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To do or not to do, that is the question

Red tatting bracelet with white beads

To do or not to do, that is the question! Or again about the front and back sides of tatting.

Hello, everyone! Today I want to touch again on the topic of front and back side of tatting. Ah, don’t get angry and don’t throw slippers at me! This dispute reminded me of the dispute between midgets from the novel by Jonathan Swift. On which side should the egg be cracked? I don’t think it matters. Because it is important to get to the delicious middle! Of course, every tatter is free to do as you like. But how I always want to get a “delicious”, beautiful, tender and perfect result!

I personally prefer to always distinguish between the front and back of my work. It’s probably a habit. This is especially true when you need to connect rows of different colors. I am sure you will agree with me, because if the connection is wrong, the product may not look very beautiful. But we strive for perfection, don’t we?

By the way, I was inspired to write this post by my new pattern, in which I connect the rows of white and red: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/fish-heart-tatting-pattern/

To do or not to do the front and back sides of tatting

So, look closely at the photo.

In the first case, the connection is correct. Light threads do not peek out between the green ones.

And in the second case, the light thread is a small strip between the green ones.

But sometimes, you may need just such “wrong” strokes. After all, the fantasy of tatters is limitless and who knows what else we can come up with! So, decide for yourself, to do or not to do the front or back side of tatting! And as another argument, watch my video, please. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my blog, welcome! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98FYbzTfzZE&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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Ring on chain

Two handmade tatting bookmarks, red and blue, using triple FR tatting, placed on a dark red thick book, by FairyLacefromElena

Ring on chain, or don’t be afraid to experiment!

Hello, everyone! My regular readers know how much I love experiments. I love using new tools or materials. I also really like finding new tatting weaving techniques. When I create my patterns, I always try to make them original, understandable and usable. But I love it when my customers make their own changes and additions to my work. Ah, I keep repeating: creativity is welcome!

Ring on chain

My model of earrings is called Snow. These are the white earrings in the photo. And the second photo was kindly provided by Christy. I am delighted with her version! The beads and the color of the threads are reminiscent of the glittering drops of melting snow on the first spring flowers, isn’t it?

Ring on chain

And in these photos my 3D Bow pattern and a completely unexpected version of Christy . She combined two bows into an original brooch, bravo!

Ring on chain

When I was creating the Mandala doily pattern, I could not even imagine that it could be a wonderful dream catcher! Look at the beauty of Dawn!

Ring on chain

Finally, my favorite collar is Sea Glass. Elena made her own version, complementing the collar with large beads and small details along the edge of the collar. It is amazing!

These and other patterns are in my store, welcome: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/

Of course, I can talk about my customers endlessly! These are extraordinarily lovely ladies and very talented tatting masters. But I hasten to tell you about my new video. The topic of the video tutorial is how to make a ring on a chain. And, naturally, I tried to show my creativity and shot 5 ways.

Method 1.

This is the traditional way for two shuttles. In my opinion, in this case, the ring on the chain look perfect.

Method 2.

You can try this motif with one shuttle and one ball. Of course it will look like a chain-ring-chain. But why not?

Method 3.

And this method is for tatting with a needle. I think you will like it. So, if you do not knot after half of the chain and after the ring, it almost looks like a classic ring on a chain. Do you agree?

Method 4.

In this method I used knots and it is very similar to method 2 for the shuttle. But you do not have to cut the thread and change the needle. Of course, this method has its pros and cons!

Method 5.

And this method looks perfect, in my opinion. You can use two needles. By the way, do not forget that both needles must be the same thickness. But you can do this with just one needle. Of course, in this case, after the first half of the chain, pull the thread out of the needle, then weave a ring on this needle. Then pull the thread out of the needle again and weave the other half of the chain. Sounds complicated? It’s actually very simple, you should try it! I say: don’t be afraid to experiment!

Please, after watching the video, do not forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. And I am always glad for your comments and questions on my blog. It helps me to make my blog interesting and useful for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL5lhlGs6ek&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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Split ring again

Long dark blue tatting earrings with beads and round natural stones on hand, fully made with split rings (SR), handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Split ring again, or how to embrace the immensity.

Hello, everyone! I was very pleasantly surprised by the popularity of my post and video on the topic How to make a split ring. Thank you all for your comments, kind words and questions. Therefore, your support helps keep my blog useful and interesting, I hope!

