playful tatting

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I had started tatting these cute balloon dog doodles couple of days before ITD and realised that there were a couple of elements left to tat, which started off my 'shagun tatting' for the day! Of course, I later found the time to tat the heart, too! Actually my list had contained a different heart which I still haven't gotten around to tatting. Some other day, soon, perhaps. 

Sarah Nielson shared two versions of her Balloon Dog Doodles - 2D & 3D. You can download the pdf from her blog here - https://laceandbees.blogspot.com/2025/03/balloon-dog-doodle.html

Quick to tat with lots of split ring practice. And one doesn't have to hide ends! Simply tie an overhand knot and snip close for the nose or 'balloon' end. 

I chose this tinted colourway for the added fun factor. Size 20.

The model starts at the tail end. 

My piece doesn't much resemble a dog here, does it? Is it how the shades spread themselves out ... how the darker shade pooled at the lower half? Or is it my tatting tension?

Now this 3D version I like. It does look like a dog frolicking in the park or flying high! Very happy indeed.

Technically, the highlight of this 3D doodle is the Folded Split Ring. 

• Sarah suggests folding one half against the other before closing the SR, a method she learned from Jane Eborall's Turtle pattern (2012). My two attempts on the legs didn't give me a sharp fold. [http://janeeborall.freeservers.com/SwanTurtle.pdf]
• Hence for the ears, I chose to do the half moon split ring by Sabina Carden-Madden (2003) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110625190617/http://www.paradisetreasures.com/hmsr.html]. I got a much more defined fold or crescent. 
• We are spoiled for choices! I had used Martha Ess' (2007) folded rings method (node stitch) to fold the SR in my jasmine braid here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2017/03/fresh-fragrance-of-jasmines.html. 

Overall, I am happy with these doodles - fun and quick and excellent doodles to embellish cards, etc. Some time in the future I will paint some background to give them a context, a story ;-D

Many many thanks to Sarah for these innovative and fun doodles!

Related Posts -
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2025/04/shagun-tatting.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2017/02/in-fold.html

beaded daisies and diamonds

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 I've been trying to work as many different techniques and effects as possible. In that quest, came these beads between split rings. Here are my trials and thoughts ....

Beaded Daisies are an arrangement of seed beads (from 6 to 10 or 12) around a center bead between consecutive split rings. There are two ways I've come across and I tried both.

BEADED  DAISIES between Split Rings by Sabina Carden-Madden (2007) :

What a disaster! And the reason was a shortcut. I found a single image saved in my Pinterest board and assumed that was it, since her Paradise Treasures site is down. However tensioning became a major issue. I tried a few tweaks in the 3rd and 4th trials and with my 'practice' on the first two, they came out a bit better, but not consistent. 

So, after a deeper search, I found her full tutorial and look at the three attempts above. I am very happy with how they turned out consistently. The trick was two joins to stabilise and center the arrangement. 

You can download Sabina Madden's tutorial here - https://web.archive.org/web/20160401075244/http://paradisetreasures.com/pdf/beadeddaisiesbtwsr.pdf

Follow the instructions and the work progresses smoothly.

[For those unfamiliar with the term Transitional Join - it is what we also know as the split ring join or what we use in direct tatting a chain with reverse stitches - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2016/04/shuttle-2-to-rescue.html]

NOTE : Both shuttles hold the same number of pre-strung seed beads and the center bead is free, loaded using a hook.

I had to use 8 seed beads around the larger center pearl bead. You need to gauge the number of beads according to your choice of beads.

TIP : The only hitch is finding sufficient space in the cap of the last stitch in the split ring, to make a join. Especially since I was tatting with perle cotton. This can be solved by making a teeny tiny picot before the final half-stitch of the first side of SR.

BEADED  DIAMONDS in a split ring cord :

This is a diamond-shaped arrangement of four seed beads between two split rings in a cord.

I don't know who first shared this effect or where it was seen first. Please share if you have any info. It's been quite the rage for bracelets and is very simple to tat with a vast range of colour effects. 

I followed Ninetta Caruso's tutorial - https://ninettacaruso.blogspot.com/2020/06/mama-non-mama-beaded-daisy-chain.html

Again, both shuttles are loaded with beads in 3:1 ratio. Two beads get trapped inside the split ring at the start and the base, while one bead on each side is moved after closing the ring.

[UPDATE 5th June 2024 - for a video, watch Imparae con Alicja - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJJeUyw7cYw&list=PLQICwkA8T8e1dW0GvGiGzIjyj_5e6LK_W&index=13 ]

The reason I included this in the discussion is that Ninetta's beaded daisies is an extension of the beaded diamond.

