starburst fringe

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In my last post I had shared several adaptations of Corina Meyfeldt's Tatted Fringe. Lots of ideas swirled in my head to try out a quick practice pattern, applying all three adaptations viz., tatted fringe, spot/luggage tag fringe, and tatted fringe picot. While I am not fully satisfied with the outcome (it looks especially messy in photographs), there is a lot of scope to play and try something better and different.

This is the Fringe Star - a kind of practice pattern with a lot of possibilities. 

I got so involved that I forgot to take some process pics.

I started by tying the white (Anchor size 40) shuttle thread with metallic Madeira (Astro 2, No.40) and tatting a chain with measured adjoining picots. This took longer than I bargained for coz the metallic thread is really really fine. However the colourway is beautiful with a range of shades.

Now since the thread was so thin, I feared the picot might turn out to be too small. Hence, after snipping off the tips and dividing them into 5 clusters (eyeballed, not counted!) I divided each further and added a luggage tag in the center of each using Sanbest #34. 

And I wanted a small cluster in the joining picot as well. So, I direct tatted 3 adjoining long picots at the start and between the 5 clusters. 

Future Idea 1 - My original idea was to make layered rings with graduated fringe picots. But somewhere along the way, I decided to simply add the fringe between rings for now.

  

With all the prep work finished, I pushed the clusters further into the shuttle and started tatting. The star body is a simple rosette of 5 rings (6 - 8 - 8 - 6)x5 joining to adjoining ring(s).

However, before starting the ring, bring forth the fringes (Fr) into the loop for the ring.

    For first ring tat 6ds, Fr, 8ds, FrPicot, 8ds, Fr, 6ds. 

    For next 4 rings, tat 6ds +(join to ring: push the Fr towards the top of the picot and join below it), 8ds, FrPicot, 8ds, Fr, 6ds.

    Join last ring to first.

Insert sequin and bead and sew down with the tail and hide the tail end or use it to suspend the star. Trim the fringes.

I wanted a starburst kind of shining aura, hence the long fringe. It is very sparkly when seen in person.

I repeat, it looks especially messy in pics, but there is always room for improvement. 

Future Idea 2 - Use a circle of tatted fringe for the base of a rakhi!!! Or how about fireworks?!

OBSERVATIONS - I'd like to point out that each adaptation has its advantages and this little pattern will help you realize this. 

• For a fringe picot it is advisable to tat the chain as in Corina's original. 
• But for spot treatment or to sprinkle a different colour randomly, luggage tags are preferable. 
• Now if you need fringes on both rings and chains in FS/BS tatting, then you will have to decide and plan beforehand. Decide the number of fringes needed. Then tat the chain in segments of DS and RODS (reverse order DS). 

Future Idea 3 - Tat a motif with spot fringes in rainbow colours! 

on the fringes

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 Or not so much on the fringes? 

FRINGE(s) is a kind of decorative edge made of lots of hanging threads.  

FRINGE TATTING usually involves very long adjoining picots at the outermost edge of the piece, which are then cut and trimmed to size. These may be frayed if needed. (thanks to Anita Barry, who also shared a pic for the Glossary)

TATTED  FRINGE  AND  ADAPTATIONS -

Then came the Tatted Fringe shared by Corina Meyfeldt in November 2015 here - http://cmhandmade.blogspot.com/2015/11/fringe-sort-of.html . 

Unlike the former, the tatted fringe requires an auxiliary or spare thread.

She first tatted a chain with long adjoining picots on the main core thread; then snipped and trimmed the picots, spread them out and wound the shuttle to start the project. Snipping the picot tips separates the individual stitches.  Corina brought forth each fringe from the core thread as required. 

Tatted Fringe on Picot -

Notice that in the above WIP ring, I placed some of the fringes on the ring loop or left-hand thread while others remain on the shuttle thread. Thus we have the option of placing the fringe on the picot as well as on the core. Just like one would do for beads!

The above tatted fringe (made of metallic thread) is positioned on both the core as well as picot threads.

An extended application of Corina's method.

This can be done on rings as well as chains and gives a thicker fringe.

Spot Adaptation (using luggage tags) -

In December of the same year I shared my spot adaptation, with pictorial, here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2015/12/fringe-benefits.html

Instead of tatting a chain of long picots, I used luggage tag loops to make a lark's head knot on the core thread wherever and whenever required. These scraps can be tied frontside or backside (see next pic).

Besides, we have the freedom to include as many colours and threads as desired. Again, though not shown, the tag can be tied to the left-hand thread (on picot) or the core thread.

