Working in thread ends
From: LeAnn_Smith@bsd.beavton.k12.or.us (LeAnn Smith)
Date: Wed, 29 May 96 19:59:05 -0800
Subject: lace day, tatting class
Tatting Class:
Yes, she still says, "Tatting is a dying art". But I did clue her in this week to our list, the fact that there were lots of us tatting all over the world, and none of us felt much like dying, yet! She was Major-impressed when I gave her addresses for several mail-order businesses with tatting supplies - she had no idea that there were places that sold that much stuff, and was thrilled to learn that she can buy Aero shuttles, and extra bobbins, without sending her
husband to Wisconsin .
I did learn a couple of tricks for working in thread ends. David explained how to work in the ends for a new ball thread already, the other trick was how to work in the last two ends when the project (or row) is done. I will try to explain it clearly:
You will need 2 lengths of thread (she suggests carpet or quilting thread), about 10 inches long, and preferrably in 2 different colors. When you get to the last 6-8 stitches on the last ring or chain, fold one thread in half and lay it along the anchor, or shuttle thread with the looped end towards your right hand, and the ends hanging out over the left side. Tat 3 or 4 stitches over both threads, right along the shuttle thread, so that the loop hangs out about an inch or so towards the shuttle. When those stitches are done, double the second thread and lay it the same way along the anchor thread. Tat another 3 or 4 stitches over all 4 threads, along with the shuttle thread. Don't worry if it looks a little bulky, they won't stay there. Now, cut the shuttle and ball threads off about 4 inches from the last stitch. Thread one of them through the loop of one of the colors for about 1". From the left side, grab both ends of the same color thread and pull - it works like a needle threader, pulling the end back through the last few stitches. Do the same thing to the other end thread and the other color loop. She keeps the two separated so that the bulk sort of tapers, rather than working all the threads
in and out at the same points. It looked really slick; I can't wait to try it! Ascii art, anyone?
--------------------------------------- (sshuttle thread]
===========<)======<) (2 doubled colored threads loops toward the right)
Let me know if this isn't clear and I'll try again, or send drawings.
Lori
The Tatting Lady
Otherwise Known As ecq722@freenet.mb.ca
This is basically how I finish my tatting, except that I work one drawing thread into the FIRST chain that I work, and the second drawing thread into the LAST CHAIN that I work. That way the bulk is much less and the end is not noticeable at all.
The trick with the first draw thread is to work a very short piece in BACKWARDS, that is, with the looped end headed the wrong way, and then when you're done the round, use it to pull a longer draw thread through. That way the first draw thread isn't in your way through the whole round.
This certainly is the easiest method of finishing I've ever found!
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