How to Tat a Split Ring

Use no more than 40 inches of thread to practice, to avoid tangles.

Tatting rings are normally created using one end of the tatting thread and creating stitches in one direction down the tatting needle. The "split" in a split ring comes from the process of dividing the stitches so that half are made from the ball thread and half from the needle thread.The split ring technique in tatting may seem intimidating, but it is relatively easy to master and results in a lovely design of connected rings with no join.

Things You'll Need

• Tatting thread
• Scissors
• Tatting needle

Instructions

1. Cut a 40-inch length of thread and thread your tatting needle.

2. Work with the ball thread to create a ring: make 5 double stitches, picot, make 5 double stitches, picot, make 5 double stitches, picot, make 5 double stitches, close the ring. This is abbreviated as R 5-5-5-5 Cl, and makes a solid ring. The split rings will be worked off this starting ring.

3. Start the first split ring, using the ball thread: make 5 double stitches, picot, make 5 double stitches.

4. Turn your work to the other side and unthread your needle.

5. Work the opposite side of the split ring by using the thread you just pulled from the eye of the needle and, working over the needle eye as if it were the tip of the needle, make 5 double stitches, picot, make 5 double stitches.

6. Turn your work back around, so that it is right-side up, facing you. Rethread your needle and close the split ring as you would for a plain ring.

7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 to make as many split rings as desired.

References

• Georgia Seitz: Split Rings