Tatting is a centuries-old lace-making technique admired for its precision, lightness, and delicate beauty. Although it is often associated with doilies or table linens, tatting actually offers endless possibilities — from fashion accessories and jewelry to home décor that can transform everyday objects. Moreover, it provides wonderful ideas for tatting gifts, perfect for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or thoughtful handmade gestures. In this post, I’ve curated 30 creative ways to use tatting, each illustrated with photos and source links, so that you can easily see the craft’s versatility and charm. Whether classic or surprising, every example demonstrates the timeless allure of handmade lace, and also inspires new ways to incorporate tatting into modern life.
30 creative uses of tatting
1. Table doilies
– classic tatting doilies add sophistication and refinement to any table. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday dinners, or as decorative centerpieces, they bring a touch of vintage elegance.
Image: Doily designed and made by Renata Niemczyk. Photo from her blog: Frywolitki Renulka
2. Coasters
– Handmade tatting coasters protect surfaces while adding charm to your tableware. Ideal for daily use or as a thoughtful gift for tea and coffee lovers.
Image: Coasters designed and made by Robin Perfetti. Photo from her blog: Tatting by the Bay.
3. Tablecloths
– Tatted lace edges give table linens an airy, sophisticated finish. Perfect for elegant dining, festive gatherings, or special occasions.
Image: Linen tablecloth with tatted lace edging. Designer and maker unknown. Photo published on Etsy by the seller: artandsalvage.
4. Curtains and drapes
– small tatted panels or inserts can transform plain curtains into artful window treatments. Ideal for brightening living rooms, bedrooms, or reading nooks with handcrafted charm.
Image: A net lace curtain accented with delicate hand-tatted details and beads. Design and craftsmanship by Judith A Helms, the author of Idaho Stix & Strings.
5. Decorative pillows
– tatted lace embellishments elevate cushions into luxurious, handmade décor. Perfect for sofas, armchairs, or beds, offering a subtle vintage touch. In a smaller size, tatting can also be used to create charming ring pillows for weddings or special ceremonies.
Image: Hand‑tatted lace motif with bead embellishments on a mini lavender cushion, tatted in size 80 thread. Design and craftsmanship by Occasional Crafter.
6. Lampshades
– tatted lace lampshades create a soft, magical glow. Ideal for cozy corners, reading nooks, or ambient lighting at dinner parties.
Image: A delicate hand‑tatted lace lamp, illustrating the finished piece; the shuttle tatting pattern for creating this lamp is available as a PDF from LaceLounge on Etsy.
7. Dreamcatchers
– intricate lace motifs make dreamcatchers whimsical and airy. Perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, or boho-inspired décor that blends artistry with lightness.
Image: Dream catcher with tatted lace centre – design and handmade by the creator of the piece: Kari_ochi, shared on the tatting community forum on Reddit.
8. Bookmarks
– tatted lace bookmarks are delicate, practical, and beautiful. A thoughtful accessory for readers who appreciate handmade elegance.
Image: Classic tatting bookmarks in elegant metallic and dark tones. Design and handmade execution by Agnieszka Małecka/Nami on her website frywolitki.pl.
9. Wedding decorations
– delicate tatting can be used to create a wide range of wedding décor. For instance, it works for table accents like mini doilies or napkin rings, and furthermore for bridal jewelry, groom’s boutonniere decorations, hair accessories, veils, and much more.
Image: Tatting lace favor bag made from a traditional round doily. Handmade in cotton; no information is provided about the designer or maker. Product featured by Ricami e Pizzi.
10. Invitations and greeting cards
– small tatted lace motifs turn invitations into cherished keepsakes. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or special announcements, they bring tactile elegance and artisanal charm.
Image: Handmade tatting‑embellished invitation card from Dazzling Days blog (made by Aki Sakai, pattern:やさしいタティングレース/雄鶏社p.18).
11. Christmas ornaments
– tatted lace snowflakes, stars, and angels add festive elegance to any holiday décor. Great for Christmas trees, garlands, or handmade gifts.
Image: Tatted Christmas snowflakes by Robin Perfetti, featured in her booklet “Glacial: A Tatted Snowflake in Six Variations.” This example illustrates the popularity of holiday decorations in tatting. Design and patterns by Robin Perfetti; showcased on her blog; Tatting by the Bay.
12. Easter decorations
– tatted lace eggs create refined, delicate holiday décor. Perfect for festive tables, gift-giving, or creative seasonal displays.
Image: Tatting-covered Easter egg decorated with delicate lace motifs. Design and craftsmanship by Laura Bziukiewicz. Photo source: frywolitka.pl.
13. First Communion decorations
– Delicate tatting adds a symbolic, elegant touch to First Communion celebrations. Wreaths, candle decorations, bookmarks, or hair accessories transform ceremonies into memorable, handcrafted events.
Image: Tatted First Communion wreath., design and handmade by me, Alicia Wolska 🙂 Photo from the my archive.
14. Candle decorations
– tatted lace around candles creates a romantic and soft ambiance. Ideal for home décor, weddings, or intimate dinners.
Image: Tatting lace candle decorations in the form of delicate bands encircling the base of the candles. Design and handmade execution by Anetta, the author of the Jamiołowo blog.
15. Shawls, wraps, and capes
– lace inserts bring elegance and lightness to outerwear. Perfect for evening events, theatrical performances, or as a statement accessory.
