tatting

[ tat-ing ]

noun

1. the act or process of making a kind of knotted lace of cotton or linen thread with a shuttle.
2. such lace.

tatting

/ ˈtætɪŋ /

noun

1. an intricate type of lace made by looping a thread of cotton or linen by means of a hand shuttle
2. the act or work of producing this

Word History and Origins

Origin of tatting¹

First recorded in 1835–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tatting¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

On her left were two matrons, with massive foreheads and bonnets to match, discussing Women’s Rights and making tatting.

From Literature

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the first place ribbon in the novice tatting category goes to...Miss Lula Gates! Let’s have a big cheer for Miss Lula Gates!”

From Literature

He had bicycle clips and tatting shuttles and Mah Jong sets.

From Literature

A quilt shop beyond offers warm and thick silk quilts starting at around $100, complemented by aisles of duvets, tatting works and still another huge room of fine clothing and accessories.

From Washington Times

Thousands of young women were given an education and a portable skill, their equipment — tatting shuttle, thread, needles, crochet hooks — small enough to fit in a pocket, and take to America.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• brocade
• decoration
• lace
• needlepoint
• quilting
• tapestry