Newbie Needing Clarification

[d'tatter]

Okay, so someone please tell me if I've got this straight. If you first tat a ring and then a chain, you reverse the work between the two and tie a knot, which leaves your thread coming and going from the proper directions. However, if you tat a ring and then another ring, you still have to tie a knot but you don't reverse. Doesn't that leave your thread backwards and how do you compensate?:huh:

[carolivy]

When you are doing a ring, then another ring, you are not reversing your work, so your threads are in the proper order if you do not reverse the order of your threads when you tie your knot. Just keep the threads in the same order when you tie your knot and you will be set to make your second ring. Hope this helps.

[tatknot]

Since you have been learning both needle and shuttle tatting, we need to know which you are talking about. It sounds like you are talking about needle tatting. Right?

[d'tatter]

Right now I'm working on needle tatting. I've decided to forego shuttle tatting until the new book I ordered shows up.

[BlueDode]

d'tatter:

"That knot" is needed for "reverse work" when needle tatting; do not use it if there is no reverse work.

When needle tatting I do NOT tie a knot between rings UNLESS the pattern says "reverse work": I only tie that knot to "reverse work". I find that this prevents "backwards" or twisting.

If the pattern says "DO NOT REVERSE WORK" between a ring and a chain, I DO NOT tie that knot, needle or shuttle. This too prevents "backwards".

When shuttle tatting, I DO NOT tie "that knot" unless the pattern requires a "shoelace trick" or if I'm using a shuttle and ball in a pattern designed for two shuttles.

This may not make sense until you have tried tatting patterns with these terms using both needle and shuttle.

There are probably other opinions out there as well, but these are my conventions.

[carolivy]

I tie at the end of each chain or ring, regardless of whether it is reversed or not. I only flip the threads if it is reversed. I find the knot keeps things very snug and keeps them from moving around later.

[d'tatter]

I tie at the end of each chain or ring, regardless of whether it is reversed or not. I only flip the threads if it is reversed. I find the knot keeps things very snug and keeps them from moving around later.
The book I used to learn to tat states very firmly that you MUST tie a knot after each ring and/or chain, so that's what I've been doing. I think part of my problem is that I'm not getting the first stitch of the new ring close enough to the old one.

[carolivy]

When you start your next ring or chain after your knot, you put your needle RIGHT ON top of the knot. You will have better luck that way of getting the parts closer together.