Every tatter soon learns that the hardest part of tatting comes when you have finished the pattern. Then the ends must be dealt with. How to hide the ends becomes the next question.
Tatters do not like hiding thread ends, so methods of avoiding extra ends to hide have developed. The easiest solution is to reduce the number of tails by winding the shuttles CTM, continuous thread method:
Other strategies call for the use of the mock picot and split ring to climb from the center out or from row to row:
And methods to start tatting with fewer ends include:
Tatting over tails.
Using helping loops or the "magic thread trick" to hide ends:
Of course, it is still possible to literally sew in the ends once the lace is completed:
The Philosophy of Hiding ends:
Plan ahead by preparing the initial ring to hide the ends by means of helping loops. These loops may be thread that is smaller than that being tatted or, use a mono filament thread, such as invisible sewing thread or fishing line.
Use two pieces each about 6" in length. Fold in half and tape ends together. The loops will be inserted into the tatting so that one loop hangs down on each side of the ring with the loop at the bottom and the ends toward the center of the ring. Overtat the helping loops. At about the midpoint of the ring switch to the second helping loop.
Close ring very carefully and secure the hanging loops with tape or clamps so that they will not come out of place while you tat the length required. When finished attach last chain to base of initial ring. Cut leaving 6" tails. Insert one tail into each hanging loop and gently pull the loop and tail into the ring. Completely pull thru and trim closely allowing the end to recede into the tatting. Be very careful when cutting.
Here is a pattern recently posted here on BellaOnline.com
Rainbow Bright Earrings by Renee Campbell
Make each circle separately.
R = ring
C = chain
ds = double stitch
p = picot
CR = close ring
Smallest Circle - 12 rings and chains
R1: 4ds, p, 4ds, p, 4ds. RW. CR
C1: 12 ds.
R2: 4ds, join to last picot or R1, 4ds, p, 4ds. RW. CR.
C2: 12 ds. close.
For all other rings repeat R2 instructions 10 x.
End with a chain. Close to beginning of work.
Tie off ends.
Once all ends are tied in, lay your circles on top of each other- smallest on top. Add a jump ring to one of the chains - you can connect all circles here.
Or you can use 3 different jump rings.
Select a earring hook and connect to the jump ring. Don't forget your starch!
Now here's the fun part - wear them well! Renee' D. Campbell, Owner
Hooked On designs by Renee' I design with you in mind!
www.hookedondesigns.storenvy.com
Here's the latest article from the Tatting site at BellaOnline.com.
Rainbow Bright Earrings by Renee Campbell Sweet and easy earrings for all occassions by Renee Campbell
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art302942.asp
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Georgia Seitz, Tatting Editor http://tatting.bellaonline.com One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com
