4 Balon 4000
No.6 Balon 1000
Recommended thread is as follows:
Takashima-bari No.6 Hamanaka Boni, Bulky thread
Takashima-bari No.4 Lizbeth #3
Takashima-bari No.2 Lizbeth #3, Olympus Cotton Cuore
Takashima-bari No.0 Lizbeth #10, #20, Olympus Emmy grande
and Olympus Lace #40, DMC Pearl cotton #8
But it is commonly accepted that it is better to use a tatting shuttle for fine threads such as #20 to thread #70.
You will need patience to master this needle tatting technique. Unlike shuttle tatting and traditional needle tatting, the tool does not hold a supply of thread with which to work. Instead, Japanese needle tatting functions more like crochet in that it draws continually from the ball of thread.
Note the unique shape of the Japanese Hook Tatting Needles. At the hook end there should be a smooth flat face. If it is irregularly formed that can cause the thread to snag on the rough edges.
This diagram of instructions is in the public domain and has been posted for tatters for several years.
A. There is a hook at either end of the Japanese tatting needle and it does not matter which end you use. Bring the tail of the thread to the mid point of the needle. With other hand grasp the thread make a loop over a finger. Insert hook into this loop and transfer to the needle and remove slack.
B. Make another loop (facing the opposite direction) and transfer it to the needle and remove slack.
C. This forms one double stitch.
D. Continue in like manner for the length needed.
Up to this point, the procedure is the same as regular needle tatting.
E. As shown in illustration D. grasp the thread from the ball with the hook and pull this loop completely through the double stitches, until there is a small loop of thread at both ends of the line.
F. Insert the hook fully through the loop on the right and reach forward to the left end and grasp the little loop.
G. Pull this loop through the right end loop and remove slack. This forms a ring.
The final steps I have just learned while preparing for the workshop.
H. Next pull through a loop of thread to the right which will serve as the core thread for the chain. This loop must be measured and the size maintained for the following chains.
I. Wrap a number of double stitches onto the needle that is equal in length to the length of the chain's core thread loop.
J. Turn the needle around and pull the core thread loop through the chain stitches. Make a slip stitch to anchor the chain and return needle to starting position for the next ring etc..
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art18859.asp
http://www.takashima-tatting.com/english/tool/tool02.html
takashimatatting@kcc.zaq.ne.jp
Here's the latest article from the Tatting site at BellaOnline.com.
Gina Brummett - May Mystery Motif
Gina Brummet was a great friend and terrific tatter. She offered this pattern as the May Mystery Motif (2008.)
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art302775.asp
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Georgia Seitz, Tatting Editor
http://tatting.bellaonline.com
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