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Log for Lesson January 3, 2008

The Class Room

Tatting Lessons Index

Links in this Lesson

The Split Chain

Split Chain Technique

Thank You Carnation

Happy Christmas Tatters

Snowflake 2004

12 inch diameter mat

Multi Motif # 7

Bonus Lesson - Split Chain

The split chain is a useful technique.

Not only can you use it for climbing out to the next round when the current round is all chains connecting to the next round, but you can also use it to cover bare threads anywhere (or other bare things for that matter).

Rather than try to explain what many others have illustrated well, we refer you to the following links:

  • The Split Chain by Georgia Seitz, one of the lessons from the first year of the on-line class.

  • Split Chain Technique Snowgoose's Teeny Tatmouse guides beginners through making a pattern with a split chain.

    Let's examine the split chain in use.

  • A classic use of split chains to avoid cut and tie: Thank You Carnation by Tammy Rodgers. What Tammy calls "faux picot" is what is more commonly called "mock picot."

  • A 2nd pattern that uses split chains can reduce ends: Anna Valeire Antique Motif

  • A pattern for covering a plastic cabone ring: Happy Christmas Tatters by Rosemarie Peel, author of several books on tatting. I guarantee after you do this all the way around a cabone ring, it will take a long time to forget how to do it (and a short time to review later!)

    Working tips for split chains

    1. Split chains are almost always followed by a mock picot before making the next element. This mock picot is needed to provide symmetry with all the other repeats in the round just finish and the following round.

    2. The bare thread will lengthen as you work your split chain. So when beginning the split chain, always leave a smaller bare thread than length of chain desired.

    3. Make sure your lock join is tight (pull closed toward the direction the chain will be worked). The join may settle some during working of the split chain. This will add more to stretching effect of the underlying thread.

    Split Chain Homework Suggestions

    The best way to improve those wobbly looking split chains is practice. Try one or two of the patterns above, or any of these motifs:

  • Snowflake 2004 by Jane Eborall. This will give you some beading practice too. Fun!

  • For the ambitious who like a big project, try 12 inch diameter mat by Rosemarie Peel.

  • Multi Motif # 7 by Jane Eborall. Versions 4 and 5 have fewer beading techniques thrown in.

    Also, if you like covering rings, check with your favorite tatting supplier for Tatting Over A Cabone Ring by Sadie Allison. It was published in 2001 and may be getting a bit difficult to find.

    Last, you can Google (or any other favorite search engine) for patterns using split chains, particularly on the On-Line Class site, www.georgiaseitz.com. There have been several lessons about this technique. It is very useful, but sometimes takes some time to grasp. I also recommend either Impeccable Tatting or Advanced Tatting Patterns + by Judi Banashek for an excellent reference on this and many other techniques.

    Have fun!!

    Questions: contact your teachers
    Email: Mimi Dillman
    Email: Anita Hobden