crotatting Archives

Posted on January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 by Elena — 4 Comments

Gift for cro-tatters

Fragment of a cro-tatting motif with three rings and double chains in the hands of the maker, yellow and blue colors, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Gift for Cro-Tatters 🎀, or why I don’t sum up the past year.

Hello everyone! Another year of our turbulent lives has come to an end — a year full of pain, disappointments, and tears. Yet, I don’t want to dwell on all the hardships; instead, I try to look to the new year with optimism. It is only thanks to you, my friends and followers, that I keep going and even create something new and, I hope, inspiring.

Today, I invite you to create a small cro-tatting motif with me — and it even features double chains! Don’t be afraid: with the help of the instructions and the video tutorial, you’ll easily master this fascinating technique.

My small motif is called “Harmony in Two Colors”. It consists of six rings and six double chains, with alternating yellow and blue threads. This technique creates a cheerful, vibrant effect, and it’s fun and engaging to work on. You can find all the details, the diagram, and a step-by-step video in the PDF I’ve prepared for you.

Gift for Cro-Tatters: Free Pattern & Video

You can either take a screenshot of the screen or follow the link to download the PDF file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XyV2bjIGi7UttpjZUhHhx_XfOZl-Y1rf/view?usp=sharing

To make the process easier and clarify the tricky parts, I’ve added a step-by-step video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5KBcy_boUQw

Along with the PDF and video, you can find all the necessary hooks for this motif in my shop: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

I wish you a new year full of creative ideas, inspiration, and joy in your favorite craft. 🎉I hope my little Gift for cro-tatters will come in handy!
May every knot bring you satisfaction, and may your little colorful motifs brighten your life!

Finally, I want to thank everyone who supports me and helps me in my creative journey! ❤️
Without you, I wouldn’t be able to create, share patterns, and inspire others. You are my true motivation!

Happy tatting!❤️❤️❤️

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 13, 2023August 22, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

What is cro-tatting

Yellow jewelry set of earrings and bracelet in the Cro-tatting technique

What is cro-tatting, or do tatting masters deserve poems?

Hello everyone! I want to say Wow! No not like this. Wow Wow wow! This is my cry of joy and pride. And we especially need these positive emotions in this terrible time.

I want to thank the editor of Simply Crochet magazine Alison Maney ( link to the magazine website: https://www.gathered.how/magazines-simply-crochet/ ) and blogger Rebecca Parker ( https://beccaparker.journoportfolio.com/ )for their support and help in popularizing cro-tatting. Of course, it was very difficult for me to talk about such a rare, but very interesting type of tatting in a short interview. Because I am equally passionate about three types of tatting and am ready to talk about them for a Thousand and One Days (almost like Scheherazade!). Besides, I always forget that brevity is the sister of talent, LOL!

By the way, the article is called Crochet’s Quirky Cousins. You can read about Tunisian, Bosnian crochet and cro-tatting in this article. And also look at photos of the works of talented masters of their craft. You’ll understand why I’m proud. After all, it is a very honor to be in the company of such talents! Also I hope my subscribers recognize photos of my work!

Magazine pages with my cro-tatting works

I am also glad for this publication because cro-tatting is undeservedly deprived of attention from tatting and crochet masters. So, how can I briefly say what cro-tatting is? This is a symbiosis of crocheting and needle tatting. And it would be fair to put this type of lace making on a par with the rest of its sisters! Do you agree?

And not just publications in magazines. But also poems should be written about tatting! Agree, the lines from Guido Gezelle’s ode to a lacemaker sound very beautiful. “I love to watch you making lace…” I was very interested to learn about the work of this unusual author, a monk who wrote poetry in the Flemish language. And then I thought, maybe there is a poet who will glorify the masters of the shuttle, needle and hook? Alas, I do not have such talent. But for now I can shoot a video where you will see the beauty and grace of this wonderful type of needlework! https://www.youtube.com/c/ElenaKozinenko

I always welcome your comments. Follow me on social networks. And don’t forget to check my store, welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Posted on May 10, 2023August 22, 2025 by Elena — Leave a comment

Cro-tatting Lesson 6

Cro-tatting Lesson 6 , or the return to the beginning.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 5. Therefore, follow the link if you have not read or watched the video of the previous lesson: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-5/

In the last lesson, we disposed of the remnants of the thread. Did you succeed? And I promised to tell you in detail how to connect elements of different colors correctly. Do not throw slippers at me, because I will again talk about the front and back of tatting! Of course, I do not in any way insist on my opinion. Because every artist is entitled to their own point of view. After all, every tatter is an artist! Do you agree? And who can tell the artist exactly how CORRECT? It is possible that you will like the product, which has specially made thin “stitches” of a different color on the front side of the work.

