Expert: Donna Kelly - 11/27/2011

Question
I have my gr.mother's pillowcase which looks like she crocheted on the edge - there are small holes pierced - what is it called - tatting or crocheting and how do I make the holes?  Is there a tool?  I'd love to learn and are there instruction books?  Thank you so much!  E

Answer
If the holes are made in the pillowcase, it was done with a hole puncher. The hole puncher looks like a large needle with a wooden handle. The silver needle is forced into the material.  To tell if the lace is tatting, look for a circle closed, a half circle, and little loops.  The loops are called picots.  If the lace has straight lines and has little bumpes, it is crochet.  The bumpes are called picots. Send me a picture and I will tell you if it is tatting or crochet.  tattinglady@cfl.rr.com