Over the weekend I experimented a bit more with tatting and this is the outcome: spring flowers. Not a major creative achievement, but nevertheless fast and easy to make, perfect for gift decorations, jewelry components or hair pins.
All that’s needed is a tapestry needle, yarn or string and a pair of scissors.
Make 10 or 12 loops, depending on the yarn and flower size. The pull the yarn carefully through the loops and close to form a circle. Tie and you’re done.
The first knot is a half hitch knot and if they are spaced apart, they form loops or flower petals.
Make 10 or 12 loops, depending on the yarn and flower size. The pull the yarn carefully through the loops and close to form a circle. Tie and you’re done.
The yarn used was quite stiff and the flowers hold their shape well. If your flowers are limp, don’t worry there’s always starch.
Sometimes moving pictures make it easier to learn, especially a movement related technique like tatting. I watched this video by TotusMel to learn how to make the knots.
The hint of warmer weather inspires wispy things; time to bring out that cotton linen yarn bought long ago from a thrift shop and begin a summer scarf. I usually don’t like multi colored yarns, but this one is wonderful. It’s like having a bit of a cloud in my hand.
The needles are too large for the yarn, but using them creates an airy and light weight texture.
If you would like to share a fun project you’re working on, send a link in the comments, I’d love to see what you’re up to.
Oh I adore airy knits. That scarf is going to be gorgeous, I know it!
We are ooooo-ing and ahhhh-ing the tatting as we eat our breakfast. I love it when my daughters and I agree on a project!
My Grandmother tatted all sorts of table runners, doilies and hats. I inherited a few when she died -perhaps it is my turn to learn.
What kind of yarn is that for the flowers?
To sew on skirts, hats, etc? They're lovely..can't wait to try.
@Mom and The Sisters: I used wool for the flowers in the second image. All others were made from linen yarn that feels a bit wiry and stiff. Almost like string. I started playing with packaging string, but that needs more work. Hope this helps?
Thanks for the tutorial – I love what you've done.
Uma maravilha de tutorial. Um grande abraço! Adoro o blog.
Lovely. I especially like the thrifted-yarn knitting. I love finds like that. I am currently working on self-dyed patchwork, t-shirt hats, and some clothes for me. Here's my latest finished patchwork:
http://emilysmithpearce.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/hand-dyed-patchwork-duvet-cover/
Delicate and beautiful, looks like spun sugar. Thank you for the tutorial,inspiration,and link.
The flowers look whimsical and fairy-like. Thanks for the photos and the tatting link – this I will try!
saw the post on craft gossip
wonderful project – nice tutorial
I'm not much for anything sewing, but I may try this. It would be a great little necklace.
thanks for the tutorial, i love the flowers!
Adoro seu blog!
Would hemp work well for those flowers? I have a TON of hemp- white hemp, brown hemp, grayish hemp, black hemp- and need to get rid of it. Also have a crochet needle which is of no use to me since I'm a terrible crochetor and it is too big for spool knitting. The flowers look gorgeous and silvery. The yarn is also thin, which makes me THINK they would work for hemp. But maybe not.
Love your blog!
Pretty knitting!
may have to try this with some handspun lace yarn! a flower necklace would be so pretty!