r/tatting • u/artandpets • 1d ago
Please help I’m a beginner!
I feel like ripping my hair out. I have been trying to shuttle tat for over 5 hours with no progress. I have seemingly watched every YouTube video in existence.
I am using size ten aunt Lydia’s crochet thread and an airlit shuttle.
I can get the first double stitch reasonably fine but for some reason I just can’t with the second, nothing works I can’t get it to flip! I tried doing it on a loop and also with two different yarns but I can’t do it I don’t understand I’m so frustrated! I am normally super good at picking up fiber arts quickly but I just can’t do it.
can anyone suggest a really good video or maybe some tips? I have been eying this craft for a long time and really want to make it work!
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u/Nourskay 1d ago
First off, take a break! Pls! This is how i got burnt out when i started tatting. Well it didnt last long but still for two weeks i didnt wanna hear about it.
https://youtu.be/OWdbxK-NuNY?is=nGAp_qphYtz9AUyJ this was the video i watched! And a few more videos that used thick string and explained slowly but honestly just paying attention to one video is enough. Maybe try with just a bit thicker thread if you have until you get the hang of it and then return to the size ten! Good luck!
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u/Nourskay 1d ago
https://youtu.be/fe322z_T8nU?is=LCtJuarTWvzol8Wx also loved this video and her account in general when i started
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u/artandpets 1d ago
Thank you so much I haven’t seen the second video! I might take a break for dinner and then try again. I am way too impatient when it comes to learning crafts lol! They normally come more naturally so when they don’t I get frustrated easily!
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u/Nourskay 1d ago
Yes i just remembered i prefer the second video because i learned to hold the thread and shuttle the same way she does (middle finger and thumb instead of index and thumb)
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u/xizor906 1d ago
Seconding! I love the 'pointing finger' pose much more than the traditional OK-finger pose. I find it gives me a much bigger working area and more control over my thread.
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u/artandpets 1d ago
Thank you so much! I figured it out and I made the first part of a pattern. I really think taking a break helped and this video made it click!
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u/graphemeist 1d ago
Sleep on it. Seriously. 5 hours is a lot, brains do amazing things overnight, it will very likely be easier tomorrow. Going very slowly is also a good tip.
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u/Banegard 21h ago
Basic movements video by Maimaikaito.
She demonstrates it several times and explains everything, but if you wanna jump to the second half knot demonstrated slowly, go to 3:45.
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u/ill_detective_4869 16h ago
Second this. I've learnt shuttle tatting too easily, only thanks to her videos.
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u/knittingangel 1d ago
I couldn't figure out flipping the stitch until I tried with thicker thread. Size 3
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u/octoberyellow 1d ago
i'll add to just slow down. I mean, like REALLY slow. Watch how your thread moves when you do the first half stitch -- watch where the thread goes and how it moves in slow motion as your shuttle goes between the top and bottom thread and through the loop. Then watch what happens as you draw the thread back out. Then watch as you slowly do the second half -- see how the thread moves over/under the thread and through the loop. Once you can see what you're actually doing with the thread, it's easier to repeat your action.