Questions about Jiffy Needle Tatting

[rsmre]

Hi All,
I started Jiffy Needle Tatting so that I could use the cotton/metallic threads to make Christmas ornaments. I can't find in the instructions whether I should tie a knot after each element. Did I miss something in the directions? Also, does anyone know how to Jiffy Needle Tat a split ring?
Rosemarie

[shannon_in_love]

to do a split ring you need to tat the beginning of the split ring. then you un-thread the needle and use that thread to tat the other half. then you re-thread and pull through, making sure to catch the loop like a making regular ring. split ring done.

[Sherongb]

When Jiffy came out there were no split rings in common usage so I don't think the patterns gave directions for them. I also don't remember the differences between Jiffy Needle Tatting directions and what is done now as/with needle tatting so you might want to look for directions for regular needle tatting.

[susiearnholt]

The Jiffy Needle tatting requires a folded core thread rather than a single core thread. It is more "cushy" looking, but it is also less likely the stitches will rotate on the double thread. Closing the first ring also does not require a knot because you can put the needle through the loop formed by the core thread. I just checked my Jiffy Needle tatting book, and there are not knots; just put the tatting needle between threads of the double core (carrying cord) and pull tight.

[rsmre]

Hi All,
Shannon_in_love, Jiffy Needle Tatting uses a separate core thread (In this case a smooth, plain thread.) from the "fancy" thread that makes the stitches. If I unthread the needle and tat the second half of the split ring with the core thread, the split ring will be half "fancy" thread and half core thread.
Sherongb, I wanted to use a modern pattern, and I thought that someone might know how to make the split ring.
Susiearnholt, Thank you so very much. I wasn't putting the needle between the threads of the double core carrying thread. I was putting the needle through the entire loop - if you can understand what I mean.
If anyone can figure out how to make the split ring, please let me know.
Many thanks,
Rosemarie

[Sherongb]

Rosemary: Have you considered switching from the Jiffy to regular needle tatting?

[rsmre]

Hi Sherongb,
I am using Aunt Lydias Crochet Thread size 10. It's white with a silver metallic strand of thread that is wrapped around the white thread. I tried regular needle tattting with this thread. I can make a few rings and chains, but after that the metallic strand of thread is ruined from pulling it through the rings and chains.
Many thanks,
Rosemarie

[Judy]

Ah, special circumstance: Metallic thread. I have some of the same stuff. Didn't try split rings, though. I normally don't tie knots when using a double core because it becomes very bulky with the double core in the knot. I haven't had any problem with it coming apart. I've used a plain core thread ... How many of these things do you have to do? Is it twice in every pattern repeat or only to hop out of a round? There might be a way to replace or just add the metallic to the regular core just for the split ring, and then you could resume the regular plain core.

[carolivy]

I've used this thread quite a bit with regular needle tatting. The trick is to use a plain thread (preferably in the same color) for your core thread. Then everything slides along very nicely. Not sure how you would do a split chain except maybe to add just a bit of the regular thread for that part. I think the way I would handle a split chain with this thread is to use a small amount of the thread, tat the necessary stitches on the back end of the thread and still use the plain core thread to close with. Doing it this way though you would have 2 ends you would have to hide in the ring. I'd hide the last one back into the second half of the ring after anchoring it in the next element and I'd hide the first end into the first half of the ring after anchoring that one in the previous element. By anchoring the thread into the adjacent element, then back into itself I think you would pretty much eliminate the possibility of it coming undone as the thread goes forward then backwards causing tension that will hold the thread secure.

[rsmre]

Hi All,

Judy,
The patterns that I am starting with are easy patterns. Going through my stash of patterns, I came across some that I'd like to make. Then I noticed that some of the patterns have split rings. I'm new to the Jiffy Needle Tatting method so I thought that someone may have figured out how to do the split ring for JNT.

Carolivy,
I tried "regular" needle tatting with just the metallic thread. That didn't last long. :( That's when I reached for the Jiffy Needle Tatting books that I have had for quite some time. It was great to be able to use the fancy thread. You're right, using smooth thread for the core thread really worked great. I hadn't tried to figure out how to do the split ring for myself. I asked because Jiffy Needle Tatting has been around for awhile, and I thought that someone may have figured it out by now.

I am working on a small pre-lit Christmas tree as a fundraiser for my parish. Actually, my husband volunteered me. :) This is one project that I really have to finish. Anyway, I found that the "Jiffy" ornaments are more substantial and they show up better than any that I have made so far. I'll have fewer ornaments to make, but the little tree should look pretty full.
Many thanks,
Rosemarie

[louine]

I tried the Jiffy method and to me it is more complicated that just regular needle tatting.....and there just weren't that many patterns that I saw.

[Judy]

I am working on a small pre-lit Christmas tree as a fundraiser for my parish. Actually, my husband volunteered me. :) This is one project that I really have to finish. Anyway, I found that the "Jiffy" ornaments are more substantial and they show up better than any that I have made so far. I'll have fewer ornaments to make, but the little tree should look pretty full.
Many thanks,
Rosemarie

Can we help you find some more patterns that meet your needs? Can we offer you some of our own creations? Are you looking for just snowflakes, or do you want miniature stockings, stars, wreaths? Size limits?

