Tatting -- originally known as knotting -- is easily identified by its distinctive use of rings and picots (loops). Traditional tatting utilizes a shuttle. In recent years, needle or hook tatting, as it is sometimes called, was developed to provide an "easier" method for creating tatted work.

The use of knotting, for clothing and needlework, dates back centuries and became particularly popular with royalty throughout Europe. For as much as they enjoyed wearing it -- they enjoyed making it. Eventually, it became fashionable for women of society to carry their ornate shuttles in equally ornate pouches. Decorated with carved ivory, gold, silver, and jewels -- the shuttles were not only beautiful -- they flaunted the owner's affluence as well.

At first, tatting's delicate, airy appearance might make one wonder about its versatility. But, like its cousin crochet, it's ideal for doilies, decorating linens and embellishing clothing. Unique to tatting is the ability to make tiny individual rings of picots -- allowing for intricate and unique bookmarks, jewelry, and even whimsical greeting cards. You might say - tatting has the "edge!"