Friday, April 10, 2009

Zigzag split chain

Not that anybody would ever want to do this, but...

...I think I have solved the mystery of how to produce Victorian Sets (also known as rickrack or zigzag tatting) in a shuttle tatted split chain.

It is recommended that you master the normal split chain technique before trying this variation. Beginners to tatting take note - this is just my fanatical messing around and not normal tatting, LOL.

Ok, here we go:

Anchor the shuttle thread just like a normal split chain. Since I like to work a split chain from left to right, I then turn the work like turning the page of a book.

Make the first half of a double stitch, using the usual split chain technique.


Ok, here's the trick! Roll the chain over, away from you (clockwise).

Repeat as desired. The chain will get extra twist put in from all those rotations in the same direction, but when doing the second half that extra twist will come out because the rotations will be the opposite way.
To get the thread in position for repeating the second half, roll the chain in the opposite direction from what you did to repeat the first halves. So now you'll be rolling the chain toward yourself (counterclockwise) to get the thread into the necessary position.

16 comments:

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

Oh, my! That's almost more than my poor brain can handle! Maybe that's because I've never even tried a split chain.

Your illustrations and explanation are awesome, Marilee. I have to admit, at this point I'm just not ready to try this one!

Marilee Rockley said...

LOL, I wasn't really ready to try it either. But somebody asked if it were possible (this wouldn't even have occurred to me otherwise) and I just couldn't leave it alone till I had solved the riddle. Don't worry, Diane, this is just fanatical messing around and not "normal" tatting, LOL.

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

Whew! Good to know! Can you hear my great big sigh of relief? ; )

Unknown said...

LOL! I love your message to the beginning tatters: "This is fanatical tatting, not normal tatting"
LOL! Good one, I love it!!! I will be adding this to my list of techniques. I'm too tired to study it right now, but I will definately keep it for reference.

So good of you to share this way. See, this is one of the many acorns that you share with the tatting community. That is why I shared the acorn award with you...please come and see, if you didn't already! :)

Marilee Rockley said...

Oh my, TattingChic, thank you so much! What an honor! I'll blog about it when I do my next post.

Trayna said...

The whole point of me asking the various groups in the beginning was - I DID want to do this and still DO as I still have at least one more row in the current pattern I am working where it will be needed unless I tie & cut.
Thank you for solving it - now I just have to see if I can make it work!

Krystle said...

Your brain functions on a level that mere mortals cannot attain....

Marilee Rockley said...

Trayna, I DO hope you'll be able to finish your piece the way you wanted to now. I am so curious to see what you've been working on!

LOL, Krystle, I just kept trying different maneuvers until something worked. My brain is more on the level of a curious 4-year-old, LOL.

Vinnie said...

As it is the split chain was difficult to understand, now I'm thoroughly confused......
But that's what is so interesting!
I'm definitely going to try it.
Thanks for the beautiful illustrations.

Suzanne said...

Well done! A very nice job of bending the thread to your will. The photo tutorial is perfectly clear. Thank you.

Kathy Raker said...

Ditto to Diane and Trayna. LOL It looks cute though. I do understand the "I couldn't leave it alone till I had solved the riddle." I am glad to read it s just "fanatical messing". Don't think my beginner brain could handle it.

Marilee Rockley said...

Thank you, Vinnie and Kathy, I am glad it didn't "scare" you too much, LOL.

Suzanne, I am glad you like the photos. It was a tricky thing to try to capture with a camera.

Denise Felton said...

Brilliant tute! I've just put a link to this post on my blog. I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.

Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com

victats@gmail.com said...

great solution for what to do about the twisting!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.