cotton to fall _towards_ you, and passing
the shuttle _downwards_, the cotton is thrown in a loop over the left
hand, and the shuttle passed under the thread between the first and
second fingers _upwards_. The knot must be invariably formed by the
thread which passes round the fingers of the _left_ hand. If the
operation is reversed, and the knot formed by the cotton connected
with the shuttle, the loop will not draw up. This is occasioned by
letting the cotton from the shuttle hang loosely instead of drawing it
out and holding it tightly stretched. When any given number of these
double stitches are done, and drawn closely together, the stitches are
held between the first finger and thumb, and the other fingers are
withdrawn from the circle of cotton, which is gradually diminished by
drawing out the shuttle until the loop of tatting is nearly or
entirely closed. The tatted loops should be quite close to each other,
unless directions to the contrary are given.

1837. Ornamental Edging.

The pin is used in making an ornamental edge, something like purl
edging, thus:--Slip the ring on the left-hand thumb, that the pin
attached may be ready for use. After making the required number of
double stitches, twist the pin in the circle of cotton, and hold it
between the forefinger and thumb, whilst making more double stitches;
repeat. The little loops thus formed are termed _picots._

1838. Trefoil Tatting.

This is done by drawing three loops up tightly, made close together,
and then leaving a short space before making more. The trefoil is
sewed into shape afterwards with a needle.

1839. To Join Loops.

When two loops are to be connected, a _picot_ is made in the _first_,
wherever the join is required. When you come to the corresponding
part of the _second_ loop, draw the thread which goes round the
fingers of the left hand through the _picot_ with a needle, pulling
through a loop large enough to admit the shuttle. Slip this through,
then draw the thread tight again over the fingers, and continue the
work. In many patterns a needle is used to work over, in buttonhole
stitch, the thread which passes from one loop to another. A long
needleful of the same cotton or silk used for the tatting is left at
the beginning of the work, and a common needle used to buttonhole over
bars wherever they occur.

1840. Alternative Picots.

Picots are also so