helix tatting pictorials

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Caps in, counterclockwise spiral

I was testing a pattern for Richard Embrey and I needed to understand clearly (through action) how to achieve a particular effect. While I had dealt with the concept here - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2023/12/about-helix-tatting-and-more.html, I needed more clarity on the actual tatting since four visual effects are possible. 

positioning for last stitch for Caps out effect

It bothered me not being able to identify the path clearly. Just one final stitch in the first row makes the difference! I needed this study.

Secondly there was a stimulating discussion that this technique is macrame and not tatting. If the very basis of tatting is the flipped/transferred lark's head knot (called double stitch), then helix tatting is definitely tatting since chain segments with double stitches are made. And besides the tubular I-cord, numerous shapes can be created, and rings and chains can be thrown off at any point.

Helix tatting basic trial

Thirdly, I couldn't find any really close-up pics of the steps/process. This led me to a quick, very basic pictorial using thick knitting cotton and only 4 threads. However, on it's own, this might've led to some confusion or disinterest. And like most of my work, I delved further, resulting in this presentation pdf.

Helix Tatting Pictorials and Effects (and Tips) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13dPVQGsmAQU6OS4FrP3YCFgXokdiJVvs/view

HT Caps out, clockwise spiral 

The second pictorial uses 8 shuttles, but instead of starting CTM, I simply tied a loose knot. The fun part of this is that the tails can be hidden later within the hollow.

If one runs out of thread, it is easy enough to add new thread leaving the tail in the hollow!

And simply inserting a skewer stick and rotating the tatting helps the stitches to arrange themselves neatly!

These are the 4 effects together. The left pair is Caps out and the right pair is Caps in. The difference is visible in the texture, width, and direction of the spiral.

I haven't decided what to do with these samplers, hence the tails are left unhidden. Besides the 3D candle I mentioned here, I have a few other ideas in my head. Let's see if they get translated into thread. 

So that's it for now. Hope you give it a try if just for a lark! 

I have another pictorial lined up to share, again arising out of my errors and dissatisfaction.

E Hearts

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 We have quite a collection of hearts derived from Endrucks' patterns and even more patterns where these hearts have been applied such as bookmarks, coasters, butterflies, etc. There are even more I have spied in other patterns that will hopefully come to life in thread some time. Or I might just share the idea for others to work out.

The above is only a fraction of the hearts/applications I tatted. Found these easily in the two nearest boxes I rummaged through. But there is not a single heart from pattern #1 here, nor butterflies, etc.

It was spur of the moment and I hastily put this collage together.

The above hearts are from E3, E5, E28, E32, E37.

The patterns have been derived by many members and you can download all patterns from the Hearts Directory here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpYw9XMB8Asz8zusj1ZpHvX8A8Ww424-rEVORtxcL1w/view

And don't forget to look at the eye candy and other pattern directories listed at the end.

If you complete tatting your first pattern from our Endrucks' Collection and show us a pic, we will be happy to send you a little gift! 

💖 Happy E Tatting ! 💖

free hearts

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 Since hearts are the current flavour as Valentine's Day approaches, I decided to update my pattern doc and share it. Hmm, turns out I 'designed' only one heart last year! I did tat several hearts, both from the Endrucks collection as well as from other designers, even tweaking them to suit personal goals. But I only managed to share one pattern. Wonder what this year will bring .... I have already 'spied' at least 4 ideas - mostly to extract and adapt from Endrucks and at least one other. Let's see how many actually get transferred to thread and pattern.

So here's the link if you wish to tat any and I'd love it if you tagged me or told me about it. My free heart patterns and some inspirational versions -- Heart Patterns by Muskaan - 

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1LpHU69wNsQspIHgvt9pihgTNhHFDRBab3I5_MDEYyNw/

An idea that I won't be execute at present, is to add a Gallery at the end of the doc, shifting received versions there. 

And a blog post needs a pic which I am poaching from an older post --

Happy tatting, folks!