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Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Helpful advice for Cro-tatters

Helpful advice for cro-tatters — or how to make your tatting life easier!

Hello everyone!🌸Sometimes it happens like this: you see someone online creating something beautiful, trying a new technique, or using an unfamiliar tool — and you think, “Oh, that looks easy! I can do that too!”
Well… this happens to me all the time! 😄 I truly enjoy learning new things!

And that’s exactly when any helpful advice from those who have already practiced these methods can become so valuable. Right? 😉

Today I’d love to share a few tips for all cro-tatting enthusiasts — for those who already feel confident with the hook, and for those who are just beginning this wonderful journey. ✨

For those who haven’t seen this new hook yet — let me introduce this little beauty!
It’s a creative “hybrid” of a tatting needle and a crochet hook. 🌿💕

If this technique catches your interest, you can explore the basics of cro-tatting in my articles on this topic — or visit my YouTube channel to watch the introductory lessons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k6a6q5jNvY&list=PLmUVrN61lH3z9TNNsku9TeC5fKaZWZvUq

I hope I’ve sparked your curiosity! Ah, it seems you did everything right…
And yet the hook still refuses to slide through the stitches!
What should you do then? 😄

So here comes my first tip: when you make double stitches on the hook, don’t tighten them too much. Keep them slightly relaxed so the hook can easily pull the loop through. 😊

The second important point: when you slide the stitches closer to the tip of the hook, make sure they don’t tilt or twist.
They should stay perfectly perpendicular to the shaft. 😊

When pulling the hook through the double stitches, gently press the stitches toward the hook’s shaft from the back of your work, just like in the photo.
This helps secure the stitches and creates a little “extra space” inside them.

Watch my video — it looks so simple!
With a little practice, I’m sure you’ll master this technique in no time. 😊

The trickiest tip!

Please let me know in the comments — do you enjoy cro-tatting? Or is this your first time hearing about it? Will you try my ring-forming method? ✨

By the way, I’m using my new hook in the red case — it’s a little gem for cro-tatting! 💖 https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/crotatting-hook-with-red-case-2/

You can watch a short demo video Helpful advice for Cro-tatters here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DbSQwz6POWo

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss any helpful tips!
Happy tatting! 🌿😊

Posted on November 11, 2024August 18, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Cro-tatting Lesson 8.

Pink flower and white border in cro-tatting technique

Cro-tatting Lesson 8, or how to adapt any tatting pattern for cro-tatting.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 7. Therefore, follow the link if you have not read or watched the video of the previous lesson: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-7/

Unfortunately, cro-tatting is not a very common type of tatting. Probably because for this type of needlework you need to have skills for two techniques at once: tatting with a needle and crochet. But now, with the advent of high-quality tools for cro-tatting, the popularity of this type is growing. However, there are very few patterns and instructions for cro-tatting. So I am often asked if any tatting pattern can be used for cro-tatting. Yes, of course! And in this article I will tell you how to independently adapt ANY tatting pattern for cro-tatting.

For example, I took a free pattern on the website Handy Hands “Sand Dollar Pendant”, adapted by Kendra Goodnow. You can download this manual by taking a screenshot or by following the link: https://hhtatting.com/free-patterns/free-tatting-patterns/

For clarity, I, as always, made a short video. Please comment, like, subscribe to my channel! https://youtu.be/Pltwb6JgGiM

Step 1

First we need to make a small sample of the chosen pattern.

To do this, take the threads of the thickness indicated in the instructions. Make the first two Rings and the chain according to the graphic diagram.
You can do this with the tool you prefer, a shuttle or a needle.

Step 2

To do this, take the threads of the thickness indicated in the instructions. Make the first two Rings and the chain according to the graphic diagram.

You can do this with the tool you prefer, a shuttle or a needle.

Step 3

Now take a hook for cro-tatting of the appropriate thickness and make the first ring.

Compare this ring with the previous sample. Usually the difference in size between the rings is quite small. But if you are making a large project with many rows, it is better to check. If the crochet ring is much larger than the sample, you should reduce the number of double stitches.

Step4

Now crochet 15 chains (as shown in the diagram), using cro-tatting hook. Unravel the extra chains. I got 10 chains. In our pattern, all Chains are 15 double stitches. So we don’t need more measurements. In the new pattern, each Chain will consist of 10 chains.

So our graphic diagram looks like this.

The final

You can tie the outer row as you like.

I hope you enjoyed and found Cro-tatting Lesson 8 useful. You can support my channel with likes, reposts and comments!
Thanks in advance to everyone who donates to my PayPal: fish20085@gmail.com
Thank you!

Posted on October 4, 2023August 18, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

Magic simple knot

Magic simple knot, or how to make life easier for yourself.

Hello everyone! First, I want to address my subscribers – participants in the competition for the best name for a doily (posts dated September 11 and 15). The validity period of the discount coupon for the Galaxy Flower doily tatting pattern has been extended until October 30. I sent the coupon code to ALL members. Please check all your email folders.

Now let’s get back to the topic of today’s post. Have you noticed how simple actions sometimes help us make our lives easier? I won’t get too philosophical, LOL! I just suggest that you check whether the SIMPLE knot is truly magical. Yes, yes, I’m talking about the very knot with which we tie our shoelaces. You will be surprised, but it really works!

Shuttle and ball threads

I have already written in previous posts how tatting elements have different names in different languages. One such example is the name of shuttle and ball threads. You might be very surprised. But in my language there are NO such names. The shuttle thread is called the leading thread. Because she seems to direct all the nodes of the work, leading the pattern along with her. And the ball thread is called working thread. Apparently because she forms knots, that is, she works hard!

