It is generally considered that needle tatting is the simpler of the two techniques. Needle tatting, unlike shuttle tatting, doesn’t require you (the tatter) to learn how to do the infamous “flip,” which can be a very frustrating thing to learn for most of us shuttle tatters in the beginning.
Diameter of a tatting needle plays a role in determining how needles and threads are paired.
From tip to eye, the needles are uniformly thick.
I am reminded of a kindergarten cast-on when I cast a double stitch on a tatting needle.
It is essential that the stitches are worked firmly on the fine needle, and the needle used determines how “fine” (small) the tatted work will be. In other words, a thicker tatting needle will result in less “fine” (intricate) results than will a thinner tatting needle.
Additionally, you should not use a very thin thread on a thicker tatting needle, as the end result will be a thin core thread that has very loose stitches surrounding it, which will result in sloppy tatting.
Therefore, keep in mind that the size of your thread should determine what tatting needle size to use.
In needle tatting, the thread is shorter, so more ends need to be woven in.
The thread must also be protected from abrasion from the friction that occurs when working the stitches.
I prefer the end result of a finished project done with shuttle tatting, but if you absolutely cannot “get” how to do the dreaded flip, needle tatting is a wonderful alternative, and you will still be able to create gorgeous pieces of tatted lace!