The moment comes when every tatter has learned the basics, the ring, the chain and how to join. They have practiced with simple patterns and begun to create larger and perhaps more complex designs. It is then that the niggling sensation of dissatisfaction creeps in. The tatter starts to compare their work with the work of others and find themselves wanting. This newly published book by Lindsay Rogers offers the next step for tatters.






Cover of "Mastering Tatting."






The back cover of "Master Tatting."

Following the basic instructions included they can review their method of tatting and begin to study how to improve the look of their work in easy steps. Using designs both simple and complex, the author invites the tatter to use each pattern as an exercise to practice a certain aspect of tatting technique.

Beginning with a doily which is tatted in three rounds, the tatter will practice regularity in picots, and evenness in tension. The same motif repeated around the doily reinforces the regularity in only moments. Further in the book, a square doily or mat is offered as an exercise in using two shuttles and two colors and the necessity to alter the length of picots to accommodate joins. Toward the back of the book a small motif is shown which highlights the use of floating rings.

Along with techniques, the author offers a running commentary on each piece, how it originated, certain features of its construction and how the design melded together to present such a pleasing appearance. The tatter is even encouraged to study flowers and incorporate their shapes into their own tatting. All the diagrams are very large and easy to read.






This is a sample of the style of the instructional samples.

There are 15 individual pieces, large doilies, edgings and multi-motif pieces in monochrome and full color. And there are many tips included in the text of the patterns which show small ways to improve the look of the tatted lace.






This sample shows an edging in two rounds. The diagram points out one method to turn a corner in edgings.

"Mastering Tatting" by Lindsay Rogers is a hardback book with inner coil binding. It is 7.5" x 9.5", 111 pages in color. Published 2013 by GMC Pubs., UK. This book would make excellent reference book for any tatter.

Note: I acquired this book for my personal tatting reference library. G. Seitz