Seen together on a chain. Look closely and you will see that I brought the left-hand thread over and between the luggage tag, thus securing the fringe. 

NOTE: Since the tatted fringe makes a stitch on the core thread, care must be taken with the total stitch count in a pattern not written for a fringe. 

Tatted Fringe Picot! -

Now this is probably something new. Or at least I haven't come across it yet.

Since I had a few fringes left on the shuttle after tatting the first sample, I tatted a second ring but put all the fringes on the loop around the hand. And made a picot! 

UPDATE (Dec2024): 

BEADED FRINGE - aka Beaded Stem (Corina Meyfeldt) and Single File Beaded Picot (Nina Libin)

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2017/05/rising-month-late.html

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2024/11/soup-catcher.html

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/search/label/beaded%20fringe

So, that's all for now folks. Editing (and tatting samples for) the book Six T's of Shuttle Tatting, by Net Best, is taking me to the fringes of the tatting world and tatting literature! It is making me delve deep and wide and sometimes inspiration strikes and I go off on a short explorative excursion. Hope you enjoyed this short journey and can find some applications for these fringes. And if you have any new  technique or effect, please let me know so that it can be included in the Glossary. 

luggage tag loop

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 Since Georgia Seitz's site is still in transition to the new site (https://www.theonlinetattingclass.com/) and not everything has been transferred, I needed a link to the luggage tag loop or lark's head knot. So I took a few pics from my Jan 3, 2023 post (https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/01/measured-picot-on-core-thread.html), making it easy to share.

This loop or knot looks like a double stitch and in the same colour it can be an 'invisible' join/addition. Following are some of the ways and situations in which it can be used - 

1. To add new thread. I have used it add green thread in the Blossoms Project. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/search/label/blossoms%20project
2. To add new thread in a ring. When running out of thread, new thread can be added before closing the last ring using a LHK. Credited to Judi Banashek (thanks, Gillian Buchanan). See Marilee Rockeley's video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9pmL1kyirc
3. Marilee uses the method to add the third (core) thread in pearl tatting in the above demo.
4. To start on a paper clip - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2017/05/rising-month-late.html
5. To hold space on the core thread for an inward picot or a starter picot on chain instead of using a pin or clip. https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/06/bigger-flower.html
6. To make measured mock picots and inward picots - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/01/measured-picot-on-core-thread.html
7. To attach a tassel - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2015/01/tatting-away-x.html
8. (UPDATE) To add a fringe - a spot adaptation of Corina Meyfeldt's method - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2015/12/fringe-benefits.html)
9. (UPDATE) To tat short floating chains or to add a 3rd colour for a specific element - eg., the E3 Inside Out flower by Michelle F - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2024/01/what-heart.html and PDF link 

These are a few that I can recollect at the moment, but I am sure I'm missing something ;-P Perhaps the knot in my head will clear at a later date and I will update this post.

Usha's motifs

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PLEASE NOTE : The sequence of posts has altered when I was updating my posts yesterday, causing my newest post in the Cluny tatting series - hitch the loom - to mover 2 posts down, in case you were wondering or missed it. Blame it on Blooper's (err Blogger's) whimsies.

  

For the last few days I’ve been tatting up a mini-storm of Blossoms Motifs while working on the numerous pictorial presentations. A quick break was in order when Usha’s Split Ring triangle motif turned up.

The near-perfect circular rings attracted me in the first place. And circles that formed an equilateral triangle. It is certainly impressive to successfully convert such a shape into actual tatting.
Large rings - whether normal, split, or scmr - often close into a circle rather than teardrop.

In Lizbeth size 40, the sides measure 1½”.

Having mistakenly made a picot at the corner of the first ring, I repeated it for the other 2 corner rings.
In the pattern all rings are split rings. However, one can start the motif with a normal ring, and add new thread for the 2^nd ring and onwards.

I ended with a normal ring, sewing in the tails. But one Can hide tails in the last split ring without sewing.

Future Idea : It would be interesting to see this motif repeated as a magic pathway to form a larger lace fabric! And notice how one can form a diamond by removing 2 and adding 1 ring ?!

Many many months back, I had also attempted Usha's Fringed Petals motif but worked only the first 3 rounds. What I liked about this is how the clever designing of 3^rd round lifts the rings of the previous round, ending in a raised and curved textural effect! Notice how they are ‘normal’ in the 2^nd round (above pic), but suddenly acquire that 3D look when the next round is worked (pic below)?

However, the working was fiddly and I was not quite happy working through it. I would definitely like to see more of that curving effect, though !! 

My apologies for not completing the motif - I intended to, but never got around to it. I might some day when I find where it's run off to ;-D

This motif also uses long picots with CWJ (lp_cwj), notes for which I shared here and again in the beaded version here.