You may ask why there are so many different ways of weaving a split ring. Of course, all the time we can weave patterns only a ring and a chain in different combinations. I do not want to offend anyone, in any case. Of course, there is a special charm and appeal in simple patterns. But what about the desire for development and improvement? Don’t be afraid to learn and master new techniques. Perhaps you are not planning to make special lace right now. But the more techniques you master, the wider your range of possibilities will be. Therefore, you will be able to perform work of any complexity.

So what’s in my second split ring video. Hope you find it interesting!

1. Two shuttles for ring

First, you will see how to make a split ring with two shuttles and threads in two different colors. And I could not deny myself the pleasure of showing once again how I hide the threads at the beginning of work. Oh yes, I hate thread tails! In addition, you can swap the threads of the first and second shuttles. In this case, you will end up with a colored “snake”.

2. One shuttle

Then I decided to show Dora Young’s absolutely unique method for one shuttle. I really liked this method. Because the application of a split chain for the second half of a split ring is very interesting! Many thanks to the talented tatting master Muskaan. She told me where I can get acquainted with this method.

3. Shuttle and ball

The next method I call “false split ring”. Oh, just don’t throw stones at me! Ha ha! Perhaps I am far from the first master who applies this method. But maybe there is a special term in English for this method. It’s very easy! You will be surprised. I used arcs instead of rings, that’s all! You just need extra paper clips.

Split ring again
Split ring again

4. Tatting needle

And at the end of the video, you will see another way for tatting needles. In the comments on FB, I was asked to show how to make a two-color split ring with a needle. I am always happy to help! By the way, pay attention to this nuance: You can get identical rings or mirrored ones. It depends on whether you are making a knot when closing a ring or not.

Subscribe to my blog to keep abreast of updates. Also don’t forget to visit my store, I’ve made some new patterns! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/
Like my video, comment and subscribe, please! Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nOMsstL15w&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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How to make a triple picot

Close-up of a tatting ring with triple picot on hand, handmade by FairyLacefromElena, from video tutorial

How to make a triple picot, or Romantic Geometry.

Hello, everyone! I recently started a new project – creating a collection of small squares. Of course, everyone knows that a square is a geometric figure. And tatting lace, it seems to me, is a very delicate and romantic art. So I decided to name my collection Romantic Geometry.

Geometry (from the Ancient Greek: γεωμετρία; geo- “earth”, – metron “measurement”) is, with arithmetic, one of the oldest branches of mathematics. It is concerned with properties of space that are related with distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures.

Originally developed to model the physical world, geometry has applications in almost all sciences, and also in art, architecture, and other activities that are related to graphics. Of course, I could not help but use a beautiful geometric shape – a square. In addition, you can assemble a large doily of any size from small squares. To do this, you just need to attach the squares to each other. By the way, from several squares you can make a rectangle too, try it. I’m sure you will like it!

In two new patterns, I use a triple picot. So, You can watch a detailed video tutorial on my channel on how to make a triple picot, welcome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkPaIOA9JQ&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

And, of course, six patterns with detailed instructions and graphical diagrams are already available in my store. Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/

I am always glad to receive your comments and new subscribers. This means I’m not blogging for nothing. Your support is very inspiring to me. Thank you!

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Tatting for beginners, base knot

Corner of a white tablecloth with tatting lace edging and large square inserts, handmade by FairyLacefromElena, showing base knot technique

Tatting for beginners, base knot

Hello, everyone! I’m sure many of my readers are not new tatters. And some very famous and skilled craftsmen of this handicraft. By the way, I am very proud of each of my subscribers! I am also grateful to everyone for supporting my blog.

I also have a YouTube channel, you can subscribe to keep abreast of updates. And today I just added a new video: Tatting for beginners, base knot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISTEQI1ud1k&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=1

Oh, why repeat the same thing, you ask. Of course, I don’t argue. So many videos show how to make a basic tatting node. Each master shows his favorite technique. Some people like the shuttle, others prefer the needle. Everyone may have a different method of tying the knot. I know many newbies can get confused not knowing what to choose. Therefore, I decided to collect in one video 4 methods of how to make a double stitch tatting.

Base knot with shuttle

The first method is for the shuttle. This method is the most ergonomic in my opinion. You will have to hold the shuttle with only two fingers at all times. Therefore, this method is convenient for small and lightweight shuttles. Or you have to take a break from work if your fingers get tired 🙂

The second method is also for the shuttle. But you can use this method with a netting needle quite successfully.

