Bored with the same old chains ?
Looking for some new chain effects ?
Stumped or can't remember which chain is which?
Fall in line but don't yank my chain !
I fell. I
fell hook, line & sinker.
Looking
back I have already used many chain effects in my various patterns (some
without knowing the names), yet I keep getting confused when a term crops up
& I have to hunt down the tutorial. Hence a sampler reference , along with
stitch notations of how it is worked seemed like a good starting point.
I share it
here, as a pdf for anyone who is interested. In case of any omissions of
errors, please let me know so that it can be rectified post haste.
Design Element : Line
Tatting Element : Chain
Chains in Shuttle Tatting (click to download pdf)
All tatting is done using Anchor Mercer Crochet Cotton in size 20. Thread size, brand, & tatter’s own tension can bring in individual differences. Hence the sampler is indicative only.
Bullion Knot
There has
been some confusion regarding the working of a Bullion knot. For starters, please
refer to any Roll Tatting tutorial.
A bullion
knot is a small roll-tatted ring, without any stitches, and a limited number of
wraps/rolls.
It is
started like a ring, with thread around the hand; but instead of making DS, one
simply starts to wrap the shuttle thread around the thread on hand, &
transferring these to the core/shuttle thread.
I do this simultaneously : wrap
by taking shuttle through loop front to back & in same fluid motion
tensioning the thread around left hand so that the wrap gets transferred to core
thread. I don’t wait to wrap a few times then transfer or snug. But this is an
individual choice (I don’t even add DS in my roll-tatted rings & chains).
After about
10 wraps maximum (depending on requirements & thread size), close the ring
carefully. Depending on the extent of closure, the bullion knot can look like
#15 or #16 above.
This knot takes some practice; if pulled too tight, it will distort or create bare thread spaces; if wrapped too tight, the ring won't close easily.
Karen Cabrera sent me these 2 links for Bullion knots earlier this week :
MaryM's Original Daisy Bullion Edging. This is how a bullion knot looks. It is a
cro-tatted edging & she has crocheted the bullion segment.
Ruth Perry’s Bullion Stitch Cross. This is an excellent effect with many
possibilities. However, it is not a ‘true’ bullion knot (going by even embroidery
& crochet terminology). Along the length of the taut thread(s), a half stitch
is being wrapped in the manner of an encapsulated Josephine chain (refer to #24
but instead of complete stitches, only unflipped half stitch is wrapped). It is
a form of Dora Young’s knotless bridging/split chain.
i) #29 & 30 - Include the term ‘Floating Chains’ for
Curlicues – please add it if you download/print.
ii) Sampler
#24 has been glued incorrectly, The caps of stitches in the encapsulated chain
should be facing downward.
iii) #27
& 28. Please note that the core threads are different.
There are limitations to this sampler – coils & rosettes are not included ; braids with complete rings are not included ; no decorative picots or elements are added ; mainly straight-line chains have been lined up.
Chains in Shuttle Tatting : This pdf contains 4 pages - p1 & p2 with 30 samplers & stitch-count; p3 with glossary, notes & resource links; p4 with images of chains applied to tatting - both in 2D & 3D patterns.
The list is
a compilation but by no means exhaustive. It is a point in time & the line
will continue to evolve.
Each chain
has it’s unique characteristics & applicability. It is a journey of
discovery. It is also a good exercise down the line from beginners to
designers.
Happy tatting &
discovering :-)
Related Posts : Bullion Knot in 3D pattern
I love the way you research and try things out. I learn so much from your comparisons and explorations. I've downloaded this document for further study tomorrow. It's past my bedtime and I can't begin to give it the proper attention tonight. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteEliz, your own documentation is so impressive & helpful ! I know where to look now :-) I have added the links to my Resources Page & will be sending links as promised - just haven't had much time lately.
DeleteThank you very much, a great list! I downloaded the file, too, for quick reference. (I loved learning a new idiom, too! ...of fishing origin? Lol!)
ReplyDeleteThat was a misappropriated idiom, Ninetta, but if you fish some more, you will find many more idioms strewn about ... I couldn't resist - there are so many idioms with 'line'! ;-)
DeleteThis is awesome and very comprehensive! Thanks muskaan for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteJenn, this list is a reminder to me, too. I kept forgetting what S & Z chains are, etc.... Now the notations will be a good memory-jogger :-)
DeleteThank you for sharing list.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Marja. My pleasure :-)
DeleteVery interesting post I have download your list for future reference, it's great compendium of chains
ReplyDeleteMargaret
And yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg, Margaret ! Haven't included lines made with rings, etc.
DeleteNow to work on lists with other elements ;-)
I feel like such an outsider, like I'm trying to read a different language. One day I hope to look back on this post and understand it totally.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne ( the non-tatter ) xx
We'll make a tatter of you yet, Suzanne :-) And you will far outshine me !
Delete