Some tatting designs contain chains besides rings and picots. Chains are an important part of basic tatting knowledge. When rings and chains appear in the same design, it is necessary to use two working threads - a shuttle thread and a ball thread. This article is for those just starting out in tatting and learning the techniques. It is also useful to view the related beginner's tatting articles below.
Steps
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Note the difference between rings and chains.
- Rings can be made only with the shuttle thread wound in a complete circle around the left hand (see illustration).
- Chains can be made only with a thread wound halfway around the hand.
- Learn how to tat both rings and chains. To achieve a chain from a ring, you need to use the shuttle thread and a ball thread.
- Tie the end of the ball thread to the end of the shuttle thread.
- Make a ring. When you make the ring, use the shuttle thread in the regular manner.
- Turn the ring. When the ring is completed and you wish to make a chain, turn it so that the base of the ring is held between the thumb and forefinger (see illustration).
- Stretch the ball thread over the back of the fingers. Do this in the same way as for the shuttle thread but instead of making a complete circle, wind it twice around the little finger to control the tension (see illustration).
- Work over the ball thread with the shuttle. Do this in the same manner as in making rings. (Picots and joinings are made in the same way as on rings.) When you have finished the chain, pull the stitches close together and put down the ball thread.
- Pick up the shuttle thread to make another ring.
Things You'll Need
- Tatting shuttle
- Tatting thread (shuttle and ball)
- Pattern
