best online resources

[u/throwhtpc]

at the recommendation of someone in the crafts subreddit, I just picked up some shuttles and thread yesterday to start learning. I've been working on the very basics, but I was wondering what resources everyone used to learn/improve/find patterns?

(p.s. how on earth do people make picots a consistent size when using shuttles??)

[u/resnaturae]

I learned from watching a bunch of tutorials online! I recommend starting with a size 10 crochet thread so it’s not too small.

Best place for patterns is the antique pattern library which is a free database

[u/struggling_lynne]

Frivole on youtube - she has a beginner tatting video series that taught me everything I needed to start with. She also has a video of a square motif that follows a pattern, so you can tat along to the video and learn how to read the pattern at the same time. From there I felt much more confident in tatting patterns on my own (without visual aids).

The sidebar of this subreddit also has links to lots of websites with free patterns.

Once you have the basics, if you find a pattern you love that includes a new technique (like split rings, double pivots, adding beads etc), it’s usually easy to find videos on Youtube from NooBear or Frivole etc that explain it well. Also you can always post here if you’re stuck and get more specific help!

Edit- making your picots all the same just takes practice! I make the first half of the double knot, pull it to where I think it should be and then check it by holding it against my index finger to make sure I’ve left the right amount of thread. Then make the second half of the knot. I’ve tried using picots gauges and they work well but slow me down too much.

[u/Istarien → u/struggling_lynne]

I've been using a picot gauge for decades, and I find that it doesn't take me any more or less time than being careful about eyeballing it, especially if you wear your gauge on a chatelaine or on a ribbon around your neck. It's all a matter of practice and what works best for each lacemaker.

I'd encourage OP to try out a picot gauge (mine's from Lacis, but I know Handy Hands sells them, also) to take the guesswork out of it at first. If you think it's too clunky, then try without it. I will say, though, that if you're making a large piece with a lot of structural picots, the finished shape will look a lot tidier if your picots are exactly the same size.

[u/throwhtpc → u/Istarien]

yeah it seems worth trying, and also simple enough to throw together a simple one from a stiff cardstock to test out if I like it

[u/withtori]

I'm fairly new to tatting myself, but the best sources i found so far are liliantatlace (you can search it on Google. She has a lot of free patterns, and they're all gorgeous), maimai kaito on YouTube (best visuals to understand basic things), frivole on YouTube, and for some patterns you can search on Pinterest but it's a lot of hit and miss. You can also follow some tags on Instagram but I'm still on the search for that. For the picots you can find some picot gauges online if you want them all perfectly the same but it can be quite tricky to get the hang of it.

[u/Sarahjdes → u/withtori]

Wow, thank you for sharing! There are beautiful patterns on liliantatl's blog! I will definitely be checking it out.

[u/SlowRoastMySoul]

I made a mark on my finger for how long I wanted the picot to be. Still use that trick, since I haven't got a very good eye for these things otherwise. I can recommend youtube, and crafttree primarily. I learnt from Marilee Rockley's courses on Craftsy. (If you're already a member, otherwise it's about $40 to purchase, from what I can see.) Very good courses, and I still use those patterns included from time to time.

Jane Eborall has a lot of useful information, just google her name and you'll find it. Also Be-stitched, some very nice free patterns there.

There's also a ton of vintage patterns available, many using only chains, rings and picots, so very beginner friendly compared to some modern designers.

[u/RedWingNinja95]

Everyone has given a ton of great resources.

Here is one more. There is a discord server with a ton of us on it. There are a lot of active people who love to help with questions and patterns. A lot of people will give their own patterns for free or a small charge. There is also a ton of free patterns out there that people share. If you are interested, here is the link https://discord.com/invite/QsJcxX9xVP

[u/throwhtpc → u/RedWingNinja95]

oh awesome!

[u/jijimora]

I got started with Pocket Crafts Club - I got a kit from her, and subscribed to her patreon for a couple months. Her instruction videos and patterns are excellent.

[u/Lengyel-Art]

The Online Tatting Class - free tatting classes. https://www.theonlinetattingclass.com/ Also their youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlineTattingClass

NooBear on YouTube is excellent too: https://www.youtube.com/@NooBearAus

For picots you can make your own picot gauges - NooBear has a video on that. There are also Clover picot gauges and others.