Friday 23 March 2018

squares from knotty creations

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updated post with revised images

As promised, here are 5 free patterns from Vrinda. She created 6 patterns one of  which was called Checkers. However, even though she came up with it independently, since it is a common split ring square, the pattern is not shared here.
All Vrinda’s patterns have also been uploaded to Cathy’s facebook page.

At the very beginning, Vrinda had graciously given me permission to share them on my blog. Unfortunately it has taken time. In deference to individual preferences, I have notated the pattern in photos alongside the written pattern.
 
Squares from Knotty Creations !
3cms square motifs designed by Vrinda Bandishte
for Tat a Brussels Monument in Pink

I started in size 20 blue then switched to size 40 cream. I will show you why in the next post.
I like the way different techniques have been used to create interesting squares.

NOTES:
A few general notes before I begin with the actual patterns.

  1. Vrinda’s pink squares, designed for Tat a Brussels’ Monument in Pink measure 3cmsx3cms when worked in Anchor size 20. As I’ve often pointed out, Anchor 20 is thicker than Lizbeth 20. Hence, stitches will need to tweaked depending on the brand you are using. 
  1. slip ds” in her notation refers to reverse stitch (rs) or lark’s head knot or unflipped stitches as used in the 2nd side of a split ring or in encapsulation. 
  1. Zigzag chain” here refers to Sabina Carden-Madden’s S-chain. It is made of alternating flipped and unflipped stitches. i.e., 1 double stitch and 1 reverse stitch. Vrinda counts each stitch separately, not as a pair. Thus chain of 5 means (1ds,1rs,1ds,1rs,1ds). And she always starts with a normal double stitch.
  1. Some medallions use a central picot in first ring, to which later rings are attached. Ensure that this central picot is long enough to hold additional rings. 
  1. In 2-shuttle tatting, when in doubt, use the shuttle that is closest in position to start the next element. 
  1. I have tried to make minimal changes to the written pattern, except for consistency or bringing it in line with common notations. Sequence and some details are notated on my tatted models. My models are worked in Anchor size 40 in cream. Vrinda’s original models are in pink. 
  1. Some of the squares need to be blocked. 
  1. Leigh Martin has prepared pdfs for these squares, along with her notes. These can be accessed from Craftree.  

Abbreviations :
CTM    continuous thread method.
ds       double stitch
rs       reverse stitch (unflipped stitch in reverse order as in a split ring)
– or p  picot
vsp     very small picot
R        ring
--       long picot
+        join
rw      reverse work
SR      split ring
sh       shuttle
SS      switch shuttle
FR      floating ring


1. URCHIN
The enclosed space in this medallion is formed by clusters of block tatting. 

Techniques used : 
block tatting , starting chain with a picot
Worked all from the front in clockwise direction.

Load the shuttle with the required thread. Keep the ball attached.
Insert a paperclip to hold picot before starting chain.

Start Block One with chain of 6ds, vsp, chain of 6rs. Join to the start of the previous chain.
Repeat twice to form a block of 6 chains, with a vsp at start of each chain.

** Chain of 6ds, p, 6ds. Pull snug.
Block Two : 
Chain of 6ds, join to base of last chain of previous block. Continue the chains to form block two. **
Repeat from ** to **, twice.
Chain of 6ds, p, 6ds.
Attach to the start of the first block.

Hide the ends and neaten.


2. WIGGLES
A zigzag chain outlines the square shape of this central picot medallion

Techniques used : 
central picot, zigzag or S-chain, picot join to the right (folded join)
Worked in counterclockwise direction.


see notes for zigzag chain
revised direction

One shuttle and ball of thread, CTM.

R1: 5 – 5 -– 5 – 5. rw
S-chain : 5 -- 15 -- 5 rw
**R2 : 5 + 5 + 5 – 5. rw
S-chain : 5 + (last p of previous chain) 15 -- 5 rw**
Repeat from ** to ** 2 more times, joining the last ring and last chain to the first ring and chain respectively.

Finish by tying the chain ends to the base of first R. Hide ends and trim excess thread ends.

TIP : Make the pioct on chains long to give a better finish and sharper corners (see the bottom right model in lead photo)



3. BUBBLES
A central ring medallion worked in one pass from the front in counterclockwise direction

Techniques used : 
2-shuttles, mock picot, split ring

NOTE : This motif turned out smaller than 3cms. Hence I added 2 stitches in each segment of each element. Following is the altered stitch count.