I do not at all pretend to be a “HISTORIAN OF TATTING”, but I have a theory. At the beginning of the emergence of tatting, the patterns were simple and were made with one shuttle, or a shuttle and a ball. And by the time tatting spread to Eastern Europe, the patterns became more complex. There was a need for two or even three shuttles. In order not to confuse tatters, Europe and America left the same terminology. But the Slavic countries introduced new names, which in my opinion are logical if we use two shuttles.

Just in case, I want to remind new taters, shuttle thread is always on the right (if you are right-handed, of course!).

And now we come to the most interesting part!

You can make many patterns with one shuttle and ball. The trick is this. For example, you need to make a pattern like in the picture. As you can see, this is a pattern for two shuttles. Because the Rings here are made with the second shuttle (this is the shuttle with ball thread).

Try taking one shuttle and a ball! You can swap the threads of the ball and the shuttle using “magic” simple knot! I made a short video to demonstrate this simple but absolutely magical technique! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9c7uiCt3jE&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Multicolor patterns

This works if you are making a single color pattern. What if I want to use two colors? I’m sure you remember a simple rule: the color of ball thread determines the color of the Ring or Chain (Wow, I definitely need to write philosophical treatises!). In this case, I take two shuttles with two different colors of thread and make simple knots however I want, LOL! Yes, I received 12 heart options where the color was NOT REPEATED. But I have 12 more options in my head! I liked the result so much that I decided to use this technique to create bookmarks. Of course, you can take threads of any other colors and create as many of your own color options as you like! Experiment, creativity is welcome. The pattern is available in my store. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/pattern-bookmarks-tenderness/

Thank you for reading to the end. I hope I didn’t bore you too much!

Posted on June 22, 2021September 8, 2025 by Elena — 4 Comments

How much does handmade cost

US dollars representing the cost and value of handmade tatting and artisan creations, by FairyLacefromElena

How much does handmade cost, or how to calculate the cost of a finished product.

Hello everyone! I know a lot of my readers are in the business of making amazing handcrafted items for sale. Of course, you know how to evaluate your work. And I’m absolutely sure each of you has heard these terrible words: why is it so expensive? I understand that we must be patient and tolerant with customers. And so I don’t want to answer: if this is dear to you, then do it yourself. (Ha ha!) But let’s calculate together how much any handmade product actually costs.

How much materials and tools cost

For example, you are knitting a sweater. Do you remember how much money you paid for threads of such a beautiful color and for the set of knitting needles that are most comfortable for you? I remember, but not always! LOL Therefore, you can take the average cost at the moment. Do you agree? And also don’t forget to add the shipping cost. Or the cost of gasoline, if you yourself went to the posh Hobby Lobby store (this is not an advertisement, but a metaphor!). Likewise, you can calculate how much money you spent on thread and embroidery fabric. Or how much does clay and glaze for ceramics cost. Etc. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, painting, tatting and much more … Well, you get the point, I hope.

How to pay for work time handmade correctly

I remember how 10 years ago, on a large internet site for selling handmade products, managers instructed us: you must value your work and “pay yourself” at least $ 40 for every hour. But this is absolutely the wrong approach. After all, you want your products to be sold, and not lying at home, creating a warehouse. Did I guess? Of course, you can pay yourself $ 600 an hour. But will such a price be competitive? In this case, I suggest taking into account the average wage in your country. Or the salary that you want to receive.

How to evaluate the creativity of a handmade product

This is the most difficult thing, it seems to me. How can I appreciate the “pangs of creativity”? Or how much is originality worth? How interesting is the technique I used to bring my idea to life? And here we must also take into account the latest fashion trends. Oh, fashion is such a windy lady! But I hasten to assure you that handmade are always in fashion. In evaluating this criterion, you will have to “follow the competition”. It’s a shame if you see that a similar brooch (ring, dress, painting …) has already been made by another master. And then you have two choices: either abandon your idea, or make your brooch even cooler! That is, think of how your product can stand out from the crowd. Ah, you and I have come to the concept of a brand, a master’s handwriting, a recognizable style. Right?

How recognizable and distinctive is your master’s handwriting? Unfortunately, I do not have an exact formula for calculating this component. But if you constantly improve your skills, and master new methods, you will definitely gain your admirers and regular customers! Consequently, your brand rating will increase as well!

This is not knitting, this is tatting!

Finally, I want to explain why tatting is so much more expensive than knitting. There is such a definition. The fewer people can do a certain job, the more valuable that job is. Therefore, for example, the work of Leonardo da Vinci is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, in contrast to the primitive oil stains of a beginning artist. And do you know how many people in the world know the tatting technique? Have you heard about The Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts? You can read an article on this topic on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HCA_Red_List_of_Endangered_Crafts

Hooray, tatting has ceased to be considered an endangered type of needlework. But the danger has not passed, unfortunately. Take a look at this page.

I don’t want to offend knitters in any way, but sooooo many people knit, even tough bikers!

And on the contrary, very few people know about the art of tatting, alas. Following the theory I just wrote about, tatting should be valued far more than other currently viable crafts. I think this is fair. Thanks to all experienced and budding tatters for promoting and reviving this amazing art! I really hope that my modest contribution to this cause will not go unnoticed.

Subscribe to my blog, comment, ask questions. I’m always happy to help.
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