Mac-Tatted Braid (written pattern)

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a free 6-shuttle adapted pattern

Yes, I can hear the deep sighs of my handful of readers ..." what, not again ?!!!" 

I promise - this is the last in this "series" ;-)  

I have already written 2 posts on this braid. Twist Work in Reverse Stitch (TwW) is a handy pictorial to read through before actually starting to tat this pattern.

Mac-tatted Braid/Bracelet is a detailed effort to put across the 6-shuttle pattern via step-by-step pictures as well as an all-encompassing Table that acts as the pattern sequence.

However, I have come across suggestions & discussions in InTatters where the visually challenged prefer written instructions rather than notations & pics. This, therefore, is an attempt at the same. It is also a more compact, written-out pattern that is hopefully easy to follow & definitely easy to print. And one can always refer back to the previous 2 posts in case of doubts.

It is a reworking of the original instructions that Usha sent me. Here is Usha's original braid photo again -

Abbreviations used :

CTM : continuous thread method

rs : reverse stitch

TwW / TwW in rs : Twist Work in reverse stitch (click on link for step-by-step tutorial)

Important Points :

• All stitches are rs (reverse stitch) only.
• All caps of rs face downwards Always.
• TwW means to twist work a 180degree in rs (step-by-step tut) by passing working shuttle Under core thread, then starting the rs. (since all stitches in this braid are rs, I will refer to ‘TwW in rs’ simply as TwW.
• There is no crossing-over between shuttles of same color (ie between A & B).
• Always push the stitches back on the core thread after they are made.

To Start :

a) Wind 3 Colors in 6 shuttles, CTM optional

Color 1 in shuttles 1A &1B

Color 2 in shuttles 2A & 2B

Color 3 in shuttles 3A & 3B

b) Knot up all the six threads or make an encapsulated loop for bracelet as in video or add a finding/ring, etc.
c) Make 2 rs of each color on it’s own core thread. Thus all 6 threads with 2 rs will lie flat, side by side.

Sequence of threads (from left to right) at start will be : 1A , 1B , 2A , 2B , 3A , 3B

Pattern :

• Working from left to right,

I. Start with 1B, TwW in rs, & make 1rs on 2A as core thread. Then take 1A, TwW, 1rs on 2A. (2rs in a row with both shuttles of color 1 on 2A)

II. Repeat Step 3, but using 2B as core thread. Hence, 1B on 2B, then 1A on 2B (2rs in a row with both shuttles of color 1 on 2B)

There are now 4rs of color 1 (visible) on color 2 (hidden). Shuttles 1A, 1B are now over shuttles 2A, 2B, having moved from left to right; these are now in the center.

The sequence after Steps I & II : 2A , 2B , 1A, 1B, 3A , 3B

• Working from right to left,

III. Now with 3A – TwW, 1rs on 1B ; with 3B – TwW, 1rs on 1B (2rs of color 3 on color 1)

IV. With 3A – TwW, 1rs on 1A ; with 3B – TwW, 1rs on 1A.

There are now 4rs of color 3 (visible) on color 1 (hidden). Shuttles 1A, 1B are now over shuttles 3A, 3B, having moved to extreme right. Color 3 is now in the center.

The sequence after Steps III & IV : 2A , 2B , 3A, 3B, 1A , 1B

Steps I to IV form the very core of the pattern in terms of technique, & are repeated unchanged, Except for the color of threads being used as working & core.

• Working from left to right,

V : Repeat Step I using color 2 as working thread & color 3 as core. Make 2 rs using 2B on 3A, & 2A on 3A. Remember to TwW before each rs.

VI : Repeat Step II : Make 2 rs using 2B on 3B, & 2A on 3B. TwW before each rs.

There are now 4rs of Color 2(visible) on Color 3 (hidden).

Sequence after these 2 steps : 3A , 3B , 2A , 2B , 1A , 1B

• Working from right to left,

VII : Repeat Step III using color 1 as working thread & color 2 as core. Make 2 rs using 1A on 2B, &  1B on 2B. TwW before each rs.

VIII : Repeat Step IV : Make 2 rs using 1A on 2A, & 1B on 2A. TwW before each rs.

There are now 4rs of Color 1 (visible) on Color 2 (hidden).

Sequence after these 2 steps : 3A , 3B , 1A , 1B , 2A , 2B

• Working from left to right,

IX : Repeat Step I using color 3 as working thread & color 1 as core. Make 2 rs using 3B on 1A, & 3A on 1A. TwW before each rs.

X : Repeat Step II : Make 2 rs using 3B on 1B, & 3A on 1B. TwW before each rs.

