hteenth century, when tatting was in great vogue, much larger
shuttles than our present ones were used, because of the voluminous
materials they had to carry, silk cord being one.

SHUTTLES.--The tatting shuttle consists of two oval blades of either
bone, ivory, mother of pearl or tortoise-shell, pointed at both ends,
and joined together in the middle. A good shuttle contributes materially
to the rapid and perfect execution of the work and attention should be
paid in its selection to the following particulars: that it be not more
than 7 c/m. long and 2 or 3 c/m. wide: that the two ends be close enough
to prevent the thread from protruding; this is more especially important
in tatting with two shuttles and lastly, that the centre piece that
joins the two oval blades together should have a hole bored in it, large
enough for the thread to pass through.

In filling the shuttle, be careful not to wind on too much thread at
once, or the blades will gape open at the ends and the thread get soiled
by constant contact with the worker's hands.

MATERIALS.--A strongly twisted thread such as Fil d'Alsace D.M.C, Fil
a dentelle D.M.C, or Cordonnet 6 fils D.M.C, is best for tatting. We
particularly recommend Fil d'Alsace, as forming the best shaped knots
and picots. A soft material such as Coton a tricoter D.M.C, can also be
used where it suits the purpose better.

[Illustration: FIG. 486. FIRST POSITION OF THE HANDS.]

FIRST POSITION OF THE HANDS (fig. 486).--The construction of the knots
or stitches, appears at first sight to present great difficulties but
will be easily mastered by attention to the indications here given. One
thing, to be constantly borne in mind is, that when the right hand has
passed the shuttle through the loop, it must stop with a sudden jerk and
hold the thread tightly extended until the left hand has drawn up the
knot. After filling the shuttle, take the end of the thread between the
thumb and forefinger of the left hand, and the shuttle in the right,
pass the thread over the third and fourth fingers of the left hand,
bring it back towards the thumb and cross the two threads under the
fingers, as indicated in fig. 486. Pass the thread 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. 487 and 488).--Make the
shuttle pass between the first and third fingers, in the direction
indic