Practice Pattern Tension Issues
I'm getting the hang of tatting with a shuttle, but having some trouble with the joins and transitions. I tend to accidentally make lock joins where there should be regular joins, as well as loose tension at the joins. Also, my tension when transitioning from rings to chains is often too loose. Any suggestions?
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With the joins, it’s helpful to keep in mind that you have an “up” thread (the thread that forms the stitches) and a “down” thread (the thread that forms the core). For standard joins you are essentially mimicking a stitch, even though it doesn’t look like it, so you want to keep the core thread consistent through this false stitch. In other words, your “down” thread is always going through a loop of your “up” thread for this join; both threads need to be involved. (On lock joins only one thread is involved.) This will become more muscle memory with practice as well.
As for the tension, your practice piece is actually looking pretty good! Just remember to really snug up the chains before beginning the next ring. Even if it feels like it’s pulling the chain out of shape a bit, you can adjust the shape after it’s been secured by the ring.
Hope that helps!