Base knot with needle

The third and fourth methods are for tatting with a needle. The only difference is the use of different fingers to form a knot on the needle.

You can choose any method, of course. But I advise you to learn everything. The more you know, the wider your possibilities are!

Don’t forget to check my store. By the way, the 10% discount for all patterns on the Coupon Code is still valid. Coupon Code: OFF10HAPPYPATTERN
Welcome!
https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

Subscribe to my blog to keep abreast of updates. Likes, comments and sharing are welcome! Thank you!

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The perfect start to two-tone lace

Perfect start for two tone lace

The perfect start to two-tone lace, or how to hide the threads at the beginning of work.

Hello, everyone! In today’s post, I want to tell you how I hide the threads at the beginning of working with two colors.

I’m sure you all know that in the beginning we may have several options. It all depends on the pattern, of course! With a product of one color, everything is simple. This is either a shuttle – a ball, or two shuttles. Although there may actually be three, four shuttles or more, I’ve tried it! But let’s not delve into the impenetrable forest, ha ha!

If we start working with threads of two colors, we usually tie two threads.

Perhaps, if the threads are very thin, this initial knot is almost invisible. But I know about him! Ah, my perfectionism does not let me get bored! At the end of the work, I tried to untie this connecting knot in order to tie, hide and cut two pairs of threads. So instead of three nodes, I got only two. But I didn’t like that either. In addition, hiding FOUR ends of a thread at once is not for me, I sooooooo really don’t like hiding threads. But of course you will not find “tails” of threads sticking out in all directions anywhere in my products, lol! Because I love the option when the threads are hidden during the weaving process. By the way, you can watch my video on this topic.

I made this video for three tatting methods: shuttle, needle and cro-tatting. I hope you come back here after watching this video and read the post to the end: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_fWxN3THBc&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=26

Ah, Mozart’s music is perfect for creating creative projects, isn’t it? Please write in the comments if you are hiding threads during work or only after the completion of the project.

But I’m a little distracted. Our theme is how to make the perfect start to two-tone lace. So, I don’t do the connecting knot at the start. I also hide both tails of the threads at once. At the end of the work, I connect the last element to the beginning with a crochet hook or needle. And in the end, I only have two tails of threads at the end of the work, which I hide with a sewing needle. Voila!

I showed the beginning of the process of weaving a tatting in two colors in my new video, welcome!
I will be glad to new subscribers, your questions and comments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZkXevylGAc&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=1


Also don’t forget to visit my store:

https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

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Forty snowflakes

White tatted snowflakes in eight Christmas garlands on pine background — handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Forty snowflakes, forty new master classes for tatting needles.

Hello, everyone!

The winter is not over yet. Therefore, my new project does not lose its relevance (I hope).

The fun with the snow is especially pleasing to my eight-year granddaughter.

But my angel and I were not only playing . I teach Maria to tat with a needle. Because this is the simplest tatting method. Since my granddaughter lives far away, our classes are not very frequent.

And this is the third work of my golden girl!

It’s easy for me to teach my granddaughter because tatting is my favorite pastime. And I am constantly creating new patterns, new lace products. I am also very happy when subscribers contact me with questions about tatting. You know, I’m always ready to help! I think many people know the wonderful tatting shuttle designs from Blomquist and Persson. But for novice tatters, these descriptions are rather complicated.

So I decided to adapt these designs for a needle. I must say that this is not easy. I have collected 40 designs in one collection ( 8 garlands with 5 snowflakes in each garland ) . For each snowflake, a graphical diagram is drawn, photos are taken and detailed instructions are written in English. In addition, I made an additional video to help you master some tricks. You can buy pattern for each garland separately in my store. Or buy the complete collection at a very attractive price.

In addition, you can combine snowflakes into garlands in different combinations. Lots of options! So each tutorial costs less $ 1! Imagine your delight when you finish the fortieth snowflake! I’m sure you will be proud of yourself, go ahead! Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/tatting-tutorial-eight-garlands/

Comments on the video.

At the end of the article, a few comments on my video. Of course, you know how to make a pattern out of just rings. For shuttle is absolutely simple. Of course, use one shuttle. But be sure to make sure that all the distances between the rings are the same. For this, you can use plastic strips. By the way, do you make a tie knot after each ring? I do it because it makes the pattern look neater.

