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. This diagram of instructions is in the public domain and has been posted for tatters for several years.

A. There is a hook at either end of the Japanese tatting needle and it does not matter which end you use. Bring the tail of the thread to the mid point of the needle. With other hand grasp the thread make a loop over a finger. Insert hook into this loop and transfer to the needle and remove slack.

B. Make another loop (facing the opposite direction) and transfer it to the needle and remove slack.

C. This forms one double stitch.

D. Continue in like manner for the length needed.

Up to this point, the procedure is the same as regular needle tatting.

E. As shown in illustration D. grasp the thread from the ball with the hook and pull this loop completely through the double stitches, until there is a small loop of thread at both ends of the line.

F. Insert the hook fully through the loop on the right and reach forward to the left end and grasp the little loop.

G. Pull this loop through the right end loop and remove slack. This forms a ring.