Front or back side?

In my classes for schoolchildren, I show the difference between the wrong side and the wrong side at the very beginning of lessons. Believe me, students perceive this very easily. By the way, it is in cro-tatting that the difference between both sides of the work is very clearly visible. Especially if you use double crochet in the pattern. How unexpectedly, I had an idea for the topic of a new lesson! If you are interested in getting a pattern using double crochet in the pattern , write me in the comments please.

But, it’s time to move from words to deeds, that is, to video! So video Cro-tatting Lesson 6 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGW4f-nMu1g&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

By the way, I have a video on this subject for shuttle tatting. Maybe this will come in handy too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98FYbzTfzZE&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=26

I will be grateful for the support of my blog and YouTube channel. Subscribe, comment, share on social networks, please! This will help make my information more interesting and useful.

Posted on April 10, 2023August 23, 2025 by Elena — Leave a comment

Cro-tatting Lesson 4

Green lace round coasters in cro-tatting technique.

Cro-tatting Lesson 4 , or how to make a split chain in cro-tatting technique.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 3 . Therefore, follow the link if you have not read or watched the video of the previous lesson: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-3/

Ah, I tried my best in the previous lesson! I sought to convince all my readers of the need to master the reception of the split ring. By the way, this is necessary not only for cro-tatting, but also for the tatting shuttle and for the tatting needle. I hope many tatters will “follow me” in this matter, haha! And today I want to suggest that you use a split chain too as often as possible as well. But alas, I have no new arguments. I’m just sure that we must develop, improve and look for new ways and methods. Do you agree with me? Then you will benefit from my new video, I hope.

I use two methods to perform a split chain.

First method

So, fhe first method is good when you move from row to row through chains. You hide the tail of the thread at the beginning of work and, as the second part of the split chain, perform a double crochet. The number of yarn overs should be 1 less than the number of loops in the first half of the split chain. In my video, this is 5sc and Triple Treble Crochet ( or Double Treble Crochet ). Here again I ask for your help. How is this element correctly indicated in English. Write to me in the comments, please.

Second method

But the second method is ideal if you are going to the next row through a split chain + split ring combination. So, in the video, you will see two threads after the split chain is completed. First thread – ball, and the second – long tail of the thread, which I left at the beginning of work. Therefore we can use these two threads to make a split ring.

Wow! I can imagine how tired you are of reading this! Of course, it’s better to watch the video. Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe to my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvR8NaB1-c4&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Posted on April 4, 2023August 18, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Cro-tatting Lesson 3

Green round lace coasters in cro-tatting technique

Cro-tatting Lesson 3 , or why master the split ring.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 2 . Please check the link: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-2/

My regular readers know I’m lazy! Haha! Because I don’t like to hide the ends of the threads. Oh, it’s almost as terrible as unraveling the threads in a finished tatting. I’m sure a lot of tatters understand me. If you agree, please write in the comments. After all, each of your comments helps to make my blog more interesting and useful. In addition, in this way you will raise this article higher in the search and give more readers the opportunity to get acquainted with useful material. (Oh, I hope this is helpful!)

Why you need a split ring

Firstly, the use of a split ring helps us to move from one row to another WITHOUT cutting the thread. I like to use this trick. In this way, I get much less tails of threads, which have to be hidden with great pain. By the way, you can not hide polyester threads. You can cut them short and melt them with a lighter. But be careful, otherwise you can ruin the product!

Secondly, the split ring helps in creating very original patterns. By the way, the split rings bookmark looks pretty cute, doesn’t it!

Thirdly, the split ring can be made with a shuttle, needle or crochet. For all these three tatting tools, I have already published videos on my You Tube channel. Thank you in advance for all the likes, comments and subscriptions! Today I added a separate video for cro-tatting. I hope Cro-tatting Lesson 3 was interesting and useful for you. You can watch all the videos on Split Ring by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM5ONjnKNOI&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

The topic of my next lesson is a split chain for cro-tatting. I’m sure you’ll like it! Also you will enjoy visiting my store, please check! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Posted on March 27, 2023August 16, 2025 by Elena — 2 Comments

Cro-tatting lesson 2

Cro-tatting lesson 2, or how easy and simple it is to make a closed motive.