But how to make such a pattern with a needle? It’s very simple too. However, be patient and arm yourself with a needle threader (if necessary). Because you will have to carry out ALL rings on the back of the needle. And, of course, an attachment knot at the end of each ring is needed. This fixes the ring and makes the pattern strong and neat.

In the third part of my video, I tat with tatting hook. Yes, I really like cro-tatting method. Notice how easy it is to make a fastening knot. In addition, this knot helps to make the transition from one ring to another with a single thread.

So listen to the beautiful music of Mozart in my video. And don’t forget to subscribe to my channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVqZOB6uJHg&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

Also join me on social media. Welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://twitter.com/ElenaKozinenko1

https://www.instagram.com/elenakozinenko/

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

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How to make acute angle in chain

Red tatted lace heart with two flowers in the center, showing acute angle in chain — handmade by FairyLacefromElena

How to make acute angle in chain, or hearts are never too many.

Hello everyone!  Thanks for the support of my blog and new subscribers!

I often ask you to write in the comments what you would like to learn new about tatting. This helps me a lot when looking for topics for the next post. Because when I answer your question, I firmly believe that this topic excites you. Here’s one new question from my customer: how to make acute angle in tatting. And as usual, I made a video for three tatting methods: shuttle, needle and hook. Watch my video and come back.(I hope you will continue reading until the end!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z4e9CiW4uY&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=1

Why do you need acute corner in lace? Oh, I can talk for hours about new methods, new shapes, new tools! Yes, I love to learn new things. And you? Classic tatting patterns of rings and arcs are beautiful (almost always). I agree, of course. But sometimes there is a need for stylization. For example, if I am making a heart pattern, I cannot do without a sharp corner. Otherwise, the pattern will not be perfect.

I have created a collection of hearts. And in my opinion, these hearts look pretty cute 🙂

How to make acute angle in chain

You can buy a pattern for each heart separately in my store. Or buy three patterns together at an attractive price, welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/shop/

How to make acute angle in chain

Subscribe to my blog, comment, ask questions. Believe me, I try very hard to make my posts interesting and useful!

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The torment of creativity

White tatted lace collar “Kitty” with bow, handmade by FairyLacefromElena

The torment of creativity, or pursuit of excellence.

Hello everyone! Today my post will consist of two questions. I really need your answers and advice.

I’m a perfectionist, alas. This trait of my character relates primarily to creativity. I already wrote about my firm conviction that tatting is creativity. Do you remember? Yes, and therefore, when creating new tatting patterns, I can redo the product several times. I am constantly striving to make the “perfect product”. But as we know, tastes differ! It is also quite possible that I am too demanding of myself. I have already made several variants of new earrings. Oh, you have no idea how much time and thread I ruined (so it seems to me).

The torment of creativity

I finally decided to leave the two most suitable options. But I don’t really like both of them, alas. And now I think I need to do the third option. What do you think is wrong with these earrings? Help, help, help please! I need any of your advice!

This was the first question. To make it easier for you to read, I “screwed an automatic translator” to my site. Have you noticed? It’s a button at the top of every page. So, and now my second question. Does automatic translation work correctly? Is your language in the dropdown? Add me some more languages? It turned out not one, but three whole questions, ha ha! But I hope it doesn’t scare you!

Subscribe and comment. I really look forward to your comments with answers and tips.
Also don’t forget to check my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/shop/

Also visit my pages on social networks, welcome:

https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

https://www.pinterest.com/elenakozinenko/_created/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uaLkTHdZ7Y&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=36

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How to stiffen tatting lace

How to stiffen tatting lace

How to stiffen tatting lace, everything I found on the internet and my personal experience. But I would sooooo much like to see your comments on my posts. Trust me, feedback is very important. After all, this is the only way I can understand how interesting my articles are. I am very interested to know if my experience was helpful to someone. So subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips!

 Hello everyone! Thank you, dear friends, for new subscriptions. Your support helps me improve my blog and store!

Please be patient. Because the article will be too long. But I added pictures for fun! So, let’s begin! As beautiful as the pattern is, the finished tatting product almost always needs to be fixed. I mean giving stiffness and stability to the lace. All tatters know if the lace is not fixed, it looks sloppy. But we should always strive for excellence. Do you agree?

