I taught myself to tat by watching videos, internet sites on tatting, and books. I first used the needles and found it easy but my fingers hurt after a while. So, I learned to use the shuttle. I tried reading instructions from several sources and eventually I got the hang of it. I am very slow but that's okay. The XMas ornaments and bookmarks I have made are beautiful and the recipients are always so pleased with them. It is another fun little craft to do using fibers. As others have said, it is very economical. JoAnns sells the tatting threads and shuttles. They are in the area where cross stitching supplies are sold.