An Experiment with Bina's Layered Chain Technique

 

"Devotion" heart tatted with layered chains

This was the first time that I used Layered Chains in a finished project, and I wanted to learn how far I could push the limits of the technique.

The chains in 2 colors, layered on top of each other were tatted using Sabina Carden-Madden's technique of Layered Chains. This is a variation of pearl tatting technique that was published in the Winter 2006-2007 issue of "The Bulletin" by I.O.L.I (International Organization of Lace). 

The Layered Chains:

Fill 2 shuttles, each with a different color thread, and leave the thread attached to the balls.

Hold both ball threads for the core, same as for pearl tatting.

I used the light color for the bottom (inside chain), and the dark color for the top (outside chain). So, since I'm right handed, the light color (shuttle 1) was at my right hand, and the dark color (shuttle 2) to the left.

Tat a normal double stitch using ONLY the light color (bottom) core thread.

The double stitch is flipped as usual. I've shown only the first half in progress in the photo.

After each bottom double stitch, use shuttle 2 (dark thread) to wrap an unflipped double stitch over both core threads. I've shown only the first half in progress here. Notice that the top stitch (dark) is wrapping around both core threads, but NOT the shuttle 1 thread.

Continue alternating the bottom and top stitches in the same way. Both are 1st half, 2nd half as usual, but the top ones are unflipped. 

Count the stitches as usual, remembering to finish the same number of stitches each side.

To curve the chain, pull shuttle 1 only.

This is how the finished tatting looked before blocking. Very crowded and curled up, which is not the result I have when this design is made using normal tatting. So, I am thinking that it would be better to choose a pattern with more open space in it, to leave room for the bulkier layered chains.

I found that I like what I had considered the "back side" better than what I had thought would be the "front side"! Here are pictures of both sides. 

This Layered Chain technique is slow and requires concentration. I found it very fiddly at first. Eventually I was able to develop a sort of rhythm, if not speed. I enjoyed seeing the results!

New original bracelet pattern with pearl tatting center: "Linnea"

It's done! Available in my Etsy shop and will be in my Craftsy pattern store as well. This is the pattern for the bracelet that caused such a stir on Facebook, and was the motivation to make my YouTube video about pearl tatting.

A challenging pattern to tat, because of the combination of unflipped stitches in the pearl tatting part, along with normal double stitches and reverse order double stitches (2nd half first, 1st half second) in the rings. It's all explained in the pattern, and diagrams with stitch counts are there, too.

Surprisingly, this design also demonstrates Newton's 3rd law of  motion by curving when only one side is done. It lies straight when the other side is finished, because at completion each side exerts equal and opposite forces. Sounds like rocket science? Yes, it is in a way, because a rocket flies by producing a bigger force than the drag against it :) 

Video: Pearl tatting, adding thread with Lark's Head knot, rings thrown off each side

My latest video shows how I do pearl tatting; there are, of course, other ways. I plan to link to the video in my new bracelet pattern, which at the time of this writing is still in progress.

Also shown in the video is the technique of adding on a new thread to the base of a ring with a Lark's Head knot, and tatting over the tail end. I put it in there because I use that technique in the bracelet, and I like it.

Just making the video has helped me to remember which side of the pearl tatting has the stitches in reverse order, to keep both sides looking the same. If this video helps someone else too, that would be wonderful.

Music is "Clear Vision" provided by SmartSound www.smartsound.com