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.

Japanese Needle Tatting

I haven't done tatting at all and I have just bought the tatting course on crafty and I just can't get the hang of it we are using a shuttle but I think a needle might be easier looking at the instructions here but I will not give up.

Hello Narrawallee!

Although I prefer shuttle tatting, it seems that all of us eventually learn both needle and shuttle tatting as time goes by. Needle tatting is very fast and easy to learn. Here are some aids:
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/3889.asp
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/6777.asp

and please email me at AKTATTER@aol.com for information about the free tatting class online.
Good luck.

I thought it would be easy but I find it very hard I just can't get the hang of it so I think I will stick to my sewing.

Well, perhaps all you need is a mentor to get you started. Check here for the lace guild closest to you.

http://www.austlaceguild.org/branches/index.shtml

And I am ready anytime to meet with you in the online classroom and talk you through the basic steps. Email me anytime.

I've purchased a couple sets of the Japanese tatting hooks. I've tried working these a couple of times, but am not successful at puling the hook through the loops. Give me a crochet hook and the bullion stitch...not a problem even with 15 wraps to pull the hook through the wraps. Not so wit this Japanese tatting hooks.

But, I haven't given up on them. I keep them right handy and when I get a break from everything I'll give them another try. I have the instructions that came with them, but the boxy hook ends is what's giving me a fit.

Hey Georgia! I keep forgetting to go to the online class. My brain just isn't working lately and here I am getting into yet another move. And, I haven't seen any emails about the group being about to start on Monday mornings. Maybe I've been deleted from the group list? Please check on that for me. I'll make a note and HOPE that I can remember to get in there this Monday. What's the homework for this week?

The Online Tatting Class resumes free lessons on Jan. 21, 2013.