8 Tatting Books That Will Elevate Your Lace Craft

Discover 8 Tatting Books authored by leading experts including Tomoko Morimoto and Robin Perfetti—crafted to refine your skills and inspire creativity.

Updated on June 29, 2025
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What if you could transform simple threads into delicate lace that captivates the eye and honors a centuries-old craft? Tatting, with its intricate knots and loops, is an art that blends patience and precision, and it’s seeing a resurgence among textile enthusiasts eager to reconnect with handmade traditions.

The books featured here are authored by seasoned practitioners like Tomoko Morimoto and Robin Perfetti, whose deep knowledge and unique perspectives breathe new life into tatting. These guides range from foundational techniques to specialized jewelry designs, providing clear instructions and inspiring projects that suit various skill levels.

While these carefully curated books offer proven methods and timeless patterns, you might find even greater value by tailoring your learning path. Consider creating a personalized Tatting book that matches your experience, goals, and favorite styles—building on these expert insights to craft your own lace legacy.

Best for modern tatting designs
Tomoko Morimoto, a seasoned instructor at Tokyo's Kasumigaoka Lace School, brings a blend of tradition and modernity to lace making. Having learned tatting from her mother, she crafts original patterns that celebrate this delicate art form. Her expertise shapes this book into a comprehensive guide that invites you to explore and create lace with confidence and creativity.
2014·128 pages·Tatting, Needlework, Lace Making, Shuttle Techniques, Motif Design

When Tomoko Morimoto discovered the delicate art of tatting learned from her mother, she embraced its traditional techniques while infusing modern aesthetics. In New Tatting, you gain hands-on guidance in crafting lace through detailed photos and fresh color approaches, covering everything from dainty chains to intricate motifs. The book demystifies the use of shuttles and crochet hooks, making it accessible for beginners while inspiring experienced tatters seeking new designs. You'll find projects that range from edging textiles to standalone lace pieces, equipping you to enrich clothing, jewelry, or home décor with elegant lacework.

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Best for seasonal motif enthusiasts
Four Dozen Tatted Snowflakes stands out within tatting literature by focusing exclusively on seasonal snowflake motifs. Robin Perfetti presents 48 designs that blend simplicity with elegance, supported by photographs, color-coded diagrams, and detailed written instructions. This dual focus makes the book accessible to both shuttle and needle tatters, offering visual and textual guidance that helps crafters of various skill levels. The inclusion of pictorials for selected patterns adds an extra layer of clarity, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to enrich their tatting projects with intricate yet approachable seasonal designs.
2021·75 pages·Tatting, Pattern Design, Shuttle Tatting, Needle Tatting, Lace Making

Robin Perfetti's collection in Four Dozen Tatted Snowflakes offers a thoughtful mix of 48 snowflake patterns that balance ease with refined design. The book provides step-by-step written instructions, color-coded diagrams, and photographs, making it approachable whether you prefer shuttle or needle tatting. Notably, select patterns include pictorials that help clarify the process, a practical touch for those learning intricate lacework. If you're seeking to expand your tatting repertoire with seasonal motifs that range from simple to elegant, this book provides clear guidance without overwhelming complexity. However, if you want highly advanced or experimental techniques, this may lean toward the traditional rather than the avant-garde.

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Best for custom skill progression
This personalized AI book about tatting techniques is created based on your current experience and specific goals. You share your background in lace crafting and which tatting aspects you want to focus on, and the book is crafted to match exactly what you need. With AI tailoring, you get clear, focused guidance that helps you progress efficiently through both foundational and intricate tatting skills.
2025·50-300 pages·Tatting, Tatting Basics, Shuttle Techniques, Needle Tatting, Pattern Reading

This tailored book on tatting mastery bridges foundational skills with advanced techniques, focusing precisely on your interests and current skill level. It explores key elements such as shuttle handling, needle tatting, and intricate pattern creation, providing clear guidance that matches your background. By concentrating on your specific goals, it reveals the nuances of lace artistry—from basic loops to complex motifs—offering a unique learning experience that weaves together expert knowledge with personal relevance. This personalized approach helps you navigate the rich tradition of tatting with confidence and creativity, making your journey both efficient and deeply satisfying.

