Knotting Shuttle Collection

Knotting was done in the 17th and 18th centuries and is believed to be the ancestor of 19th century tatting.  Knotting shuttles were more intricate in design and larger than tatting shuttles, measuring around 4-6" long.


LAST UPDATE ON THIS PAGE: Aug 24, 2012
UPDATE:  Added length measurements of the knotting shuttles. 

This knotting shuttle is made of tortoise-shell.  It has a beautiful flower design (inlaid silver) on both sides. 

My largest shuttle so far at 4.9 in. long 

Polished steel, cut and engraved. France. 18th century.

This shuttle is very special, it belonged to Michel Rullier and was sold as part of his antique iron object collection in Paris.

4.35 in. long 











Knotting shuttle made of mother-of-pearl. I am not sure of the age of this shuttle, a picture of a similar shuttle can be found in Heidi Nakayama's book "Tatting Shuttles of American Collectors", stated to be produced in Europe in the 1950's. 

4.1 in. long 

This is a pale horn knotting shuttle with inlaid pique work. The rivets are silver flowers. 

As with almost all knotting shuttles, it is difficult to clearly state when it was produced. Based on the materials and pique work on this shuttle, it can be estimated to have been produced by the end of the 18th century. 

4.35 in. long 

For more information, I recommend reading "Tatting Shuttles - Related Tools & Accessories" by Pam Palmer. Here you will find a lot of information on both antique tatting and knotting shuttles and the history behind these beautiful needlework tools.