itch scratched

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 From April 2019 to May 2026 - took all of seven years for me to put up the pictorial for curled ring connectors! I had a one-page graphic prepared in 2019 but kept putting it off. The 7-year itch proved advantageous because now I am sharing a comprehensive tatted ring connectors presentation which includes two main types of connectors as well as numerous applications and variations along with tips and options! You no longer need to rummage through your stash of motifs wondering what to do with them, or to worry about finding the right findings for your tatted jewellery! No preplanning, no joining picots needed!

Since this is an image-heavy post, I will try to keep the text to a minimum. You can read all details in the PDF and the links provided below.  

Tatted Ring Connectors

PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHuQjgEgH2vWSUX8JO5svG737jMM4Q9n/view

Two main types are the Curled Ring Connector (CRC) and the Tatted Ring Connector (TRC) as seen above.

Curled Ring Connector

All you need is a single shuttle to tat picoted rings and a lock join to curl each either individually or simultaneously at the end. 

Curled Ring Connector in progress. These are single shuttle rings curled around desired motifs to connect them.

Collect all your motifs or lace and arrange as desired.

My CRC SOUP bracelet. Here, I have added beads in the center of the 3-way CRCs. 

The large ring at the bottom left will be curled and will act as a toggle for the bracelet.

Detail of the beaded CRC.

First sneak peek here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2019/04/pattys-square-pattern-and-peeks.html

This is my Italian Connection bookmark made by linking Patty Castagno's Square Motifs.

Notice the 3-way CRC decorating the tassel and its 'empty' counterpart at the other end.

First shared here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2019/04/my-italian-connection.html

Not merely tatted motifs, these connectors can be used to link sequins! There are even 4-way connectors here tatted with metallic thread.

First sneak peek here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2019/04/pattys-square-pattern-and-peeks.html

Ninetta Caruso's E37 Iris Pendant uses a triple onion ring to curl around the necklace. And on the other end she worked a curled ring to link to the tatted motif with a split ring between the CR and OR!

First shared here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/10/rabbits-multiply.html

Tatted Ring Connector

All you need is a single shuttle to tat picoted rings and a picot join between them, encapsulating  two motifs/pieces. 

Some of my E37 Eye Spy Hearts #2 motifs left over from my trials and prototypes are now linked with TRC or tatted ring connector. More hearts here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/09/timeline-and-play.html

Detail of a TRC in progress.

My E37 SOUPy Vine bookmark with E37 Eye Spy Hearts #1 has a variation of the tatted connectors where the two rings are not joined to each other but to the motifs! More details here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/07/soupy-vine.html

My E1 Happy Hands Linked Bookmark uses the main motif 'hands' to link the tail to the body! More here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2022/03/linked-hands-trial.html 

My E1 Happy Hands Linked Bracelet has two motifs and the linkage to the body is made with the crossed long beaded picots. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2022/08/a-bonanza-of-happiness.html  

Detail of the crossover picots between the two motifs.

Ninetta Caruso's E1 Happy Hands Necklace uses 3 individually tatted interlocking rings to link the clasp to the lace! Lots more pics and details here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2022/10/not-just-edging.html

Ninetta uses a similar technique to attach the clasp to the lace in her E2 Fishbone Bracelet. Her pattern pdf also has a detailed pictorial of the process and she has shared two important tips for our presentation as well.

I hope you are sufficiently impressed by the variety and will want to assemble your practice and prototypes pieces to create useable articles and jewellery!

Many thanks to Ninetta for her feedback, input, tips, and proofing!

celebration tatting

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We celebrate the brother-sister bond of Rakshabandhan on the 9th of August this year. So I had this strong urge to collect motifs into rakhis, as I have done a few times over the years. 

I had a collection of these rose and floral motifs from past test-tatting and tutorial exercises, and I had intended to arrange and attach them into a necklace or collar to celebrate International Lace Day (June 22nd, 2025). 

Both motifs are adaptations of the central rounds of Eleonore Endrucks' pattern E42 in her 1920 book, ‘Die Schiffchen-Spitzen’, and reworked by Paola Emilia Rotuletti (2021). (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgPuAzM83cjVoWvzFaiAIp7UDbuueBB0/view)

The small motif on top is the E42 Roses by Daniela Galli (2025) which she kindly shared for the ILD 2025. Pattern PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HiDjl4A_CkRcRGqpjhEItWqgEI1bGMhE/view 

There is a small and a large rose, both of which can be worked with a ball and shuttle in one pass.

