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Tatting Lessons Index Logs - Previous Sessions Class Chats Links in this Lesson Techniques Needle Tatter's Split Ring from Handy Hands Instructions for Split Rings by Jane Eborall Shuttle Tatter's Split Ring in Photos from Picotnet Patterns Split Ring Flower (see corrections below) Square from Anna Valeire Book #3 (rounds 1 and 2 only)
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Lesson 4Thanks for coming back! Lesson 3 was jam-packed. We'll take it easier here to leave some time for Q&A, and to allow the some extra time for two techniques that you will find a lot in on-line designers' patterns:
Split RingsWhat is a split ring? This is a special kind of ring where the threads start at one end of a ring and exit at another spot on the ring (usually, but not always, the opposite end of the ring). Split rings will have 2 halves, a first half (made the way one normally makes a ring) and a second half made just a little bit differently.Split rings are used either as:
Split rings are usually noted in patterns as SR, with the first half separated from the second half by a "/". For instance a split ring of 5-5/5-5 is a split ring of 5 ds, picot, 5 ds on each side.
Split ring for NeedleNeedle tatters, as usual you have it easy. First step: make the first half by casting on stitches as normal on the pointed end of your needle. To make the second half of your split ring, unthread your needle turn it until the eye end is facing the way your pointed end would do, then cast on the stitches for the second half of the ring onto the eye end using the thread end. Remember, since you have turned the work over, cast on the second half of the double stitch first then the first half of the double stitch second. Rethread your needle, and pull the needle through the stitches as usual to close the ring. For pictures of this being done please look at the Needle Tatter's Split Ring from Handy Hands website.
Split Ring for ShuttleFor illustration purposes, start with 2 Shuttles wound with different color threads. Knot the two shuttle threads together.With Shuttle 1, begin a ring of 6 double stitches. Do not close. Keep the work on your left hand, and lay down shuttle 1. Put the knot between your thumb and index finger. Rotate your hand so your palm is facing upward. Pick up the shuttle 2 and make the second half of the double stitch on the thread between your pinch and pinky. DO NOT "FLIP" THE STITCH. These stitches should remain the color wound on shuttle 2. For tensioning, just slide the loop along until it rests up against the knot. Next make the first half of the double stitch, again on the thread between your pinch and pinky. Do not flip. Tension as before. One double stitch made. Continue in this manner until you have made 6 double stitches. Lay down shuttle 2 and pick up shuttle 1. Pull the ring closed using shuttle 1. You now have a two colored ring with both threads coming out of the top. Congratulations! To see this process explained and illustrated with excellent diagrams, view Instructions for Split Rings by Jane Eborall. In addition, Picotnet has a page (courtesy of the Wayback Machine) showing the process in photos (note how she holds her hand palm up).
Exercise for Split RingMake 5 split rings 5-5/5-5, one right after the other. The result will look like ooooo. Try this with 2 different colored threads tied together, one color from shuttle 1 (ball), another for shuttle 2 (the needle).
Mock Picot and Lock StitchThe Mock Picot, also called False Picot, refers to leaving thread spaces on each of the 2 working threads in the same place, resulting in what looks like a picot between 2 elements.Mock picots occur mostly when climbing from one round to the next - leaving space between elements that looks like the places throughout the rest of the round where the next round joins to the previous. This may be between a split ring and a chain, or between 2 split rings... you get the picture. Sometimes to make the mock picot stay in place, such as when you make the transition to a chain after the mock picot, you may need to finish it off with a Lock Stitch to keep from closing the mock picot in error (with experience, you'll be able to leave a thread space without locking). To make a lock stitch, shuttle tatters will flip the first half of the stitch, but will not flip the second half. Needle tatters will tie a knot.
Home Work:Split Ring Flower by Gillian Buchannancourtesy of the Wayback Machine. This pattern illustrates both the bridging function of the split ring (to go from the center round to the outer round) and the decorative function (in the tops of the petals. You will also find an excellent explanation for shuttle tatters of how to make a join on the second (non-flipped) side of a split ring. For needle tatters, that join is the same as usual. Please note that Step 8 has a typo. It should start out SH2 C 6 DS, tiny P, 4 (not 6) DS.... Please amend your copy. Square from Anna Valeire Book #3 Do the first 2 rounds only. Finish off as 2 rounds only if you like, or stop short of the last chain and hold aside for Lesson 5.
Have fun! We're almost there! Questions: contact your teachers
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