How often have we ranted and raved;
avoiding black like the plague ?!
Well, avoid no more! Follow this
tip to tat with thread of any colour and any thickness.
(click title to download pdf)
Tatting with black thread often
means having to rely on motor /muscle memory. It is so difficult to see or distinguish
each stitch! And heaven forbid if we lose count!
Well, fear no more.
Here's a simple way of counting
stitches in black or dark coloured threads and even very fine thread. So tat on
without a care; throw away that magnifier.
[ It was extremely difficult to
take pics of the top view, despite seeking help. Only 6 of the tons made it through.
Hence the diagrammatic illustration. ]
 |
| this is only an image. click here to d/l pdf |
Turn the tatting towards you so
that it is vertical and you now see the stitches from the TOP. It helps to view
it against a contrasting background.
The line of stitches now looks
like a serrated edge or a wave.
Slide/spread open the stitches
along the core thread - separating them out a bit.
Each individual crest & trough
of the ‘wave’ is now individually visible. Even in size 50 black (or thinner
threads).
Count either the crests or the
troughs to determine the number of stitches.
In traditional tatting, count the number of troughs.
1 trough = 1 double stitch.
In backside tatting where the sequence of half stitches is reversed (rods),
1 crest = 1 double stitch
Once you are satisfied with the
number, push back the stitches and continue.
Here's the same in thick thread -
There are 5 ds on
either side of the picot on this chain...
Spread out the
stitches and view from top.
One can clearly see 5 troughs on either side of
picot.
Simple? Try it and do tell.
I have not come across any such tip. If you have, please share.
