<P> In the late 20th century, tatting needles became commercially available in a variety of sizes, from fingering yarn down to size 80 tatting thread . Few patterns are written specifically for needle tatting; some shuttle tatting patterns may be used without modification . There are currently two manufacturers of tatting needles . </P> <P> Cro - tatting combines needle tatting with crochet . The cro - tatting tool is a tatting needle with a crochet hook at the end . One can also cro - tat with a bullion crochet hook or a very straight crochet hook . In the 19th century, "crochet tatting" patterns were published which simply called for a crochet hook . One of the earliest patterns is for a crocheted afghan with tatted rings forming a raised design . Patterns are available in English and are equally divided between yarn and thread . In its most basic form, the rings are tatted with a length of plain thread between them, as in single - shuttle tatting . In modern patterns, beginning in the early 20th century, the rings are tatted and the arches or chains are crocheted . Many people consider cro - tatting more difficult than crochet or needle tatting . Some tatting instructors recommend using a tatting needle and a crochet hook to work cro - tatting patterns . Stitches of cro - tatting (and needle tatting before a ring is closed) unravel easily, unlike tatting made with a shuttle . </P> <P> A form of tatting called Takashima Tatting, invented by Toshiko Takashima, exists in Japan . Takashima Tatting uses a custom needle with a hook on one end . It is not that widespread however (in Japan the primary form of tatting is shuttle tatting, and needle tatting is virtually unknown .). </P> <P> Older designs, especially through the early 1900s, tend to use fine white or ivory thread (50 to 100 widths to the inch) and intricate designs . Often they were constructed of small pieces 10 cm or less in diameter, which were then tied to each other to form a larger piece--a shawl, veil or umbrella, for example . This thread was either made of silk or a silk blend, to allow for improper stitches to be easily removed . The mercerization process strengthened cotton threads and spread their use in tatting . Newer designs from the 1920s and onward often use thicker thread in one or more colors, as well as newer joining methods, to reduce the number of thread ends to be hidden . The best thread for tatting is a "hard" thread that does not untwist readily . Cordonnet thread is a common tatting thread; Perl cotton is an example of a beautiful cord that is nonetheless a bit loose for tatting purposes . Some tatting designs incorporate ribbons and beads . </P>

Lace or lacy paper type of mat that can be used for crafting activities