Needle Tatting Split Rings & Josephine Chains

One of the things about Tattting needles is how the needle is shaped at the eye for the thread. The needle is a consistent width. Most doll needles I've seen are broader at the eye that causes problems with moving the stitches off the end of the needle past the eye. This increased width of the needle means the stitches have to tighten up as they pass over the eye. I became aware of this once I purchased tatting needles.

The other day I checked and Michael's had them listed on their website so I went to the store because I bought them there twelve years ago. I couldn't find them so I asked a clerk who had been there many years. When I asked about "tatting needles" she acted like I was talking another language. She had never heard of tatting. I went to Hobby Lobby and they had both shuttles and needles. The needles ran $11.95 for three needles (sizes 3, 5 and 7, size 8 was included as a bonus). They had the same needles with a "How To" book for $22.95. I also have ordered them from Snow Goose Lace. Prices were comparable.as I recall.

I ordered mine on walmart.com and had them shipped to store. It was the cheapest place I could find. Amazon had some too but they cost more with the shipping.