Apart from my own experience, I have found many articles on the Internet on this topic. There are many solutions. Among which are absolutely unexpected, ha ha! It turns out that you can make the lace stiffer: sugar syrup, starch, hairspray, nail polish, PVA glue, varnish for resin, embroidery fixing agent, and even candle wax. I’ve seen a few more experiments. But they did not interest me. So let’s talk a little more about each method.

Sugar syrup for to stiffen tatting lace

I don’t like using sugar syrup. It’s hot and uncomfortable. In addition, sugar lures pests who will eat delicious lace with pleasure!

Starch for to stiffen tatting lace

You can use the powdered kind that is dissolved in water. You will have to get the object totally wet with the starch and then pressed with a hot iron.

Or you can use the pressurized starch sprays that are available in the laundry section. There is a drawback to this method though. It isn’t recommended to use starch for white objects as it will yellow over time.

Hairspray for to stiffen tatting lace

It is interesting to experiment with hairspray. I have tried spraying a strong hold polish on the earrings. But after a few days the varnish peeled off. Therefore, the earrings lost their rigidity and shine, alas. But this method works well with pieces for greeting cards or framed pieces. Moreover, you can use glitter polish. This is what you need for Christmas!

Nail polish for to stiffen tatting lace

I have not tried using clear nail polish. But maybe you tried it? Then share your experience with us in the comments, please.

PVA glue for to stiffen tatting lace

is great for doilies and center pieces. Mix the glue with water. The proportions may vary. If you use a lot of glue, the solution will be too thick. You may be disappointed with the thin film on the back of the product. So the glue is absolutely not suitable for colored threads, only for light ones (white, ivory, etc.). And I think you should not use glue for the products to wear. These are collars, chokers, jewelry, clothing. So I don’t really like this method. And don’t forget! Do not iron! It will darken if you stroke it.

Varnish for resin


I did an experiment with varnish for resin. But the result did not make me very happy. Because I got insufficient rigidity of the earrings. you can also notice traces of dried varnish on the leaf on the right. I think that in this case it is better to use the tatting in resin method. I wrote about this in detail in my previous posts.

Spray for securing embroidery


I don’t use this for tatting. In my opinion, these funds are too expensive. And sooooo expensive for big projects. And also scares me DANGER: Extremely flammable. Fumes are harmful. Content under pressure. Keep out of reach of children.

Embroidery stabilizer solution


This is my favorite way. Read more about this in my article here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/cute-tatting-ring-final/

This is how I dispose of the remains of the embroidery stabilizers. I also like that these materials are harmless and environmentally friendly.

Candle wax for to stiffen tatting lace


This is a completely unexpected way for me! I was very surprised. Read more about this on the JEDDAH MOM blog. But come back to me at once! My story is not over. We continue! https://www.jeddahmom.com/how-to-stiffen-a-doily-with-candle-wax-2/

How to soak the finished product for to stiffen tatting lace

I have seen many videos showing the complete immersion of a small piece of tatting into a container of solution. Perhaps this works for small items. Provided that there are no long picots in the lace. Ha! Have you tried this trick on a large item? I tried it once. Now you can cry with me. For I have hopelessly ruined my long work on the bag. The lace should NOT be deformed during the application of the solution.

Therefore, I do not put tatting into the solution. On the contrary, I put the tatting on a flat surface and saturate with the solution. Of course, it is convenient to use a brush for small items.

It is very convenient to work with a spray. But in this case, some of the solution will not get on the product. And be sure to blot the wet product with a towel to remove excess solution.

I use a simple and “reliable” product – a cotton ball. With this ball, I can spread the picot out during the soaking process. I often don’t even need to use needles.

Where to place tatting lace for stiffen

It all depends on the size of the finished product. For example, earrings, snowflakes, bells can be placed on a table or windowsill. In any case, find a place where they will not interfere with you while drying. There are two important points. Try to keep out the sun and dust! To do this, cover the damp item with a plastic container and a towel. I do this for tatting in resin too.

But I have to place very large projects on the floor. When I was finishing the borders for the table linen set, my family was uncomfortable for a while. By the way, do not forget to lay polyethylene or oilcloth under your product BEFORE applying the solution.

And one more important question. Do you use needles for fixation? I don’t have a definite answer here. Because it all depends on the pattern. Of course, you cannot do without needles if there are long picots in the pattern. Or in cases where you need to achieve the perfect shape. For example, for a box.

Thanks for reading my opus! Perhaps I didn’t remember everything. You probably know other methods like to stiffen tatting lace. Then write about it in the comments, please. Your experience is very valuable!