The large motif below is the E42 Flower Motif by Muskaan (2023). It is my 6-repeat adaptation for my E42 Antiks Snowflake (2023). Pattern PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U5J5sjuAA7D0qGPOGnK9RJ83MKdNkWSZ/view

I had used the large motifs to demonstrate three ways of climbing out without the need for split chains. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/11/game-antics.html

PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFk4ZnBT9ObJxnEKgI6hUkk2wtd_gOD4/view

I love lock stitch aka lock chains and simply picked up the knitting cotton size 10 threads in contrasting colours. I worked with one ball and shuttle. The rakhi motifs are all worked in size 20 crochet cotton from various brands.

 

Just so I remember for future, here's how I brought the motifs together with a Swarovski faceted bead (4.5mm) in the center. Pre-string the bead onto a length of thread and slide it to the center; bring both ends through the layered motifs; adjust and wind one end on a shuttle. 

Now from the ball pull off a length similar to one half of the first thread, leave it aside and start tatting a lock chain from the center. When desired length is reached, remove shuttle and again wind it with the other end and repeat the lock chain with ball thread on the other side. The bead remains locked in.

And for the tips, I inserted a bead through both threads at one end, tied a knot niched with the bead and trimmed off the tails. Repeated it on the other side. This seemed the quickest way to finish off the rakhi/bracelet.

The above large motif is from the original E42 center - notice it has 8 repeats.

In fact each E42 rose is also slightly different with tiny tweaks. It's fun to play around.

All together again. Rakhi traditionally has a thin string for tying. However, for a bracelet, one can use broader braids, which are shorter in length with relevant findings instead of ties.

Of course if tatted specifically for a bracelet or rakhi, one can embellish the motifs with beads, picots, etc. Mine are SOUP rakhis hence plain.

💥💥💥💥💥 

Now I had initially collected the motifs back in May with the intention of making a necklace or collar as stated at the beginning.

I played with arrangements using all the motifs at hand. The above could become a necklace with addition of beads and bling...while the one below could be a collar.

Besides these, I had several other arrangements, including asymmetrical ones but deleted the pics someway along the way.

After several possible arrangements, this is what I found the most appealing and settled on it. Tatted ring or curled ring connectors would be used to link adjacent motifs. However I couldn't get myself to accomplish even this simple task and the lace day passed by without any tatting. 

Who knows if the mood takes me I might even free the motifs from the rakhis and rearrange as a necklace. What is your verdict/preference? Leave as rakhis or make a necklace?

NOTE - These are free patterns but please name the designer and the pattern when you make and post And also use the hashtag #Endrucks1920Project.

Many many thanks to Daniela and Paola - always ready to help and share 💕

Related Posts
Antiks Snowflake pattern and more - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/search?q=Antiks
Patterns for Rakhi/Bracelets - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/p/patterns-designs.html - listed under Holidays, Festival and Jewellery - Hands.

Endrucks, Holidays and Jewellery directories also have some rakhi models -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w1TZBg-HIzseGEUoJ-rko7tNbtSgZY5A18Oy2Y9Hh0Y/view

two clever

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Too clever by half! Definitely not. They are truly two very clever tatters, teachers, designers and keep inspiring us with their creativity - Ninetta Caruso and Edda Guastalla!

Ninetta Caruso's Gold Rope Chain - my Rose Gold version

For my interlocking split ring and rope chain pictorials, I had used thick thread. Further, in order to avoid a bare thread spanning the side of each ring, I left the bare thread space shorter than required. Both factors created a gentle spiral, not the rope chain effect in Ninetta's original. I Had to satisfy my scientific curiosity, hence a quick tat with metallic thread.

TIP : The length of bare threads between successive rings determines the amount of twist; and the visible effect can range from a gentle wave to a tight woven rope.

Stringing beads on 3 strands of Anchor metallic embroidery thread that kept splitting was taking too much time. Hence no seed beads.
Much happier with the twisted effect, though could've been better. These are certainly addictive and I stopped only when the shuttles ran out. My fear about the thread were unfounded - the rings closed easily - and only 1 or 2 strands could have worked smoothly as well.

Edda Guastalla's Two Rings (Interlocking) Bracelet/Chain (catenella 2 anelli)

I was very impressed with Edda Guastalla's easy interlocking rings! Such fun, too, besides being practical....

• no need to string beads, except the one (or more between the twin rings).
• can use up leftover thread lengths to empty shuttles
• no need to hide tail ends
• only one shuttle required
• easy travel or 'handbag' tatting project
• several variations possible - colour, size, symmetry, etc. 
• TIP : eg. One can create a diamond shape instead of simple straight chain. Start with twin rings, then make 2 sets of twin rings within the same (these could have an asymmetric stitch count to move the edges further apart), and a 4th set within both 2nd & 3rd sets to bring them together again.

Red Rose metallic thread size 20. Used up several leftovers that were at least up to 25" long.

TIP : These twin rings can be used effectively as connectors! Remember these curled ring connectors (CRCs) which are essentially the same twin rings curled around motifs to link them? Instead of curling the rings, one can simply insert thread to make the twin rings.

