Should I try shuttle?

[debbielamb]

Thanks so much Lynn. I think I'm going to pick a shuttle up tomorrow on my way home from work just to see how it feels to me. If I don't like it or think its too difficult I think I'll only be out 3 bucks. That is if I can get in and out of Hobby Lobby without buying any more thread :) Thanks for the info on Squeeky. I'll see if I can get intouch with her.

[Antiquarian]

I too love the clovers...I don't tat with anything else. It is a personal choice and probably dependent on how you tat. I have small hands and find that the clovers are the perfect size.
A helpful hint is to always keep the curved point facing up. I've found that winding the shuttle clockwise with the point facing up gives me the best tensions and keeps the thread in the right place for making stitches. When working I hold my threads differently than "traditional" tatting. I am a crocheter and found that holding the knot with my thumb and middle finger was MUCH easier. I then use my pointer finger as a kind of edge to slide/rock the shuttle off of to make the stitches.

As you can see from all the posts - find what works for you and stress. Just have fun.

[Elfiona]

If you find you are poking yourself with the shuttle, examine your left hand. You might actually need to open up your fingers more. But if you have a small hand or short fingers, this might not help. When I begin a ring now, I spread my fingers out a large as feels comfortable with the thread. As you make knots the thread circle will get smaller (until or unless your pull more thread into the loop).

[AnneB]

I believe a warning is needed: Once you get hooked on shuttle tatting, you can never be sureyou have found the perfect shuttle and need to test new ones and then there will be those shuttles you just got to have.

[louine]

I have been needle tatting since Feb. 2011 and decided to try shuttle tatting.....I kept slipping back to the needle after practicing the shuttle a day or two......and was afraid to try and follow a pattern so I watched these free videos by Heather. http://www.tattedtreasures.com/categ...-tatting-seri/
and they are great but I still had a hard time finding projects that weren't to advanced so I registered for the Shuttle tatting class on Craftsy and because she teaches while working on a specific project, it was just what I needed.......I am very pleased with the class....plus, I have been homebound with my husband who had bilateral hip replacement (yes, both hips at once), and have had time to work through the class. Not to mention that if I pay for something I make myself complete it.

[debbielamb]

Hey Louine and thanks, I'm about to go whatch the video now. I'm going to stop and get a shuttle on the way home from work tomorrow and give it a try.
So sorry to hear about your husband. A friend of mine had one hip done. He healed quickly and is doing wonderful now. But the was home for a while. Best of luck to the both of you!

[StephanieGrace]

I started with needle tatting in March 2010 and just transitioned to shuttles earlier this year. Knowing needle tatting helped a lot, but I also kept trying the shuttle every few months from the beginning. I got frustrated to tears on more than one occasion. I'd get the flip, complete a ring, and the next ring attempt would have be throwing the shuttle across the room (literally). I kept needle tatting just to keep myself of feeling like I just wasn't meant to tat. The point: Don't give up!

I agree about size 10 or 20 thread, but the BIGGEST tip I can give is USE TWO COLORS. This video might clarify that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as2gXQ-RYeQ. With one color, it's much harder to see the flip.

Another tip is to be patient. If your hand is sweaty or the thread is too moist, you'll be struggling to close a ring, so just let it sit for a little bit if you find yourself with a half-closed ring that refuses to close farther.

As for shuttles, I agree with Clovers (I've jabbed myself with the pick plenty, but it's a quick 'ow' and move on, LOL.), but I have really tiny hands. At this point, I'm semi against bobbin shuttles because they tend to let thread go when I'm making stitches, but I'm working on that. *rolls eyes*

As far as a pattern. Don't worry about a pattern just yet. It can be too much pressure, LOL. I would, however, suggest that you do a pattern with which you've become accustomed. If you've done it on the needle, you'll understand how the thread should be moving, etc..., so it'll make shuttle-tatting it that much easier. ;-)

Okay, okay... enough rambling from me. Sorry for all that, but I hope some of it helps...

♥,
Stephanie Grace