An enjoyable break, thanks Usha :-))) Now back to some more pictorials - I'm on a roll and want to make the most of it while I can (but can I beat my own record of 15 posts in Sept 2017?!). I hope you will be tolerant through it all :-D

rising a month late

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tatting on a paperclip - free pattern

Radiant Sun Paperclip

designed for Online Tatting Class, April 2017 

download free pdf here

   

This little project was worked in 2 days flat – from ideation to execution to presentation – so that we could have a surprise paperclip pattern before end of April.

You know that I am not proficient with beads or their terminology, etc. So there were many senior moments here. Only later after pdf was made and sent (in record time for me! And this included a quick test tat and valuable feedback from Phyllis), I emailed Nina Libin for info and she graciously explained the correct terms along with links (which helped immensely during class). Georgia also shared links I didn’t know about, in class. I have used those terms & links in this post.

It all started when I saw a jewellery ad in the newspaper and wondered if I could get beads to stay positioned as free-floating rays using a shuttle.

I had an idea and quickly searched for similar projects & tutorials but as often happens, nothing came up close.

Pattern is a simple chain with beads radiating freely around .

To execute my idea I needed the end/stopper bead to be large.

Slip bugle bead and pearl bead on to a picot loop ;

Before tensioning the picot, loop it over the pearl snuggly like a noose (like we do for the SSSR or LTROR);

Pull back the extra length of loop, ensuring that the wrapped thread stays tightly noosed around the bead.

Continue with chain.

Pretty simple, easy, and no extra tools required.

Now to put it to the test, I started to tug at the pearls – 2 stayed in place, but one fell off.

One can use this method only if the piece is going to lie flat – glued or appliqued, and not worn/used.

Back to the drawing board. This time I used a beading needle to thread back through the bugle bead only. Of course it worked. But it has been around for ages – called the beaded fringe*

download complete Radiant Sun Paperclip pattern here 

 pattern is so small, that it can quickly be finger-tatted . Or needle-tatted

A 'luggage tag loop' is used to start. It creates a complete double stitch. 

Care must be taken to keep the shuttle to the right.

I chose a blue clip for sky with the yellow sun emerging. 

For the right shade, I used 3 strands of Anchor embroidery thread.

If I leave tails on both ends, doesn’t it look like a headdress ?!

Many more ideas radiated from this, but the sun is setting for now :-)

* other terms : beaded stem (Corina Meyfeldt prestrings the beads and pulls into place when required) ; single file beaded picots (Nina Libin, Book #18)

this is not my first pattern with bugle beads on a paperclip - I made several trials of another pattern in February (remember, Ninetta? :-P), but have let the final tatting & presentation lapse. Should get back to it ....

Grateful thanks to Georgia, Nina, & Phyllis

hope you enjoy tatting this quick little pattern :-)

Thorny Wreath pattern

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Wreath Ornament 

(Reworked, Revised, & Updated)

It’s that time of the year, & there has been some activity on this pattern for a few weeks now. I wasn’t too happy with colours & working when I first made it. So, it was time to rework the pattern, as well as create a proper pdf, with diagram, to download.

This time I used more Christmasy colours & added a sprinkling of beads.

Being fairly small at 4½ cms diameter, it can be used as a tree ornament, a decoration/adornment for gifts, sewn on to a headband, or be used as a pendant, a brooch, or earrings ; embellishments & colours can be customized.

Thorny Wreath Ornament

(click to download pdf with diagram)

This is a 2-round tiny motif where the base 1^st round, made of split rings, forms a large flower, and the 2^nd round is freeform, interweaving a chain through the center of the flower medallion. The freeform weaving lends a 3D interlaced effect to the 2D flower wreath & makes each ornament unique.

 

Round 1 is made of 8 split rings, in 2 colours, size 20 thread, and uses padded double stitch, ending in a Lock Chain loop for hanging.
8 SRs are needed to get a central space large enough for normal shuttles to pass through when interlacing Rnd 2.
TIP : Padding the stitch (pds) can cause some twisting of thread. Suspend shuttle to remove twists.

VARIATIONS : Only 6 petals make a beautiful flower medallion with a flurry yellow in centre & red petals around. Add large cabochon, pearl or gemstone for jewellery piece.

 

Unlike the earlier attempt, this time I used size 40 thread for the freeform round. Beads were also added to represent berries. 

Load more beads in both shuttles than strictly required so that one has plenty to play around with.