There are now 4rs of Color 3 (visible) on Color 1 (hidden).

Sequence after these 2 steps : 1A , 1B , 3A , 3B , 2A , 2B

• Working from right to left,

XI : Repeat Step III using color 2 as working thread & color 3 as core. Make 2 rs using 2A on 3B, & 2B on 3B. TwW before each rs.

XII : Repeat Step IV : Make 2 rs using 2A on 3A, & 2B on 3A. TwW before each rs.

There are now 4rs of Color 2 (visible) on Color 3 (hidden).

Sequence after these 2 steps : 1A , 1B , 2A , 2B , 3A , 3B

These 12 steps form the first Set of stitches / repeats. 

The color sequence is back to where we started – 1 , 2 , 3 – after completing Steps I-XII.

Continue to desired length.

To add some novelty to this post, here's a close-up of the macrame Chevron Stitch that I tried on the same braid, by adding 2 more colors ! What can I say, I was enjoying myself ;-)))

And before continuing with the mac-tatted braid again, I Roll Tatted the additional threads on both sides, then tied & cut off.

Happy Mac-Tatting :-))

Turn Work in Reverse Stitch

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Tatting Tutorial

How to Twist Work when tatting the Reverse Stitch (TwW rs)

The 6-shuttle bracelet/braid in above pic is the reason for 2 back-to-back posts. It was made by UshaKota in response to a thread started by Judith Connors on InTatters, titled : Reverse Stitch. She cleverly converted a macramé pattern into tatting (more in next post).

This little tutorial is a fore-runner to that very bracelet pattern. There is a short discussion on the Reverse Stitch & a ‘reverse’ of rs, which will be required for the bracelet.

I have followed the terms & notations subscribed in the above mentioned thread. For a  detailed & enlightening discussion, please refer to the posts in the thread.

Threads used : Anchor Mercer Crochet 4054. Size 20.

Pink : 052 in Shuttle 1 (Sh1)

Aqua Blue : 0185 in Shuttle 2 (Sh2)

(2 colors are used only to show clear comparison)

Please excuse the poor quality of some of the images – despite repeated efforts, some of them just did not want to come out right ! Also, in a couple of images the chain segments may appear confusing; however, when viewed in sequence, along with the text/instructions, it should be clear.

Abbreviations used :

Sh – shuttle

ds – double stitch

rs / RS – Reverse Stitch

FHS – 1^st half stitch

SHS – 2^nd half stitch

UFHS – Unflipped FHS

USHS – Unflipped SHS

TwW – Twist Work  (not to be confused with RW – Reverse Work, or TW - Turn Work )

SR -- Split Ring

There already exist very good tutorials & demos for ds & RS. The only reason I have included some instructions & images in this post, is for immediate comparison on same page, without having to hunt for them or refer back & forth. I have also included a table to compare the ds, rs & turn work in rs.

I. Double Stitch (ds) :

core thread green (Sh2) , working thread pink (Sh1).

Every tatter has done a ds ! 

Fig 1 simply shows a chain of 5 ds (pink) worked on a green core thread.

II. Reverse Stitch (rs or RS):

core thread pink (Sh1), working thread green (Sh2).

And then, there is the rs – kind of like the opposite of a ds. In Reverse stitch, each half of a ds is Unflipped.

Those familiar with Split Rings know that the 2^nd half of the ring is done in RS, & is sometimes called the Split Ring Technique. However, rs is not limited to only split rings.

This is a very useful technique, requiring 2 shuttles for convenience. 

For comparison between ds & rs, refer to table at end. 

The following images show how an rs is made :

   

Fig. 2A . Using pink as core thread, make 1st half of rs (also called a hitch since it is unflipped) ie. USHS with green. Keep the core Sh1 thread taut while working the hitches.

In rs, since the half stitches are not flipped, the order is reversed 

Fig 2B shows the 2nd half of rs - UFHS being made.

TIP : The only thing to keep in mind while working a rs, whether for a SR or any other application, is to keep the core thread taut at All times. This will easily ensure that the stitch being made Never Flips.

Fig 2C shows 1 rs completed.  And Fig 2D shows 5 rs made.

Notice the switch in colors & direction of caps with respect to the ds.

TIP : If one is working chains, you get a Z or zigzag chain if you alternate ds with rs, as is clearly visible in Fig 2D. 

This stitch is also used in encapsulation. 

I often use rs to change direction in freeform tatting. 

There are lots of other variations, possibilities & applications, which is not the purpose of this post.

Coming to the main purpose …

III. Twist Work in Reverse Stitch (TwW) :

core thread pink (Sh1), working thread green (Sh2).

