The book begins with a nice, informative introduction (history of tatting), then gives several pages of "how to tat" that include the basics plus split ring (dead-spider method), and "stacking" (which Teri Dusenbury may have invented) - a way of making 3-D effects. There are 12 tatted heart patterns in this book, rated for difficulty (novice, intermediate, advanced). Patterns are given in "short" form, and an explanation of how to read the patterns is given in the section at the beginning of the book. Some use split rings, some do not. Recommended thread size is given. All hearts use at least 2 shuttles (3 of them use 3 shuttles). At least one of the patterns uses the "stacking" technique. Pictures are in black and white; some of them are detailed enough to be able to count stitches with a magnifying glass, others are not quite that detailed. These are not quick-and-easy hearts that can be completed in an hour or less (well, not by most of us, at least), but they ARE pretty.

The patterns are ingenious, challenging and ever so cute. The Victorian bag model I have seen and it has lots of beads and the most clever use of one shuttle work to cover a seam! You'll love it! It's in the Bag! Available direct from Dianna, too. Contact: DiStevTat@aol.com

"Tatting - Just Knots: Tatting for Beginners" contains 56 pages. The book describes tatting "basics" completely with very nice drawings in the how-to section. Quite a lot of material is covered in the beginning of the book. It also covers left-handed tatting, too - complete with great illustrations. There are quite a few patterns in this book - a couple different "candle guard" patterns, hair scrunchy, edgings, all kinds of nice things to make. The book states that there is something to appeal to all age groups, and I think they're right - there is such a WIDE range of patterns (with really nice color photos for each) that EVERYBODY should be able to find something they want to make from this book!

Patterns are clear and easy to follow, with diagrams for each pattern in addition to the written instructions. Some patterns include beads. Items in the book, diagrams, and general "style" and "looks" of the book are very similar to "The Third Tatting Book" (by the same tatters.) I'm not sure I'd have been able to handle tatting without someone to teach me, even with this book, but I SURE wish it had been available when I learned to tat. These patterns are fantastic, but still beginner-easy. This is definitely a "keeper."

This book was originally offered in Japan in a series of five publications about different types of handmade lace. Although it is written in Japanese, the photographs and visual diagrams are of such good quality that most tatters will be able to follow them. Corresponding page numbers and suggested thread sizes appear at the beginning of all written instructions. The articles range from simple edgings to a lacy stole, enough to keep the avid tatter busy. While other tatting books in Japanese have been published since 1995, this book remains a favorite with tatters who enjoy a challenge.

This is a book in Japanese and I don't understand or read Japanese at all. But the diagrams are quite clear to follow. The book has a very good tutorial page that covers the basic technique and also split chains & split ring, double picot and block tatting. All tutorials have pictures that are easy to follow even without knowing a word of Japanese.

The book has patterns that use lots of beads, one of the reasons why I bought the book, It doesn't just focus on doilies and motifs. There are patterns for using tatting in a variety of things like purses, pins, pincushions and such.

The editor of Tatting Knots and Notes has made a compilation of past issues for those who are new to tatting, "Tatting Knots and Notes Revisited Book 1." It contains reprints of patterns from the newsletter from Vol 7 issue 3 through Volume 12 (January 1992 - August 1997). A must have book!

Tatted Ornaments by Terry the Tatter. This book is mainly Christmas tree baubles in a range of stunning patterns. There are clear colour photos and shorthand instructions including size of thread and dimensions of ornament. There are round baubles, bell shaped ones, and also some patterns to do on eggs. Very pretty work.

There are lots of small motifs to start with and some lovely doilies and crowns for the more experienced tatter too. Black and white photos, good clear shorthand instructions. There is a short section on technique at the front of the book. A nice book with a range of patterns to suit all abilities.

For a variety of patterns my favorite book is Lyn Morton's book, Tatting Patterns. (Ed.: This is a compilation of Lyn's first 4 books.)