Two lovely addictive interlocking rings! Vastly different in execution and skills, yet brilliant in conception and creativity. Many many thank to both ladies.

The rope chain reminded me of the double helix structure (closer to the quaternary structure) which led me to these books ...

A team that revolutionised the scientific and medical world comprised James Watson and Francis Crick when they unraveled the DNA structure based on Maurice Wilkins' results. Of the 3, the former 2 are more commonly credited.

Francis Crick. Discoverer of the Genetic Code by Matt Ridley

This paperback is a 2008 Harper Perennial edition of the original 2006. It is a rare insight into the life, work and thoughts of Crick. An engaging read, as are most of Ridley's books.

A Passion for DNA. Genes, Genome, and Society by James D Watson

2000, Oxford University Press. This paperback, with high quality paper, is a collection of Watson's lectures, essays, commentaries on diverse topics and the wider impact and implications of the discovery. 

Having already read Craig Venter's autobiography, it was interesting to compare notes from both perspectives. 

I found Watson was the more conventional and conservative one compared to Crick, though I admired the latter's principles and highly intelligent mind.

Rummaging for all these books brings bittersweet memories - the happy hours spent reading and discussing (hubby & I love Genetics!), but the sadness that I cannot now recall all details. A poor memory that needs huge refreshers ;-D

Patty's square pattern and peeks

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Patty Castagno’s Square Motif pattern

It’s been a long time coming, but finally here. It is a single page pdf (although a 2^nd blank page has adamantly inserted itself!). Patty kindly permitted me to share the pattern and her pic.

Besides her original square in red, she later PM-ed her 5-arm version using the very same stitch count! The central picot is longer, holding 5 seed beads, and each ring is linked between 2 beads.

As already shown, these are my 3 motifs, using 3 different thread sizes …

… and connected into a bookmark using Curled Ring Connectors (CRC).

I’ve been having more fun with these CRCs! 

These motifs made at the turn of the century, are linked together with 3-way CRCs, and a bead(s) added in center.

And here I’ve worked the CRC in metallic thread (1 strand of embroidery thread), using them to link sequins.

TIP : As I worked this, I realised a better way to make the CRC. Instead of curling each ring around the element and lock joining, it is better to tat the rings involved in the CRC (2, 3, or 4) and then curl each of them by turn. This creates a more compact and solid connector.

Both bracelets are finished but will be revealed at a later date.

Click here to download square motif pdf 

Grazie mille, Patty, per condividere con entusiasmo il modello

my Italian connection

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Italian Connection bookmark    (a sneak peek)

You’ll soon see the reason for this name which led to the choice of books as well.

This motif is the First pattern designed by an Italian tatter, Patty Castagno and shared in the facebook group - Chiacchierino: Filo, Amore e Fantasia. It is a very creative and talented group but mostly in Italian. Which is why facebook's instant translation is a boon, though literal and sometimes confusing.

The promise of a square spiral attracted me immediately, but my first attempt (purple size 8 pearl) was surprisingly tough & confusing. 

Since I couldn’t understand why it was difficult, I had another go at it, this time in blue (size 20 Anchor). Worked up smooth as silk!!! Huh. Where was my head ???

Three’s Company! Hence a 3^rd motif tatted in green (size 40 Anchor) for tapering bookmark.

There is a ¼” difference between each motif.

Now how should I connect these motifs – each a different size, with no peripheral picots? Here’s where more Italian connection came in. Ninetta’s curled rings!

These curled ring connectors are rings folded exactly in half and lock joined through the middle picot in each, encasing a motif (chain) within.

Even the tassel is encased within these connectors.

I’ve used curled rings for toggles, etc. but I think this Curled Ring Connector has great potential and use in jewellery or to link individual motifs of different shapes, sizes, and designs! They can also be used in place of adjustable toggles since whatever is within can slide. Or how about attaching motif to a bangle for sun/dream catchers?!

This post was intended for April 1^st – ITD, which is why I included Teri Dusenbury’s dandelion chain link bookmark which I believe is a construction and engineering marvel in tatting. And among my most viewed projects.

Leonardo da Vinci: Artist, Thinker and Man of Science by Eugène Mũntz. A coffee table box set of 2 large hardcover volumes with lots of his diagrams, studies, ideas, sketches, etc. as well as finished works. Detailed, in-depth exploration. I have barely scratched the surface of these, but quite a treasure.


So would you like the pattern? I have Patty Castagno's gracious permission and here’s what she said (translated from Italian) when I sent her a close-up pic:  

Beautiful, beautiful, fabulous, you did an exceptional job, do whatever you want with my scheme, you made it a very good thank you

Now it is I who must ask you if I can take inspiration from your masterpiece

I need to ink the stitch count, and work on a presentation, but soon...

My previous Italian connection ...