Update : I was hesitant to introduce a new term in tatting where there is already abundant multiplicity of terms. Hence I had gone with 'TW in rs or Turn Work in rs". However, Judith has since suggested "Twist Work or Twist rs" since
a) it involves more than a mere turning of page as in TW ;
b) the term TW already exists & can become confusing; &
c) it involves a full 180 degree turn/twist. I have adopted this term, & altered the text. 
The pictures, unfortunately still show Turn Work in rs & it will require major effort to alter the notations in each one. Please note the change, however.

Those familiar with TW (turn work) in normal ds tatting, will find this easier to understand. The basic concept, technique & objective is the Same. Just as one would turn work (as turning a page) in usual tatting, similarly one can twist work in rs, at a full 180^O

                                                  

Twist Work in rs (TwW rs) : step 1

The next images show how one can ‘twist’ a rs. ….

Fig 3A. Take the working Sh2 (green), & pass it below/under the core Sh1 pink thread, as indicated by arrow. It is important to keep this thread-space in a tight pinch while continuing with the next 2 steps (ie. till 1 rs is made), otherwise it has a tendency to revert to former state.
Secondly, this little thread space that is passed under should not be pulled too tight, otherwise the entire work will simply get back to the original position.

Twist Work in rs (TwW rs) : step2 - start hitch

Figs 3B,C,D.  show the steps to complete the 1st reverse stitch after turn.

Fig 3B : Keeping the TW thread-space in a pinch, make an over-under loop in order to start the USHS

Twist Work in rs (TwW rs) : step3 - 1st hitch being made

& pass shuttle through this loop & snug. (Fig 3C)

1^st hitch or USHS of Turned rs made (seen in next image, after snugging).

Twist Work in rs (TwW rs) : step4 - 2nd hitch being formed

Fig 3D : Make the under-over wrap for UFHS ie, the second half of the rs, pass shuttle through, and snug.

Twist Work in rs (TwW rs) : 1rs made after TwW !

Fig 3E: 1 Twisted rs (TwRS) made. 

Notice that

the core thread remains pink & hidden ;

the stitches are in green ;

the caps of the green stitches face in the opposite direction to the previous 5 green stitches. i.e., they now face the same way as the 1^st 5 ds But these are RSs in green color from Sh2 !
Also, since the TwW thread was passed Under the core thread, it is NOT visible at all.

Figs3F & 3G show a 2^nd rs being made after TwW.

  

Chain of 5ds, 5rs, TwW, 5rs

Fig 3H shows 5 rs completed.

This is all there is to it !

If you have done TW or turn work while working with ds, this is just the same, except that one is making reverse stitches instead of normal double stitches ! Simply twist work & continue with rs chain (or ring as in folded rings!).

This is just one of the ways to hold & work twisted rs. And it was the easiest to photograph ;-) 

It is an attempt to demonstrate the principle / technique & like all things tatting, each tatter can use their own way of doing it. 

eg. one can actually 'turn' the core thread, along with the previous work tatting, & work the rs just as one normally would. In that case, the previously made rs caps would be turned upward for a short span, till the TwW rs chain is completed, then revert back to original position.

                                           Comparison of ds, rs, TwW rs

	1st Half St	2nd Half St	Cap facing	Core thread (hidden)	Working Thread (visible)
ds chain	under-over wrap/loop ; flipped ; FHS	over-under wrap ; flipped ; SHS	Up	Sh 2	Sh1
rs chain	over-under wrap ; unflipped ; USHS	under-over wrap/loop ; unflipped ; UFHS	Down	Sh1	Sh2
TwW  in rs	”	”	Up	Sh1	Sh2

A final word :

This (or a similar) technique was used by Usha for the specific objective of changing direction of rs while weaving the bracelet.

However, as I became more & more familiar, through tatting & then while writing out the post, I kind of see an immense potential for easing tatting. It may actually eliminate the SLT (shoe lace trick) which is used when switching shuttle positions in 2-color tatting. Hence this detailed tutorial in a post all by itself.

One can continue working in any direction, in any color as need arises, and tat any element, even though there are 2 different colors in the shuttles !

It is very much possible that this is not something new; may be FS/BS tatters already use this technique. My only excuse, then, is that for Me it is a journey of discovery & sharing. And just as I am learning from the challenges & information passed on by our superior & more experienced tatters, I hope someday some newbie will benefit from my shared experiences.

Happy tatting & stay tuned for the actual bracelet pattern in next post :-)

Update : Here's the mac-tatted braid/bracelet pattern 

June 20, 2017 : Twist Work in Reverse Stitch is also how we wrap stitches in Daisy Picot !