The Tatted Split Ring in Design

A discussion of the tatted split ring as a construction tool is a necessary step for tatting designers. Our basic forms are the ring, a circle which begins at point A and ends at point A, and the chain, a curve or arch which begins at point A but ends at point B, thus moving the lace forward along the line of progression. However, it is also possible to modify a normal tatted ring so that it acts as a chain. This modified ring is called a split ring. The split ring is normally made in two halves (hence, "split") which may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. On most patterns, the split ring is drawn with a line through it indicating the split or with other crosshatching marks. Identifying the split ring separately allows the tatter's eye to follow the line of progression easily, too. The split ring, used in conjunction with a split chain sometimes, allows the tatter to climb out from the center of the piece of lace or climb from row to row without cutting the thread. Here is a three row edging with each element diagrammed separately and the split ring identified. Patterns for each section are given.
Trefoil: R 3 - 9 clr SH2 R using 8 - 8 clr Split ring: R 3 - 3 / 6 Repeat once. Repeat from for desired length.
Quatrefoil: R 8 - 8 clr using shuttle one. Repeat twice more. Split ring: R 8 / 8; clr with shuttle one. Repeat once. SH1 R 8 - 8 clr. SH2 R 8 - 8 clr. Repeat from for desired length.
Leaning Quatrefoil: SH1 R 8 - 8 clr Repeat twice more. Split ring: R 8 / 8 clr. Leave a tiny length of thread between these two rings to accommodate the angle of the next ring. Repeat once leaving no space. SH2 R 8 - 8 clr. Repeat once. Repeat from for desired length.
Double Shamrocks in a Row Variation
Split ring A: SH1 R 6 / SH2 6 using shuttle two; clr with shuttle one. SH1 Ring 1: 3 - 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 clr. SH2 Ring 2: 3 - 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 clr. Split ring B: 6 / 6 clr. SH1 Ring 3: 3 + (join to last picot of ring 1) 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 clr. SH2 Ring 4: 3 + (join to last picot of ring 2) 3 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 clr. Repeat from for desired length.
Double Shamrocks in a Row Wide Variation Split ring : SH1 R 8 / 8 clr. Upper ring : SH1 R 8 - 1 - 1 - 8 clr. Lower ring : SH2 R 8 - 1 - 1 - 8 clr. Repeat for desired length.
Second round: Split ring: R 8 / 8 clr. Upper ring: Use SH1 R 8 +(join to picot of ring on previous round) 1 - 1 + (join to next free picot on next ring of previous round; that is, each upper ring joins to two rings of the previous round; see diagram) 8 clr. Lower ring : SH2 R 8 - 1 - 1 - 8 clr. Repeat for desired length.

In the patterns for the three samples shown the number of double stitches are only suggestions. Here is your opportunity to design your own shape and size of lace. Add picots if wanted or leave out any not needed for joining purposes.

These patterns and diagrams are excerpts from Book 4 of the Ribbonwinners Series, "Tatting on the Edge...and Beyond." Used by permission of the author.

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