Here is another book with exquisite photographs. (Originally this book was another "just for the pictures" purchase.) The directions are clear and well-written, often even telling you how much thread to wind onto the shuttle. In addition to the written directions, there is a diagram provided for each pattern. As a relative "beginner" tatter when this book was purchased, a few of the patterns were a bit challenging, but not too difficult. Some of the patterns use split rings, many do not. The book includes many round "motifs" that can be used as snowflakes (done in white), or for other purposes (done in colors). Some motifs can be joined together to make table mats or doilies, others (5-sided ones, particularly) are best used singly. There are some very pretty edgings, motifs, doily (more than one?), collar (at least 2), and other items in this book. There is a "jewelry" section that includes a "wedding hoop" - the photo of this necklace is so beautiful that *this* tatter bought the book mostly to have that pattern. There may be a "wedding" section, too (the book is in another state right now - can't double check). A "greetings cards" section gives additional motifs, many of which have been made by *this* happy tatter and fastened into hoops, sewn onto clothing, or actually used to make a card. This is a fantastic book!

There may be an error in one of the patterns: the "wedding hoop" is beautifully diagrammed and instructions are wonderfully clear, but the resulting piece of lace, while still very pretty, does not seem to match the photograph. By looking closely at the photograph, it is fairly simple to create a piece of lace that more closely matches the photograph in the book, but the process used to *get* that piece of lace no longer matches the diagram and instructions. Even with this minor problem, this is still an excellent book.

From what I could tell, this is a reprint of Priscilla No. 2 (1915). It definitely LOOKS like "vintage" patterns. Some of the patterns use Coronation Cord (no longer made, although the intro says "soutache braid" makes a "workable substitute." (Do they still make soutache braid?)[Ed. note: Yes, soutache braid is still available] The book contains edgings (some of them really gorgeous!), doilies, collars (some appliqued on net), at least one flower for your hair, a couple bonbon baskets (3-D), padded tatting, an alphabet, some bags (one beaded, another with coronation cord, a couple more without 'extras'), jewelry (with beads), candle shades (one of them with beads), baby bonnets (one really pretty one!), at least one 3-D flower for your hair (plus the "flat" one mentioned earlier). (Motifs used in the various items can be used for other purposes with a little imagination, and we tatters are FULL of imagination.)

Techniques include (but are not limited to) padded tatting, 3-D tatting, use of coronation cord, "set" stitch, lattice work (this MAY use the alligator join, it's hard for me to tell from the description in the pattern), and other techniques. Patterns are in the old "long" form. Thread sizes are often recommended, and number of "balls" of thread are recommended sometimes, but this was from almost 100 years ago - it doesn't say how many yards/meters of thread are in the ball, or indicate the size of the ball. In addition, some of the threads may not be available today, but substitutes are fairly easy to find in most cases.

The Dover publication (1988) is slightly abridged from the English version published in 1974 (published originally in Swedish as Frivoliteter in 1967). Black-and-white, patterns are in short form, no diagrams. Size of finished piece is given (if worked in the recommended thread). Patterns include edgings, doilies, table mats, "stars" (I'd call them medallions), collars, bookmarks, three "bridal crowns," and other items. There is a section of more "advanced" patterns at the back of the book mostly doilies, but the crowns are back there, too. I really like this book

I have really only used two books. The first by Elgiva Nicholls at the library was an old copy but the idea of starting with just the lark's head knot in two colours before picking up any shuttle proved very helpful both for myself and my girlfriend.

For a complete History and Evolution of Tatting, Elgiva Nicholls Tatting Technique and History is very interesting and helpful. There are photographic plates that illustrate the text. The section on Using Multiple Threads offers a few patterns for practice. Photographs are given for node stitch chain, perle beading chain, chain in raised tatting, quatrefoil, flower stalks and flowers. An example of working in metallic thread is the dragonfly. Preparing work for exhibition is also covered. This is one of the 3 books that I, personally, think is a 'must' for tatters. The other two would be Rebecca Jones' book and Judy Banashek's "Advanced Techniques" book.