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Best for mastering needle tatting
The Complete Book of Tatting offers a focused dive into the art of lace-making through tatting, emphasizing five core methods with clear, charted designs. Rebecca Jones presents step-by-step guidance especially on needle tatting, providing you with a resource that balances both beginner-friendly instructions and challenges for more experienced crafters. This book stands out by making intricate patterns approachable and by helping you develop both technical skill and creative confidence in textile arts. Whether you want to start your tatting journey or deepen your existing expertise, this guide provides structured learning and inspiration.
112 pages·Tatting, Needle Tatting, Lace Making, Pattern Reading, Craft Techniques

What started as a thorough exploration of traditional needlework evolved into a detailed guide that Rebecca Jones crafted to demystify tatting techniques. This book breaks down five fundamental methods with clear, charted patterns that make each project accessible whether you're just starting or looking to refine expert skills. You’ll find particularly detailed instruction on needle tatting, which sets this book apart by focusing on a subtler craft often overlooked in general lace-making guides. If your goal is to master both the basics and some advanced patterns with visual clarity, this book offers a solid foundation and practical examples without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for advanced jewelry tatting
Lyn Morton, author of the bestselling Tatting Patterns, brings over 40 years of expertise to this book. She operates a successful online design company and teaches extensively in the UK and US, making her a trusted voice in the tatting community. Her deep knowledge and passion for the craft shine through, offering you refined instruction to elevate your lace jewelry making.
2017·112 pages·Tatting, Jewelry Design, Beadwork, Lace Making, Pattern Reading

The methods Lyn Morton developed while mastering tatting for over four decades come through clearly in this guide. You learn how to craft intricate lace jewelry using step-by-step diagrams paired with detailed photos that demystify complex stitches. Morton’s focus on combining traditional tatting techniques with beadwork enables you to create elegant necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that go beyond typical lace projects. If you’re passionate about elevating your tatting skills into wearable art, this book offers precise instruction without overwhelming you. However, it’s best suited for those already familiar with basic tatting, as it moves quickly into sophisticated designs.

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Best for complete beginners
Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-Step offers a clear, methodical introduction to the art of needle tatting. This guide focuses solely on helping you grasp the essential techniques required to start tatting confidently, without overwhelming you with complex patterns or jargon. Its step-by-step methodology is ideal if you want to build foundational skills and understand the craft’s mechanics. Whether you’re new to tatting or seeking a focused refresher, this book provides a straightforward pathway to mastering the basics of this delicate textile art.
28 pages·Tatting, Needle Tatting, Craft Basics, Hand Techniques, Pattern Reading

Barbara Foster's approach to needle tatting is straightforward and accessible, focusing on guiding you through each stitch with precision and clarity. This book breaks down the fundamentals of needle tatting into manageable steps, making it easier for you to build confidence and skill with your hands. While it doesn't delve into advanced patterns, it provides a solid foundation for beginners seeking to understand the technique thoroughly. If you're starting out and want a clear, no-frills introduction to needle tatting, this concise guide will serve you well, though those looking for extensive design inspiration might need to look elsewhere.

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Best for daily skill progress
This personalized AI book about tatting skills is created after you share your experience level and specific skill goals. AI uses your inputs to craft a focused 30-day plan that breaks down complex techniques into manageable daily projects. This approach makes learning more approachable and keeps you motivated by addressing exactly what you want to achieve in your tatting journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Tatting, Tatting Basics, Hand Coordination, Pattern Reading, Shuttle Tatting

This tailored book explores step-by-step daily guidance designed to elevate your tatting proficiency efficiently. It covers essential techniques and incremental projects that build complexity over 30 days, allowing you to steadily develop your skills. By focusing on your personal experience and goals, it matches your unique background, helping you progress with confidence through targeted practice. The book examines traditional and contemporary tatting methods, revealing how to refine your hand coordination and understand pattern reading deeply. This personalized approach ensures you engage with content that resonates with your interests and accelerates your lace-making journey.

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Best for beaded tatting jewelry
Marilee Rockley has been a driving force in modern tatting. Her designs, which have featured in various magazines and her previous book Tatted Jewelry, bring Victorian tatting techniques into a contemporary context. Known for her expertise in tatting history and dyeing her own threads to create unique colors, Marilee’s background makes her especially qualified to guide you through integrating beads into shuttle tatting. This book reflects her deep knowledge and passion, providing you with a specialized resource to expand your tatting skills into jewelry making.
Tatting with Beads Jewelry (Annie's Tatting) book cover

by Marilee Rockley··You?