Load two shuttles, CTM. Start with sh1
revised direction & stitchcount

Central R1 : 7 – 7 – 7 – 7. close. Leave mock picot space.
SR2 : 7 vsp 10 – 10 / 7.
**Chain (sh2): 7. SS
SR3 : 10 – 10 / 7 + 7. **
Repeat from ** to ** 3 times.
Chain (sh2): 7. Join to first picot of SR2.

Hide ends and neaten.

TIP : One can make the central ring and climb out with a mock picot and split ring; or one can throw the central ring off the first SR (from the 2nd side).

I think this motif would look lovely in 2 colours, especially when tessellated to create interesting patterns.


4. CLOVERS     
A central picot medallion made with inward facing clovers. 

Techniques used : 
2-shuttles, split ring, zigzag or S-chain
  
Load two shuttles, CTM. Start with shuttle 1.

R1 : 10 vsp 10.
R2 : 8 –- 8.
SR3: 10 / 10. rw
Zigzag chain : 1ds, 1rs, 1ds, picot, 1ds, 1rs, 1ds. rw.
**SR4: 10 / 10
R5 : 8 + 8.
SR6: 10 / 10. rw
Zigzag chain : 1ds, 1rs, 1ds, picot, 1ds, 1rs, 1ds. rw. **

Repeat from ** to ** 3 times. Join to the vsp of the first R. Hide ends and neaten.

TIP : I did rw (reverse work) before and after the zigzag chain so that the picot faces outwards easily and the shuttles also remain in the right position.



5. MERRY-GO-ROUND
A central picot medallion made with inward facing thrown rings.  
        
Techniques used : 
2-shuttles, split ring, thrown ring (from 2nd side of SR), zigzag or S-chain

UPDATE Mar 23 : revised direction
NOTE: There is a floating ring (FR) thrown off the 2nd side of each split ring. Start the split ring and when we come to that point, switch to shuttle2, make the ring, switch back to shuttle1 and continue to finish the original split ring.
The first floating ring also has a long central picot top which later FRs will be attached.

Load 2 shuttles, CTM. Start with shuttle1.

SR1 : 6 – 6 / 6 SS, FR: 8 –- 8, SS, 6. close.
**Zigzag chain: 9
SR2 : 6 – 6 / 6 SS, FR: 8 + 8, SS, 6. close **
Repeat from ** to ** 3 times,
Zigzag chain: 9
Join to the base of first R. 

Hide ends and neaten.



There was a mistake when I first tatted this motif. 
I made 15 stitch zigzag chains instead of 9 stitches. 
And the merry-go-round spun away !!!
If we add a picot in the center of each chain, we get another square motif !








Before I leave, another glimpse of her multiple talents - a handmade and handcrafted shuttle. 
Can you guess the material?
Tatting Shuttle made from a Coconut shell !!!

Many many thanks to Vrinda for sharing her lovely patterns

hope you have tons of fun tatting up squares :-)


10 comments:

  1. Wonderful patterns! Thank you Vrinda and Muskaan for sharing. I must tat these up for the study group!

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  2. Beautiful patterns by Vrinda! Muskaan, your notations are worth appreciating. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. It is amazing how many different kinds of squares you can get in just one inch🤗love the shuttle I have a coconut purse I got when I was a Little girl make me smile

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  4. Thanks to Vrinda and to you. I do like how inspirational the Brussels project has been. The squares will be put to other uses after the event.

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  5. That is so great, Mel ! The squares do use different techniques, so it can be a fun & quick practice piece. I revised the direction of tatting in the last motif pic - please check.

    Thanks, Usha. Glad you like both efforts :-)

    So true, Carollyn! I had also designed Inchies a couple of years back which were exactly 1". Ah, a coconut purse :-D

    I agree, Jane! Wondering how those pink squares will be used. I am going to tat up all the patterns shared (including yours) to make a quirky tray cover which is why I chose size 40 ;-D

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  6. Love the uniqueness of each square!! :)
    Great shuttle!! :)

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  7. Such cute squares! Thank you for your notes and suggestions! I like the zigzag chain, i have never seen it before.

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  8. Lovely patterns, my favourite is the clovers,
    Thank you for sharing her patterns
    Great shuttle very unusual

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  9. Lavi, the zigzag chain adds texture & variety ! Check out my use of the S-chain in this bookmark tail (I'm pretty proud with the way it turned out ;-p) - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.in/2016/04/locked-in-place.html
    If we increase the number of stitches in each repeat the zigzag effect becomes more distinct.

    Margaret, Clovers is my favorite as well ! I'm sure Vrinda will be pleased by the warm reception :-)

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