Add new thread WITHIN a ring

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When we run out of thread while working on a lace, it is easy to add new thread to a ring or even a chain. What if the next element is a largish ring and we have just enough thread to make a part of it, but not the whole ring?

1. Snip it off anyways - We could let that thread go waste, snip and hide it and start the ring with new thread. But if the thread is vintage, HDT, or not easily available we like to make use of the last possible length.

2. Extender - Tie a scrap thread as extender and work the ring normally.

3. Mock Ring – Switch shuttle and work that last ring as a mock ring or SCMR.

4. Switch the Core Thread – In case of split ring patterns, simply switch shuttles.

What if we know that the remaining thread can make only part of the ring stitches and we will run out of thread midways?

What if we could add new thread anywhere along the ring with least wastage of good thread? How ? Simple.

If you haven’t already done it before, here’s how to

Add New Thread WITHIN a Ring
how-to pictorial

UPDATE - Now in pdf (published in IOLI Bulletin Spring 2020) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g5GJz1rdzdKqpfw51Cm8lGptsY5S73ca/view?usp=sharing

Shuttle 1 – variegated ; shuttle 2 – cream ; 
shuttle 1 refilled with new variegated thread to show difference.

All threads are about a size 3 or 5.

1. Pink is the tail end of thread – not enough to make a complete ring.

2. Switch shuttle and start the ring as a mock ring. In this case I am using a SCMR 

(self closing mock ring), leaving a loop at the beginning.

3. I may not have enough thread to complete the ring. I have just enough to hide the tail.

4. At this stage new thread is added to the core. Notice that the ring is still open.

I like to tat over tails and hide tails in separate elements. But any method can be used.

5. First half stitch made over new tail.

6. Second half stitch made while hiding tail.

7. New tail encapsulated within the first stitch. Continue hiding for a few more stitches, 

leaving off after a first half stitch (the middle path mantra)

8. Ring is worked. Pass shuttle through loop .... 

9. .... and snug tight. We can now switch back to the original shuttle.

10. Continue. Notice the old and new tails in the same ring.

11. I prefer to whip stitch the old tail under stitches.

12. Now snip off all extra tail ends and continue working the lace.

Voilà.  New thread added to a working ring !!! No more untatting, no more wastage of good thread.

It is the first time I used this method. But it had been in my head for a long time and I recently encountered a situation where I recalled it, put it to the test and it worked!! A mock ring is after all just a chain.

You can’t really tell where the new thread is added. My ring shows it because the thread is too thick and it isn’t easy putting down your tatting and taking a pic at every step. I’m still pretty backward using images when the world is moving to videos! This is my comfort zone, though ;-P

Anyways, hope you like this and use it, if you aren’t already using it.

Related Resources and Tutorials to cover all situations–

An annotated listing

My tutorials 

p.s. During the finishing stage of this post, another idea has crept into my head. It works in my head, but I need to let the shuttles decide if they want to follow or not. I’ll let you know ….

tatting solutions can be easy & fun !