This book doesn't have any patterns (except for a few VERY basic ones in the beginner section, but as a beginner I would have needed something more explicit, I think). It is entirely about the history of tatting, and tatting technique. The book is a gold-mine of information ABOUT tatting. If you're looking for patterns, don't get this one. If you want to know more about tatting history and technique, this is one you'll want for your library. There are line drawings to illustrate some points, and black-and-white photographs show examples of tatting. Good information in this book both for beginners AND those with some experience.

This is a wonderful book, especially for designers, and one that I have used often for inspiration. As well as having a small section on history, tools, and basic technique photos, it has a great section on adding beads in many different ways, and a design section showing lots of drawings of basic formations, what she calls "building blocks . . . as a starting point for ideas." By the sample you can definitely tell this book was published in the 1970's during the big macrame revival era. In a chapter called 'Breaking the Rules' she describes a three-dimensional bobble she has used as a butterfly body. She promotes looking at tatting in new ways, encouraging the tatter to experiment and try new variations.

More than 20 edging patterns, many original, with illustrations, history and suggestions for use. Most were in Tatting Times (1992 & 1993); most are simple.

Tatting with Anne Orr. ISBN 0-486-25982-x There is a short section at the beginning with basic tatting instructions, but it is only a couple of pages. There is a variety of patterns including doilies of varying sizes, baby bonnets, place mats, medallions and lots of edgings. it is an old-fashioned book, with black and white photographs, no diagrams, and "longhand" pattern instructions. The work is very pretty, and if you like the more traditional style of doilies, as I do, then you will enjoy this book.

40 photographs 8 1/4 x 11" paperbound. A Dover Book. This book is comprised of patterns created during the first half of the twentieth century, featuring more than 100 designs, 50 edgings (forget-me-not, shamrock et cet), 40 medallions (triangular, circular, square and snowflake; collars and yokes; luncheon sets, baby items (3 caps). Photographed on a black background the stitches are easy to see as well as being fully described. This is the book that has photographs and explanation of the Reverse stitch, abbreviations and notes to beginners

This book is a combination of two books. It contains an altered and abridged version of Anne Orr's "Tatting Book No. 13," and "The Star Book of Tatting Designs No. 2" (the Star book was published in 1935, Anne Orr's Book #13 was not dated as far as I can tell). There is a brief introduction, a short "how to tat" and a "how to do 'reverse stitch,' section" (which was what Anne Orr called split rings). Patterns are pretty old-fashioned (which is to be expected since they're from the early part of the 20th century!) but this is the whole reason I WANTED this book - for the "old fashioned" patterns. There are about 40 medallions, around 50 edgings, some doilies, "luncheon sets," 3 baby bonnets, a very pretty pair of booties, and a few other items. Vintage patterns are fairly easy to work, but sometimes take a little experimenting before I can get them to look exactly right they're somehow "different" from what we're used to, and it takes a bit of thought and a little time to work out mentally before you get it "just right." In spite of (or maybe because of) the mental gymnastics required, I really, REALLY like this book

19 Simple tatting ptterns to showcase favorite buttons. Includes several hearts, motifs, a doily, a collar, a sun catcher to make with colored translucent buttons, a picture frame, garland, edging, bag, butterfly and more. Button history and sizing information as well.

"Tatting" by Tatsy (©1989 Carol M. Winandy)I used to teach myself (or started learning anyway) tatting. I found her picture by picture steps really helpful. I was making rings in about an hour or a little less.

