Trimmings: Chantilly Border to Tat

From time to time, PieceWork features a column we call 'Trimmings,' which includes a collection of patterns, charts, or instructions that have been gleaned from old magazines and books that are generally no longer available. The patterns and instructions for these small needlework articles are worded exactly as they appeared in the original publication. Use them as they are or adapt them to other techniques—but do have fun with them!

This time we highlight a chantilly border to tat, from Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 4.

The “Chantilly Border” from Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 4, tatted by Trish Faubion. Albino water buffalo horn shuttle courtesy of Handy Hands Tatting. Photo by Joe Coca.

Chantilly Border to Tat

This border is useful for trimming underlinen, pinafores, and other purposes.

Procure crochet cotton No. 14 or No. 12. Thread the shuttle, and use the second thread direct from the reel.

Make a loop with shuttle thread, and work 3 double, 1 picot, 3 double, 1 picot, 3 double, draw up; * reverse the work, and with the second thread work 3 double stitches; reverse, make a loop with the shuttle thread, do 2 double, 1 picot and 2 double alternately ten times, draw up; reverse, resume the second thread, and work 2 double, 1 picot and 2 double three times; reverse, make a loop with the shuttle thread, do 3 double join to the last but one picot of the large oval, 3 more double, and draw up; reverse, resume the second thread, and work 2 double, 1 picot and 2 double alternately three times; reverse, make a loop with the shuttle thread, do 3 double, join to the next picot of the large oval, 3 more double, draw up; reverse, resume the second thread, work 2 double, 1 picot and 2 double alternately three times, join to the next picot but one of the large oval; and still with the second thread, do 3 double; reverse, make a loop with the shuttle thread, work 3 double, 1 picot, 3 double, 1 picot, 3 double, and draw up; repeat from *.

For the crochet foundation [not shown on our example], work 1 double crochet in the first picot of the little round eyelet, 1 chain, 1 double crochet in the next picot, 3 chain, 1 double crochet in the centre picot of the large oval, 3 chain, and continue.

—From Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 4

Sample shown was tatted by Trish Faubion

We used Presencia Fincrochet, 100 percent cotton thread, size 10, in Ecru, and a handmade and hand-etched shuttle for our example. Find this and other great projects in PieceWork’s May/June 2009 issue.

If you tat this lovely border, please send a photo to piecework@longthreadmedia.com. We’d love to see it!