There were 2 changes to this design. Did you catch them both? The obvious change was the replacement of the single ring on the outside of the chain with a cloverleaf. See how much of a difference it made? The first one looks naked in comparison and the denseness of the rings around the outside of the motif makes the negative space created by the chains really stand out.
Did you notice the other change? The chains on the first motif have 3 picots between the inner ring and the outer ring. The second motif has only 2.
Could you figure out what the stitch count was for the cloverleaves? If you guessed 3, you were right.
If you didn't, take a look at the inner rings. You can see that they are the same size in both motives and I told you what the stitch count was for the first snowflake. Now look at the rings on the cloverleaves, see that they are the same size again?
When I'm designing something flat like a doily I tend to stay with the same kind of stitch count. It means that in drawing software I can start with one ring and just keep pasting it. The design is uniform so I don't have major adjustment headaches. Not only that, when someone tats the design they can enjoy the process instead of having to check every ring to make sure they have the stitch count straight. I have used different sizes in a design especially where shaping is an issue. I just don't usually.
Designing isn't hard and the best way to get into it is to do something like this. Start with a known design and change just one element. Then use your new design and change one more element. Eventually you have a totally new pattern.
Here's the pattern for the second motif. How close did you come?
Next - Number 3 are you ready for the challenge this one presents?
Edited 2016: The purpose of posting these simple designs was to get people thinking about how designs are created, but over the years beginners have commented, asking how to tat these patterns and where to start. So I have now uploaded a modified version of the diagram, with the starting point marked and arrows for the direction of tatting. The shaded rings are tatted with the second shuttle. This should make it easier for beginners to tat.
8 comments:
I haven't ever tried to design anything, and these "lessons" are fascinating! The snowflakes are so pretty, and I look forward to learning more about the process.
I think you have also outlined the benefits of the challenge really well, I love having friends to share my work and tatting problems, and am inspired by so much of what I see on the other pages. Thank you Sharon, for all the work you are doing to make it possible!
I am really new to tatting and have a question about reading your pattern. So far I have only done written out patterns and not followed a diagram. Where does this pattern begin? I'd love any help in understanding how to read tatting diagrams! Your snowflakes are just gorgeous!
Hi Sharron, I am a shuttle tatter from the Czech Republic, Europe. I have one "technical" question about snowflakes expecially No.6. Do you reverse work when you are working on the outer ring and making 3teardrop part? I love your snowflakes! I have tried to do No.6, but I was unable to make it :-( Thank you for your answer!
Hi im new to tattinh and do better. With needle tatting but iy doesnt look as nice
You would have to begin this snowflake worth one of the six middle rings
Yes it does look as nice if you make sure all your stitches are the same size on each section. I can't manage a shuttle because of arthritis but I can manage a needle. It's taken some practice but now I'm getting there.
Can you tell us where to start? I love the snowflake, but I am new to tatting, and the lack of instructions on all the tatting blogs is kind of frustrating! I've tried three times but it just isn't working out correctly :(
You start with any one of the inner rings. If you are a beginner, note that this design needs 2 shuttles. The inner rings are done with the first shuttle, then you reverse work to tat the chain. Then you used the chain thread to tat the cloverleaf which sits on top of the chain. That's why you need 2 shuttles. Then use the same thread to tat the second chain. Reverse work again to tat the next inner ring with the first shuttle. All of the inner rings are tatted with the first shuttle and everything else is done with the second shuttle. You can use one shuttle, but it means using a shoelace tie (SLT) (That's just an overhand tie, if you've never had shoelaces.) You have to do the SLT before and after each inner ring which leaves a little kink in the tatting and things lay neater using 2 shuttles.
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