Before you begin. Tatting needles are longer than regular needles, with blunt tips similar to tapestry needles. Three sizes are available for tatting with thread : #7-fine (smallest), #5-0 (medium) and #3-0 (largest).

When you begin a project, select the thread first. Try crochet and tatting threads in Sizes 10-80, pearl cottons in Sizes 3-12, metallics, bedspread weights, even sport-weight yarns.

Next, select the needle with the smallest eye that will hold the thread without shredding it. A #5-0 needle, for example, is appropriate for Sizes 10 and 20 crochet thread, Sizes 5 and 8 pearl cotton, and bedspread weight cottons. The higher the thread or needle number, the smaller its size.

If needle tatting is new to you, follow the step-by-step instructions inside to learn the basics to complete this project.

For flowers, cut thread 40 inches long for each blossom.
*R 1-1-1-1-1-1 Cl. Leave 1/4-inch space.
R 1-1-1-1-1 Cl. Leave 1/4-inch space*.
Repeat from * to *, making as many rings of that color as you wish. Repeat the pattern in different colors for a total of 16 flowers. If desired, vary the number and size of picots (petals) on flowers, for a more natural look.

For small butterfly, cut thread 40 inches long. Begin by leaving a 1/2-inch tail.
R 1, Lp, 1, Sp, 1, p, 1, Sp, 1, Lp, 1 Cl.

To finish, trace the full-size drawing for the basket below onto paper or a card using a pencil. You may wish to use a sheet of graphite or paper, to make tracing easier. Use colored pencils to color and shade the drawing.

Cut tatting into single flowers. Dip a toothpick into glue; place a dot of glue onto each flower. Glue flowers atop small o's in pattern.

Basket pattern for the notecard
Trace design onto lightweight paper; transfer to a card.
Tint with colored pencils; embellished with flowers.

Make the Most of Your Notecard Blossoms

Once you've learned to make simple flowers, you are sure to find lots of elegant, thoughtful uses for them.