I bought the book primarily for the patterns. I had only just learned to tat, and these looked "do-able," even for a beginner. My favorite pattern in the entire book is probably the hat/bonbon basket. With a handle, and starched a certain way, this makes a cute bonbon basket. Without the handle, and stiffened a little differently, it makes a cute hat. I've made this little hat in everything from size 10 thread down to sewing thread (size 80 might fit Barbie - not sure), and it looks cute. Thread a narrow ribbon through as a hatband, tie it in a bow, and it really is cute. There are other cute things in the book, too - an angel/bell (finished one way it's a 3-D bell, another way, you can make 3-D angel), a cute little fan (bookmark or just a cute little motif to sew on to something), a butterfly, snowflakes, and lots of other pretty little things. The most inspiring part of the book when I first bought it was the comments in there about what to DO with all that stuff once you made it - sew it on everything, which is what I did! I've had a LOT of fun with that little book over the years.

Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konior. ISBN 0-7134-8802-6 This book has many edgings, table decorations, collars and smaller motifs to choose from. There are good colour photographs and clear diagrams as well as "shorthand" written instructions. There are helpful "knowhow" boxes periodically throughout the book with tips and advice. There is a basic techniques section at the back of the book, with a glossary of terms

I bought this book because I got the wrong impression from its title. I thought it was going to be a tutorial on how to sit down with a visual pattern you've never seen before and figure out how to do it. To wit, I had a copy of "24 Snowflakes" from Denmark (or some other far off land) and the patterns are all visual. I'm TOTALLY at a loss about how to accomplish even the easiest of the easy snowflakes. I look at the patterns and haven't a clue where to start or how to proceed.

I saw the title of the Konior book and thought "This is my ANSWER!" I was sure that this book would teach me all I need to know to decipher any visual tatting pattern. I was mistaken.

It's a lovely book and I've enjoyed working several patterns from it. But don't be misled by the title. It is not a tutorial for how to sit down at any old visual tatting pattern and be able to figure out which is a split ring, which is a regular ring, when to reverse work, when to shoe lace trick, when to encapsulate, when to do self-closing mock ring, when to split chain, etc.

A 1-page section at the beginning of the book gives a color-coded key to interpret the diagrams so you can tell if you're supposed to do a split ring, a Josephine ring, join the picots, don't join the picots, etc. Diagrams are done in bright pink and bright blue, which makes them easier to interpret. In among the actual "patterns" are little "know-how" boxes, which are numbered. Various patterns refer the tatter to related "know-how" boxes for further instruction/enlightenment on the subject. Some of the "know-hows" are pretty basic (in my opinion), some of them were more "exotic" (to me), but ALL of them are good, useful, and interesting (to me) information.

It's not just a book of diagrams, Mary Konior gives you enough information in WORDS to get you started, THEN you can take over using the diagram. For a person who "needs" a verbal pattern, this helps you cross the (scary) line between words and "pictures." Diagrams in the book are clear and stitch counts are clearly marked, although if you're VERY nearsighted you may need a magnifier to read stitch counts in some of them. (I need one, anyway.) Besides being pretty and nicely-photographed, the various patterns often are given whimsical, fun names like "Skipping Ropes," "Curds and Whey," "Onion Skins," "Maids of Honour," or "Flower Patch." Some 3-D patterns (at least one rose and at least one other flower) are included, as well as "free" tatting, which, as Mary Konior explains, is not "free form" if you give "exact" directions for making the project - you have to sort of just "do" it. Anything in the book sounds "do-able." I have tried several patterns in the book and so far, they're wonderful. Of course, this is also the first attempt (for me) at actually READING diagrams, and it's a challengs, but once you LEARN to do it, it will be easy. The biggest thing is just DO it, and this book is a fantastically nice (and lovely) way to LEARN to do it with gorgeous pictures to look at, too!

Visual learners will find this book ideal. It features photographs of all patterns as well clear diagrams in two colors to differentiate rings from chains. There are written instructions too, with ‘Know hows’ (tips) sprinkled throughout the book. Mary Konior has offered a range of patterns - basic edgings, insertions, braids, motifs and articles - which will appeal to tatters of all levels of experience. This is a valuable book to which tatters will turn time and again for help and inspiration. A ‘must have’ in any collection.