BEADED  DAISIES variation by Ninetta Caruso (2020) :

A combination of the beaded diamond and Sabina's beaded daisies, but with a twist.

Notice how there are two beads trapped at the two ends of each split ring, just like in the diamond formation? In addition the beaded daisy has 3 beads on either side of a central pearl bead. Thus even though there are the same number of beads in all as the first version, their position is slightly different. 

This entails a different way of tatting the daisy. 

Follow Ninetta Caruso's tutorial here - https://ninettacaruso.blogspot.com/2020/06/mama-non-mama-beaded-daisy-chain.html 

Two attempts, and not bad, though they could've been better. I found this method more mindful and needed to follow the instructions carefully each time. However, it is one of those methods where once you get into a rhythm, the cord will flow along.

TIP : In Ninetta's beaded daisy pics numbered 3 and 4 - we need to load and transfer the central bead while the previous split ring is still open. This needs a bit of practice and it is simpler if you hold the section of thread between the previous SR and the 3 seed beads and pull this to close the SR. Once closed, the central bead can be adjusted into position.

NOTE : In this variation, shuttle 1 has to be loaded with more beads than shuttle 2. If one is using 8 seed beads, 5 beads go on Sh1 and 3 on Sh2. The central bead is a free bead, hooked through later. This is different from Sabina's method.

All together. You can see the four untidy daisies towards the top of the middle cord. This is a lesson in not relying on partial information. Always seek out the complete instructions for best results.

 

The two methods together - Sabina's and Ninetta's. My personal preference for tatting purposes is for the former - they come out consistently neat. But there is something to be said for the latter where there is less of a gap between the two sides of the daisy. 

For more beaded cord effects -
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2021/02/beaded-sr-braid-part-1.html
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2024/04/bracelet-query.html

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2020/08/locked-in-rope.html

Many many thanks to Sabina and Ninetta for sharing their talents !

picoted S Chain cords

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Ever since I shared the S-chain cords using scrap threads, there has been a renewed interest in this beautiful effect. Last week Madhur asked for help with the picoted S-Chain I had used in a bookmark tail here. 

I took pics and prepared a quick pdf to send to her. I’m sharing some background notes here along with detailed steps and large pics, if you are interested.

S-CHAIN WITH PICOTS or faux Pearl tatting!
- PICTORIAL -

NOTES :

1. Sabina Carden-Madden first wrote about the S-Chain, along with instructions and comparison. 
2. 1 double stitch is followed by 1 reverse stitch or lark’s head knot. In other words, 1 flipped stitch is followed by 1 unflipped stitch/hitch, and repeated to desired length.
3. If picots are added before every stitch, the cord looks like Pearl Tatting, without the hassle of 3 threads or even 2 shuttles.
4. It can be tatted with single shuttle and a ball, but the effect is best seen when there is a contrast between colours.
5. For initial practice, use a thick thread and 2 colours.
6. For even picots, a picot gauge can be used. Scroll down to page 3, III-A – Direct Tatting, to see how a gauge is used in direct tatting or reverse stitch.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Above pics show vertically and horizontally measured picots in 2^nd side of split ring which uses reverse stitch.

Double Stitch v/s Reverse Stitch :

1 double stitch is made of 1^st half-stitch (under-over) followed by 2^nd half-stitch (over-under).     1 ds = fhs, shs

1 reverse stitch is made of unflipped 2^nd half stitch (over-under) followed by unflipped 1^st half stitch (under-over).     1 rs = ushs, ufhs

UPDATE - 1 reverse stitch is made of 1st hitch (over-under) followed by 2nd hitch (under-over). 1 rs = 1st h, 2nd h

Pictorial shows coloured thread in shuttle, and a ball of cream thread.

Tie threads or start with a ring in order to get a good grip.

The 1^st image shows a ring (with tails hidden within) followed by (1ds,1rs)x4 already worked.

1.  
Start chain with picot followed by 1 double stitch. 

2.

The next stitch is a reverse stitch or unflipped stitch (as in 2^nd side of split ring).

Bring shuttle over-under to make an unflipped half stitch.

Do NOT snug tight. Leave picot space at the beginning. See next pic for a better idea.

3.

Notice the bare threads after previous ds? This will later become the picot.

Make next unflipped half stitch (under-over) to complete 1 rs.

4.

Now snug the stitch.

The space converts into a picot at the beginning of this reverse stitch.

Also notice that the reverse stitch faces downwards as opposed to the double stitch.

IMPORTANT : Snug properly only after you are satisfied with picot length because each stitch locks the work in place. See above on how to use a picot gauge.

5.

Leave picot space and make another ds.

