Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing lace-like handwork using thread and at least one hand-held shuttle carrying a supply of thread. The method comprises a knotless tatting technique involving a series of double stitches arranged along a single thread. Holding the work in one hand the shuttle in the other, the thread extending between the work and the shuttle is looped over the fingers of the one hand and the shuttle passed over the loop towards the one hand and returned through the loop and under the loose shuttle thread, pulling the shuttle back towards the other hand, tightening the thread and then slipping the loop under the top of the shuttle, and then sliding it into place against the work. The operation is repeated in the reverse order to complete the double stitch. Picots are formed by leaving spaces between double stitches and a series of double stitches may be formed into rings, the rings in turn, being joined with other rings and/or chains in various designs.