These include a star, heart, two edgings, a bag, a snowflake/doily hexagon, stationery "droodles" 3-D daffodils, tatting-covered Easter egg, an oak leaf and a bookmark. Tatting Y2K (2000 calendar + patterns)

"Thirteen Bell Patterns, Old patterns, new patterns, some you have, some you don't, some you just want all in one book." All 13 of the bell patterns I've designed to put on glass bells. These patterns range from pretty easy (Bella Mia, Scalloped Bell, This Bell) to somewhat challenging (Bella Angelina, Bella Nina). All pictures are in color, 9 patterns are both written out and charted. Total cost is $13.00 including shipping to anywhere in the US and $15.00 outside the US. You can purchase them direct: Terry McGuffin 1424 Montclair Dr. Modesto, CA 95350

This book is printed in Danish, English, and German. It starts with an explanation of symbols used throughout the book (in the diagrams), then has a nice section explaining techniques (with very good diagrams). Techniques include - but are not limited to - basic tatting, magic thread (which they don't call "magic thread" but they explain very nicely, regardless of what they call it), split ring, "roll" tatting, and Cluny tatting. Their explanations are clear and easy to follow. This book was startling to me - not because of any really "avant-garde" techniques or designs, but because they took basic, simple things and did something new and refreshing, and unexpected with it. (An example of what I mean is on page 28 - a simple edging used on a collar, except where the collar comes to a "point" at the front, the edging not only goes around the "edge," but also branches out to take a little "detour" - an unexpected turn at each corner. It's lovely, just beautiful!

All of the photographs are exquisite, especially the "bride's hat" on the cover of the book. Everything is so pretty it makes you want to start at the beginning and tat your way through the entire book! Patterns are diagrammed with some written instructions, but in this book, the diagrams are the "main" thing, not the written directions. Techniques used include (but are not limited to) roll tatting, split rings, block tatting, Cluny tatting, and maybe some mignonette (on the bride's "mitts" - gloves with no fingers). The book contains a little of almost everything, from small "motifs" to collars, edgings, napkin rings, christening cap (tatting combined with crochet), bookmarks, doilies, hair trims, a 3-D Easter egg and a 3-D angel, and of course, that breathtakingly beautiful bride's hat (and more). It is well worth the price of the book for the photographs alone.

Black and white photographs, lots of really pretty patterns, written in 'long form.' This is a collection of various thread-company publications from the 1930s and 1940s. Patterns include doilies, edgings, tablecloths, place mats, baby hats, baby booties, collars and yokes. A tatted alphabet is also in this book. Warning: some of the patterns in this book are in EXTREMELY small print. If you like old patterns, you'll really like this book.

That is a very nice book with lots of flowers and other motifs even a 3D angel. It has very good instruction and the diagrams are large and easy to read.

"Transitions in Tatting." My copy came yesterday and it's great because it has visuals (film strips) of each technique - including split chain, which I'm still mulling over and need to learn. It is a wonderfully progressive book; an experienced tatter can jump right in - while a beginning tatter can begin at the front and work up to the more complex patterns, if they follow the instructions given along the way. The instructions include but are not limited to: A complete list of abbreviations and visuals for the 'transitions' that the Victorian ladies didn't have, symbols that tell you if it is beginner (easy) or more intermediate to advanced. How to read visuals, long patterns and short patterns. How to make 3 dimensional flowers using florist wire is the penultimate point of the book. There are all sorts of flowers. I love the progression of the teaching. I am thoroughly pleased with my copy! I appreciated the requested autograph notation, also. I love the section on bookmarks in which you begin to use the techniques that will be incorporated in the later patterns in the book. Too cool! Kudos Sharon!

The Tatter's Tree of Life" featuring original botnical patterns, particularly designs taught at the past two IOLI conventions and other workshops.