Image: A delicate tatted shawl gracefully draped over the shoulders, highlighting the lightness and elegance of the lace. Design, handmade execution, and modeling by Elżbieta Jurzysta.
16. Collars and trims for blouses or dresses
– tatted lace collars and trims replace traditional lace for refined, handmade detailing. Ideal for blouses, dresses, or vintage-inspired ensembles.
Image: Tatted lace collar inspired by the “Caribbean Sea”. Pattern designed by Elena Kozinenko of FairyLace.
17. Earrings
– tatted lace earrings offer lightweight sophistication. Perfect for casual wear, formal events, or as unique handmade gifts.
Image: Tatting lace earrings designed and made by Aliona Racu of LionasHandmade. Lightweight, intricately knotted, and finely detailed, these earrings showcase expert shuttle tatting craftsmanship and elegant wearable design.
18. Necklaces
– lace chokers and necklaces create elegant textures and statement pieces. Suitable for everyday outfits or special occasions, these wearable lace artworks enhance any style.
Image: Gold lace choker necklace with beaded tatting lace details from MonarchJewelryNo1 (Etsy). This handmade tatting necklace features fine lace knots and shimmering beads in a wide choker design, blending Victorian‑inspired craftsmanship with modern wearable elegance.
19. Bracelets
– Tatted lace bracelets wrap the wrist like miniature works of art. Lightweight and stylish, they add artisanal charm to casual or formal looks.
Image: Handmade beige lace bracelet designed and crafted by Emelie Zakh.
20. Brooches
– Lace flowers and geometric designs make brooches eye-catching accessories. Pin them on jackets, scarves, or even shoes for a subtle, handmade statement.
Image: Tatting lace brooch designed and made by Angela Gambka.
21. Handbags and clutches
– Tatting lace transforms bags into refined, wearable art. Delicate overlays or bold panels bring texture and craftsmanship to contemporary designs.
Image: Tatting lace handbag and clutch designs from Tatting Lace by Keiko Kato — intricate, handcrafted motifs that bring timeless lace elegance to modern accessories. Photo from the Japanese book Tatting Lace (CreAtor06).
22. Hairbands and hair accessories
– tatted lace elevates hairpieces into charming accents. Perfect for everyday styling, weddings, or vintage-inspired looks.
Image: Tatting lace hair accessory designed and made by Izabela Szostak‑Gniazdowska – Galeria Koronki.
23. Tatting fan
– tatted lace folding fans become miniature decorative art. Ideal for summer outings, costume displays, or collector’s décor.
Image: Handmade tatting lace fan designed and made by Agnieszka Małecka NamiArt as featured on NamiArt Jewelry and Tutorials blog.
24. Keychains
– tatted lace keychains turn everyday items into delicate art pieces. Miniature flowers or geometric motifs bring charm to keys, bags, or zippers.
Image: Handmade tatting keychain by Elena Kozinenko (FairyLace project).
25. Masks
– lace masks evoke Venetian Carnival elegance. Perfect for masquerades, costume parties, or theatrical performances, they combine artistry with playful mystery.
Image: Columbine-style carnival mask with heart motifs.
Created by Karen Cabrera and presented on her blog: Entre lanzaderas.
26. Notebooks and planners
– tatted lace covers turn notebooks and planners into personalized gifts. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or thoughtful gestures for lovers of handmade artistry.
Image: Tatting lace notebook/planner detail shared by LillianTatLace on Instagram; design by Lillian of LillianTatLace.
27. Gloves and mittens
– tatted lace gloves bring romance and vintage charm to special occasions. Perfect for weddings, evening events, or theatrical outfits.
Image: Elegant vintage-inspired tatted fingerless gloves recreated by Stephanie Wilson — a timeless lace design perfect for special occasions or bridal styling. Photo by Joe Coca.
28. Sun parasols
– lace parasols offer sun protection with style. White or ivory suits weddings, black echoes Victorian elegance, and pastels enhance summer festivals or photoshoots.
Image: Tatting lace parasol made by Tatyana Buyvolova, with lace design by Jan Stawasz.
29. Tatting watch straps
– tatted lace watch straps reimagine timepieces as wearable art. They soften modern smartwatches or elevate vintage watches with handcrafted charm.
Image: Handmade tatting watch strap designed and crafted by Anna Drwiła / Maranta.
30. Wall decorations
– framed tatted lace or artistic compositions bring delicate flair to interiors. Perfect for living rooms, galleries, or as unique handcrafted décor.
Image: Wall lace decoration designed and made by AlmaMa (Alma Mb), featured on AlmaMa Blog.
The ideas above are just a glimpse of what tatting can become in the hands of creative makers. While many of these applications already exist somewhere in the world, imagination has no limits – and it can easily lead you far beyond familiar patterns, opening the door to completely new and unexpected directions.
Furthermore, I’d love this list to grow and evolve over time, enriched with fresh and inspiring uses of tatting created by you. If you experiment, combine techniques, or discover unusual ways to use tatting, feel free to share your ideas – I’ll be happy to update this post and add your projects as new sources of inspiration.
Finally, you’re warmly invited to join our Facebook group, where you can showcase your creations, exchange ideas, and inspire others with your unique vision of tatting. Who knows — your idea might even become the next creative path that others will follow.
