Lacework antique tatting

Antique lacework created with tatting technique, a textile craft that produces delicate patterns using knots and loops with a shuttle.

About this subject

Tatting is a manual lace technique that emerged in the early 19th century, with records in France and England. Unlike bobbin lace or needle lace, tatting uses a shuttle to wrap thread and form knots and loops, creating geometric and floral patterns. Common materials include cotton, linen, and silk, and pieces include collars, doilies, and trimmings.

In Brazil, tatting is known as renda de navette and has practitioners in regions like Minas Gerais and the Northeast, where textile crafts are valued. Antique tatting pieces are sought after by collectors and museums of decorative arts, such as the Museu do Traje in São Paulo, for their complexity and delicacy. The technique requires patience and precision, and each piece can take weeks to complete.

Interestingly, tatting was widely used in fashion accessories in the 20th century, such as collars and cuffs, and today there are online communities teaching the technique. Antique patterns are preserved in 19th-century books, such as those by Mademoiselle Riego, who popularized tatting in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tatting?

Tatting is a manual lace technique that uses a shuttle to create knots and loops forming geometric and floral patterns.

How does tatting differ from other laces?

Unlike bobbin lace (which uses multiple threads and a pillow) or needle lace (with a needle stitch), tatting is made with a single tool, the shuttle, producing arcs and knots.

Where can I find examples of antique tatting?

In museums of decorative arts, private collections, and in pattern books from the 19th and early 20th centuries.