Handy Hands SHH440 Aerlit, Berry Grape Ice

I prefer needle tatting because I was able to teach myself the basics (DS, picots, and rings) in minutes using videos I found online. Shuttles are far more frustrating for me but I'm trying them again as some patterns / tutorials just seem to be easier with shuttles. I have two of these and two Clovers.There are two main differences -With these you wind the thread onto a bobbin. Each shuttle comes with two bobbins and you can buy more. If, like me, you jump around from project to project this way of winding thread is probably better. Instead of needing a lot of extra shuttles or cutting your current project off the shuttle and winding your new thread, you just slide the bobbin out.With the Clover shuttles, you wind the thread directly onto the bobbin. I just explained why that is bad. It can be good though. If you have extra shuttles or don't bounce from project to project, these accommodate a little more thread.The second main difference is the tip of the shuttle -These shuttles have a tiny crochet hook as their tip while the Clover shuttles just have a pointed plastic tip. This would come down to preference. I find the tip on these far more useful than the plastic tip style. This makes joining much easier where as the shuttle with the plastic tip had me just using a separate tiny hook anyway.Less important but may matter to those who use them a lot = color and weight. These Aerlit shuttles do come in various colors as do the separate bobbins so it's easy to mix and match to your personal liking. The Clover shuttles also come in various colors though it seems the pink and blue combo is the most common. Both being plastic you could always find ways to make either suit your look (I've seen some decopauged over). They're comparable in weight though this one loaded feels just a little lighter than the Clover. Some might like the added weight, some might like lighter, so again just preference and not a huge difference.Overall -If I had to do it again, I'd have bought these first and just added extra bobbins. I don't hate the Clover shuttles, these are just a little more suited to my likes. If you're new to tatting and debating between shuttle and needle -- I'd say go with needle but if you try both and still decide you prefer needles, don't feel like you wasted money on these. Even when needle tatting I find myself using these -- much easier to keep the cat away when I just have a little thread wrapped around these in my hand than when I have a full ball of thread and plenty of room between me and that thread so she can "help".

I bought a couple of colors of these, and they came quickly and were exactly what I ordered. They were okay to learn tatting on, but wow, are they ever cheaply made! The edges of the shuttles and spools are very thin, sharp, and unpleasant. Ick. I ended up going with Clover shuttles instead, and foregoing the spools altogether. Clover does make a spool shuttle, though, and it is the same sturdy quality as their other shuttles. I recommend them instead of these, which I donated. OH WELL.

This has a great tiny hook for joining and I just love the ease of slipping in the bobbin. Makes lovely tatting

See aboveIt’s a tatting shuttle. I use it for tatting

In one of my tatting groups on Facebook, the woman in a video was using this shuddle. In her demenstration she was showing how to start tatting around a button. She easily pulled the thread through the button hole, what took her 2 seconds, takes me a few minutes, without the hook. Seeing the ease she could do that, I had to have one, as I often forget to carry the small crochet hook I use. After using it, it is convient, & the shuddle is comfortable in size.

Made of very thin/lightweight plastic & so it has no support - feels flimsy and pliable. And, the spool doesn't always spin as it should. In retrospect, should've spent a few extra dollars for a nicer quality shuttle because I already need one... Not sure who would find this one useful, unfortunately.

It was exactly the shuttle I was expecting. I expect to make loads of stuff with it.

Tatting