2016·32 pages·Tatting, Jewelry Making, Beadwork, Shuttle Tatting, Crochet Thread

What started as Marilee Rockley's passion for preserving and modernizing the Victorian art of tatting evolved into this focused guide on creating tatted jewelry with beads. You’ll gain hands-on skills through detailed photos, diagrams, and instructions that clarify shuttle tatting techniques while integrating beadwork, a delicate combination that requires precision. The book walks you through four distinct necklace and earring designs using size 10 crochet thread, providing a practical blueprint that’s approachable for crafters ready to elevate their handmade accessories. If you’re looking to blend classic tatting with contemporary jewelry aesthetics, this book serves as a clear, concise resource tailored to that niche craft.

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Best for visual pattern learners
Mary Konior is a renowned author in the field of tatting, known for her intricate patterns and clear instructions. Her deep experience and meticulous approach shine through in this book, which offers more than 50 distinct designs accompanied by over 70 full-color photographs. Driven by her passion for detailed needlework, Konior crafted this collection to help you explore visual complexity in tatting, making it a valuable guide for those ready to advance their craft.
Tatting, Pattern Design, Handicrafts, Textile Arts, Needlework

Mary Konior brings her deep expertise in tatting to this carefully crafted collection, sharing over 50 distinctive patterns that range from braids to delicate edgings and decorative accessories. You’ll gain hands-on skills for creating complex designs illustrated by more than 70 vibrant photographs, which clarify the techniques involved. Chapters focus on varied motifs, including panels and trifles, giving you a broad toolkit to design both functional and ornamental pieces. If you’re looking to elevate your tatting beyond basics into detailed, visually engaging work, this book provides the patterns and inspiration to do so.

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Best for step-by-step needle tatting
How to Needle Tat invites you into the delicate craft of needle tatting with an approach tailored for those who have never held a needle. It meticulously guides you from threading your needle to mastering the key double stitch, supported by clear illustrations and diverse pattern notations. The book also delves into practical finishing techniques, such as creating a pinning board, which help transform your lace into beautiful adornments. Whether you aim to embellish textiles or craft ornaments, this book equips you with foundational skills that make the intricate art of tatting accessible and approachable.
2014·68 pages·Tatting, Fiber Arts, Needlework, Pattern Reading, Double Stitch

Laura Evans offers a clear pathway into the world of needle tatting, starting from the very basics like threading a needle. This book breaks down the fundamental double stitch—a type of Lark's head knot—ensuring your lacework stays secure. You’ll find practical guidance on reading tatting patterns, including multiple notation systems illustrated through the Little Lace Flower project. Beyond stitching, the book covers finishing techniques like making a pinning board and alternative methods to complete your lace. If you’re new to needle tatting and want a patient, well-illustrated guide that builds your skills step-by-step, this is designed precisely for you.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively cover the full spectrum of tatting—from mastering basic stitches to crafting sophisticated beaded jewelry. If you’re just starting and want a clear path, begin with Barbara Foster’s Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-Step and Laura Evans’ How to Needle Tat for foundational skills. For those ready to explore artistic expression, Lyn Morton’s jewelry designs and Mary Konior’s visual patterns offer advanced inspiration.

Combine the seasonal elegance of Robin Perfetti’s snowflakes with Tomoko Morimoto’s modern motifs to expand your creative range. If you find your interests are more niche or your learning style unique, consider creating a personalized Tatting book that bridges general principles and your specific needs.

These books are more than patterns; they’re doorways to mastering a delicate craft that enriches both maker and wearer. Let these guides accelerate your tatting journey and help you weave your own stories in lace.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Learn Needle Tatting Step-by-Step or How to Needle Tat by Barbara Foster and Laura Evans. They break down basics clearly, perfect for beginners building confidence before tackling complex designs.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Tatting?

Not at all. Several titles like Barbara Foster’s and Laura Evans’ books focus on beginners, while others offer gradual challenges. You can progress at your own pace with clear instructions and visuals.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides, then explore thematic books like Four Dozen Tatted Snowflakes for patterns. Finally, dive into specialized works like The Art of Tatting Jewelry to refine advanced skills.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. Many tatting books serve as pattern and technique references, so feel free to focus on the chapters or projects that interest you most at any time.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Most books emphasize practical application with patterns and step-by-step guides. However, New Tatting and Complete Book of Tatting provide deeper technique explanations alongside projects for a balanced approach.

How can I get tatting instruction tailored specifically to my skill level and interests?

While these expert books offer excellent guidance, you can create a personalized Tatting book that fits your unique goals and experience. It complements expert knowledge with content tailored just for you—create your custom Tatting book here.

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