Hello everyone! This article is a continuation of Lesson 1. Please check the link: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-1/

Today I want to show you how to make a simple closed motif. After all, tatters are constantly faced with such elements! Of course, you use flowers, medallions, rosettes, small squares or triangles in your work. I know it’s not always easy to connect the last element to the first one in such fragments. Especially often this question worries novice needleworkers. By the way, I advise you to start mastering the closed motif with a piece that contains at least 5-6 Rings. You ask why? Becouse in this case It is more convenient to rotate the finished part of the work for joining.

Of course, I made a short video. Although I made this video using a tatting hook, the principle of connecting the rings into a closed motif will be interesting and useful for lovers of the shuttle and the needle also. I’m sure words can’t explain everything. It’s good that there is an opportunity to find a video on YouTube that you will like and be useful to you! The Internet has brought into our lives the opportunity to learn whatever your heart desires. But be careful! I urge everyone not to get completely dependent on the World Wide Web! Haha! Sorry, I digress.

So, today I suggest you make a small motif of eight rings and eight chains. For beginners, I advise choosing high-quality #10 threads. And it is better if you take threads of light shades. Oh, believe me, dark threads (especially black ones) are very tiring for the eyes.

This is a graphic diagram and instructions. You can easily copy this picture (this is JPG file).

And I will be glad for your comments, wishes and subscriptions here and on my YouTube channel. You can watch the video Cro-tatting lesson 2 here, welcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmClyW-P0gM&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Posted on March 21, 2023October 7, 2025 by Elena — 6 Comments

Cro-tatting Lesson 1

Lavender cro-tatting lace sample showing basic double stitches, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Cro-tatting Lesson 1. A bit of history and also basic knots.

Hello everyone! My regular readers, you certainly know how much I love tatting. This is a hobby for me, a passion, an antidepressant and an opportunity to support my Ukraine in this difficult time. In addition, I try to popularize this amazing needlework technique. And today I’m starting a series of cro-tatting lessons.

What is cro-tatting

Crochet combines tatting needle with crochet. The cro-tatting tool is a needle with a hook on the end. I’m sure you can read the full article on tatting on wikipedia. Many people find cro-tatting more difficult than crocheting or tatting.

Some tatting instructors recommend using a tatting needle and a crochet hook. But I haven’t tried it. Perhaps because I have the perfect tool (in my opinion) – Toshiko Takashima hook.

Unfortunately, this type of tatting is quite rare. And completely undeserved, in my opinion. In addition, cro-tatting are easy to unravel if you make a mistake. You just need to pull the end of the thread, haha! I know, supporters of tatting by shuttle would certainly appreciate it!

Base knots

This photo shows that all the rings are made using the classic tatting technique. That is, the rings are made up of double stitches (ds). And the chains are crocheted and consist of air loops (al). Perhaps because of the intricacies of the translation, I again confuse the terminology. So write me in the comments, please, if I’m wrong (to do this, click on the Leave a comment button at the BEGINNING of the article).

For cro-tatting lesson 1, I made a video demonstrating the base knots. Of course, if you know how to tat with a needle, it will be very easy for you to make a double stitches. The main difficulty lies in the formation of the ring. But with just a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. I decided to show you two ways to form a ring. Personally, I prefer the first way. Because this way the ring turns out to be more symmetrical (it seems to me).

In the recording, cro-tatting Ring looks the same as a shuttle or needle tatting. For example, R: 16.
English term for the chain is “single crochet” and in abbreviation “C: 7 sc”. Although in Ukrainian this term is called “air loop” and is denoted, for example, as C: 7al.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdd7EHAM9lI&list=UULF3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

And also subscribe to my YouTube channel and blog. I will try to make new video tutorials and detailed articles on the topic of cro-tatting in the near future. Thanks in advance for your comments, questions and suggestions!

📚 Continue learning with https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cro-tatting-lesson-2/

🧵 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What tool do I need for cro-tatting?
A: You’ll need a special cro-tatting hook — a hybrid of a crochet hook and a tatting needle. You can find it in my shop here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/set-of-3-cro-tatting-hooks/

Q: Is cro-tatting the same as tatting?
A: Not exactly! Cro-tatting combines crochet and tatting techniques. You use a small hook instead of a shuttle to form stitches.

Q: Can beginners try cro-tatting?
A: Absolutely! This first lesson will help you master the double stitch — the foundation of all tatting work.