 

Bring forth beads, tat folded rings leaves, & add the thorns using scrap thread. Instead of making long picots & snipping them, this time I used my spot addition of Corina's fringe.
            TIP : The thorns can be frayed for a different look.

                                                           

The 2 versions together. 

I guess I could've made the vine less dense. ...
One can use just the freeform vine pattern for a bracelet in customized colours/embellishments. ! It is, after all, the freeform that makes each piece unique & exclusive. No two will be the same !

For complete pattern download : Thorny Wreath   

I'm sorry for the blank 4th page - tried my best but it just won't go :-((

  

Some Techniques used (click for link to tut) : 
Padded Double Stitch (pds)
Martha Ess' Folded Rings
Corina's Fringe  This can be used if one is not using beads . Instead of beads, preload the fringe thorns.
My spot adaptation of Corina's Fringe

Happy Tatting 

Related Posts : Wreath Ornament

All about pds

Motif # 13/III for 25 Motif Challenge

Fringe Benefits

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Fringe  Benefits

The day Corina posted her excellent idea/tut on adding a Fringe to tatting here, I was reworking my wreath ornament pattern (to be shared soon). Yes, you guessed it, I just Had to use that technique ! But my tatting path is always strewn with thorns & broken twigs :-(

Previously, on the vine I had tatted long picots that were cut to resemble thorns/twig ends (in adjoining pic). This time I loaded beads on to the shuttle to act as berries. Being freeform, I had no idea where & when I would want to add a fringe thorn & where the bead(s). So I could not preload the fringe on the shuttle thread like Corina had done. Here’s how I adapted Corina’s Fringe for spot addition.

It is a simple 2-step technique. However, I wanted to see the effects of slight tweaks, hence there are more pics than strictly required for the adaptation. You know me ;-P

This adaptation can come in handy if one runs short of fringes or if one decides to add a fringe, a whisker, antennae, etc. midways - anywhere, anytime - into the tatting process.
This method (whether preloading or spot addition) can be used for Frayed picots too !

Abbreviations & Threads Used :
DS – double stitch

fhs – 1^st half stitch

shs – 2^nd half stitch

SH - shuttle

RODS – reverse order ds

FS/BS – frontside/backside tatting

I used normal Anchor 6-ply crochet cotton thread in size 20 for the tutorial & different colours for easy identification & comparison.

Yellow is SH1 or core thread ; Turquoise is SH2 or ball or chain thread ;

Mustard, Red & Blue scraps are used for fringe.

Corina's Fringe 

(a spot adaptation)

1. Cut a length of thread to use for fringe (longer than intended; trim later)

2. Bring ends through loop, ensuring that the core thread (yellow) is encapsulated.

3. The macramé knot (larks head knot) which resembles a double stitch if formed, tensioned & snugged.

 4. NOTE : Position ball/SH2 thread BETWEEN the fringe threads (like in a 'V') ...

5.  ... and then make the 1st half stitch.

This step (#4) ensures that the fringe stays secure & stable, even if it is trimmed short.

 6. Complete the 2nd half stitch (shs) & continue.

 7. The Same fringe can be made by laying the thread loop in above manner. 

Compare with pic #1

8. Fringe as seen from the back. 

Notice how it is placed between 2 half stitches, when viewed from back.

So, when working RODS (FS/BS tatting), all one needs to do is reverse the initial placement ...

9. In RODS, a stitch starts with the shs (2nd hs), hence 'reverse order'. 

BEFORE starting it, place the fringe thread in above position & continue.

10. Make knot, tension & snug.

 11. Again, position ball/SH2 thread in the 'V' of the fringe & make RODS.

12. Here, same as above, But notice placement of fringe loop. 

AND this time I positioned the loop after 1 complete DS (instead of after fhs as in pic #9). 

The knot, however, comes out the same. Continue tatting.

13. Complete tatting the stitch. 

4 fringe elements made - 2 on DS segment & 2 on RODS segment. Compare the 2 sets. 

Closely study the chain stitches (turquoise) in comparison with the fringe insertion : 

the 1st 2 mustard & the last blue one are flanked on either side by complete ds ; 

red fringe is flanked by half stitches on either side. 

14. Viewing the same from the back, again notice the chain stitches that flank the fringe.

Pics #13 &14 help us decide which arrangement & effect is preferable for the project on hand.

15. The fringe threads have been trimmed short. But they won't slip off ;-)

Many thanks to Corina for her generous sharing of the Fringe technique

& graciously permitting me to share this adaptation.

 Here's hoping this technique will not remain on the fringes of tatting !

happy tatting :-)

Related Posts - 

Adaptations and Tatted Fringe Picot -- https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2024/08/on-fringes.html