After filling the shuttle, take the end of the silk between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, and the shuttle in the right, pass the silk over the third and fourth fingers of the left hand, bring it back toward the thumb and cross the two silk threads under the fingers, as indecated in Fig. 1. Pass the silk that comes from the shuttle round the little finger of the right hand, and give the shuttle the direction shown in the engraving.

     SECOND AND THIRD POSITION OF THE HANDS (Figs. 2 and 3).

Make the shuttle pass between the first and third fingers, in the direction indecated by the arrow in Fig. 2, and bring it out behind the loop. Here the first difficulties for beginners arise, and until they have sufficently mastered the movements of both hands we advise to pay careful attention to the following instructions. As soon as you have put the shuttle through the loop, place the right hand on the table with the silk tightly extended, leaving the left hand perfectly passive.

     Then, raising the third and fourth fingers of the left hand with the loop upon them, pull up the loop, stretching the silk tightly in so doing, by extending the fingers. By this movement a knot is formed, the first part of the "double knot," or "double stitch," which is the most common one in tatting.

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