There seem to be so many different terms used in tatting, it is difficult to remember them all!
Here is a list of abbreviations used in patterns, followed by a list of
tatting terms, for reference. If we've missed any out, please do let us know!
Abbreviations
| + |
join |
| +(...) |
join to the place described in brackets |
| +B(...) |
join with a bead to place in brackets |
| - |
picot |
| -- |
long picot |
| -/+ |
picot or join, as shown in diagram |
| ∓ |
picot first time, join at repeats |
| B |
bead |
| C&T |
cut & tie |
| CWJ |
Catherine Wheel join |
| ch |
chain |
| cl |
close |
| CTM |
continuous thread method |
| DNRW |
do not reverse work |
| DP |
daisy picot |
| ds |
double stitch |
| fp |
false picot |
| FR |
folded ring |
| h |
half stitch |
| JK |
Josephine Knot |
| JR |
Josephine Ring |
| j(...) |
join to the place described in brackets |
| Lj |
lock join (or shuttle join) |
| lp |
long picot |
| mp |
medium picot |
| p |
picot |
| R |
ring |
| rds |
reverse double stitch |
| RW |
reverse work |
| SCMR |
Self-Closing Mock Ring |
| Sh |
shuttle |
| sj |
shuttle join |
| sj(...) |
shuttle join |
| SLT |
shoe lace trick |
| sp |
small picot |
| SR |
split ring |
| SS |
switch shuttles |
| TWO |
turn work over |
| vsp |
very small picot |
Tatting Terms
chain
a sequence of double stitches made by the shuttle thread onto another thread (usually the ball thread)
Continuous Thread Method
Double picots
picot
a loop created by leaving space between two ds, so that the top thread forms a single loop;
useful for joining to another section of tatting later on.
ring
a sequence of double stitches created on a loop of thread from a shuttle, then pulled tight;
this creates a circle of stitches that may be more of a oval or tear-drop shape, depending on the pattern
SCMR
Self-Closing Mock Ring
Split ring
in contrast to an ordinary ring, which is worked with all stitches made of thread from a single shuttle,
a split ring is worked with the first section of the ring consisting of stitches from one shuttle,
and the remaining stitches are made with the thread from another shuttle
[
How to make split rings]
Triple picots