6.

Repeat the 2 stitches (p,1ds, p,1rs) for desired length.

See bookmark tail made using a doubled-up cord. It is also linked into a mock ring that resembles a Maltese Ring! 

Hope to see this cord being used in patterns - it can easily be substituted for regular chains, mock rings, etc. Vary the length of picots to create feathery effects! Let your imagination free

UPDATE : If distinctly contrasting colours in size 20 or thicker thread are used, a beautifully woven pattern emerges! Check the image in this post -  https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2020/05/tracking-both-sides.html

changing chain curves

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The outermost round of Rosette Enchained (shown in previous post) pattern is a chain where the middle segment faces inwards. Since the side segments face outwards, we can consider them as convex, and this middle one as concave.

Please note that convex/concave is relative to a specific design and reference point in case of tatting. For instance this example by Sabina Carden-Madden.

Changing Chain Curves : Convex and Concave

click here to download in pdf format

There are various ways of accomplishing this change in curve, and I wanted to experiment with each to compare the effect. It’s always good to have a menu of options, allowing the tatter to choose based on project or skill specifications.

• The first 4 methods can be done while working with a ball and single shuttle, but the 5^th one needs 2 shuttles.
• Some create a sharper point at the changeover.
• Some methods create a mono-colour chain, or the main shuttle colour can show up in the concave segment.
• For directional (fs/bs) tatting, the concave segment is usually tatted backside.

Do you have any other method to share? I would love to hear it.

IDEAS : Any of these methods can be used to create a long undulating chain. One can use it as a bookmark tail. Or each long chain can be linked to previous one to create a broader lace or latticed/reticulate fabric. Add beads and picots for a wonderful effect.

UPDATE: Bonnie Swank has demonstrated these options in Needle Tatting - video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9BRdZ2Zl8 .

Related Posts

Chains in shuttle tatting  

Chains in shuttle tatting pdf 

in the fold !

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It's always fun to learn a new technique.  And then experiment, compare, ....

In Tatting Design class, Susan Fuller introduced the half moon split ring as a design element.  I had tried it only once before, then forgotten about it. This time was different, having acquired some more experience and understanding of multiple techniques.

Splitting Rings

The half moon split ring (hmsr) , to me, is worked like an upside down split ring (SR) !!!
The shuttle 1 flipped stitches and colour show up on the Lower/right side ; in Split ring, they show up on the upper/left half.
Stitches in both halves face the same side in hmsr,  while they face outwards throughout the split ring.


 It forms a double arc like a crescent or a half moon, depending on stitch count of the 2 arcs.
If 2 colours are used, we can tat up a scalloped braid or a wavy row of rings.
Add a bead in the notch and you have yourself a neat little bracelet !!!
Decorative picots or seed beads on the outer arc create even more interest.
In center of 1st pic, 3 hmsr joined back form a kind of triangular inner line (ecru), and scalloped on the outside (pink).
And notice the wavy line undulating around an almost straight line  in 2nd pic ?
Many possibilities and effects.


Folding Rings 

While practising the hmsr, it was pretty natural to compare it with Folded Rings .
(Curled ring is another way to "fold' a ring, and is compared with Folded Rings here).

And after figuring out how to create a table on my tablet, I prepared a comparative and characteristic tabulation. (Table format gets lost when copy-pasted here, hence the pdf route)

Download  Table comparing Folded Ring and Half Moon Split Ring  (revised Feb 17, 2017 in response to Martha's comment below) 


The pics show practice and experimental pieces, hence not of best quality, nor consistent.  Stitch counts, though, were kept largely consistent for comparison.
HMSR braid (2nd pic) : shuttles were switched between rings.
1. (SH1 loop) 12/8
2. (SH2) 12/8
3. (SH1) 12/12
4. (SH2) 12/6
5. (SH1) 12/16
Compare hmsr #1 & 5, both made in same manner, but with more stitches in inner arc. And suddenly the inner arc becomes the outer arc !!!
What if the both halves were equal ? Wouldn't it look like a double scallop, but with one colour hidden ? Nice way yo carry a chain effect !


Folded Rings (3rd pic)
1. 12 set a 8
2. 8 set b 12
3. 12 set a 6 set b 12
These are only a few. So many more can be found on Martha's tutorial.


Related posts - Other comparisons :
Padding the stitch (s-pds, BDS, DDS, pds)
Folded rings and Curled rings
Rings on Ring
Reverse ring and SCMR

I apologise for not staying in touch - down with the flu . Hope to get back in the loop soon. Till then, happy tatting :-)
Oh, and there just might be a surprise introduction to another "project" I have involved in this past week.