[rsmre]

Hi Judy,
I have been collecting patterns off of the internet for some time. I have quite a few Christmas patterns, but anything that you would like to share would be great. The medallion that I made is the beginners ring and chain medallion from Barbara Foster's Learn Needle Tatting Book. It turned out 2" in diameter. Any size will do as I plan to use the smaller ornaments to fill in any bare areas. For the garland I was thinking of a Josephine chain - maybe with beads. Or I could make small icecicles out of Josephine chains. I have to finish a small doily that I want to enter in the State Fair. This is my first entry for needle tatting. I lost a lot of tatting time this summer due to arthritis in my right shoulder and a small tear in my rotater cuff. It really makes me very angry, because I do not know how I injured myself. I'll be scheduling an appointment for a proceedure this morning.
Many thanks,
Rosemarie

[Judy]

Ok, give me some time to look.

[nanibly]

I have never heard of Jiffy Needle Tatting! When I googled it I got books, regular needle tatting but no How-Tos or What Is Jiffy NT. Can anyone provide some links and info? Thanks!

[Judy]

Jiffy needle tatting comes to us from the Morans, a couple... he an engineer, she is blind or has limited sight. He is credited with devising the method, which is similar to today's needle tatting, but was usually padded. This was accomplished by doubling the thread through the needle, instead of using a single. The idea was that it was so simple even the blind could do it. They put out the pattern books, and sold needles which they called "Jiffy" needles. The books are about the size of the Workbasket magazine. Just got my second one today, .. a purchase from Amazon used books. The patterns are for motifs, and small items primarily. The Christmas book was my first one, with lots of ornaments for a tree. Seems to all be in fairly large thread in the photos. No diagrams in the book. Think mid-20th Century.

[rsmre]

Hi nanibly,
I did a serach for Jiffy Needle Tatting, and I only found books the same as you. As far as I know the complete directions for JNT are in the books.
rsmre

[rsmre]

Hi nanibly,
I went through my documents, and I found this: C:\Users\rose\Documents\JIFFY NEEDLE TATTING BY G. SEITZ.mht. I kept thinking that Georgia had done a tutorial on JNT, but I wasn't sure. Hope that this will be helpful.
rsmre

[rsmre]

Hi nanibly,
Sorry, I realize that that wasn't a link. Scroll down. I have copied and pasted the page. Hope this is helpful.
rsmre
www.georgiaseitz.com (http://www.georgiaseitz.com)

Notes on the Jiffy Needle Tatting Method

Any questions? You are welcome to email me: AKTATTER@aol.com (mhtml:file://C:\Users\rose\Documents\JIFFY NEEDLE TATTING BY G. SEITZ.mht!x-usc:mailto:AKTATTER@aol.com)

[rsmre]

Hi nanibly,
Well this seems to be going from bad to worse. I found the link for the page, but the link is broken.
rsmre

[Judy]

What is your specific question or questions? Maybe I can look in the books and find the answer? Maybe?

[rsmre]

I've used this thread quite a bit with regular needle tatting. The trick is to use a plain thread (preferably in the same color) for your core thread. Then everything slides along very nicely. Not sure how you would do a split chain except maybe to add just a bit of the regular thread for that part. I think the way I would handle a split chain with this thread is to use a small amount of the thread, tat the necessary stitches on the back end of the thread and still use the plain core thread to close with. Doing it this way though you would have 2 ends you would have to hide in the ring. I'd hide the last one back into the second half of the ring after anchoring it in the next element and I'd hide the first end into the first half of the ring after anchoring that one in the previous element. By anchoring the thread into the adjacent element, then back into itself I think you would pretty much eliminate the possibility of it coming undone as the thread goes forward then backwards causing tension that will hold the thread secure.

Hi Carolivy,
In addition to using a separate strand of thread to make the second half of the SR, you will need to work the core thread through these stitches as they are made. Otherwise, after closing the SR, the two strands of the core thread will be on the outside of the SR. It's a little fiddley to do, but it works. Thank you for your help.
Rosemarie

[nanibly]

Thanks Judy for the history of JNT, and thanks to Rosemarie for trying to get me the document link.
Is JNT the same as Padded Tatting that georgia stetz describes? I'd like to seem some of your work if you have any!

[Judy]

I'm sure the padded tatting that Georgia is currently featuring was shuttle tatted, and has many more core threads than the Jiffy method. I haven't figured out how to do that with a needle except to use a very fat thread... maybe a size or two larger than the ball thread... as the core thread. I've also tried two different methods of doubling the core thread. A. take your core thread and fold it in half. Put the 1/2way point through the eye of the needle. When you pull the stitches off the needle you'll have a double core. I think in Jiffy Tatting they cut the thread into two after it goes through the eye. B. Leave just a single thread through the eye of the needle. When you pull stitches off the needle, adjust the length of the part that went through the eye of the needle so that you leave it doubled inside your stitches.

[rsmre]

Hi All,

Georgia's Photo Tutorial of JNTing: I posted a message at newshuttlesandneedles to see if the photos of Georgia Jiffy Needle Tatting could be restored. The photos were labeled "Notes on the Jiffy Needle Tatting Method" and they were listed at The Online Tatting Class, 2009. JNTing gives a "padded appearance" to the tatting.

Threading the Core thread for JNTing: To thread the core thread, cut a length of thread and fold it in half. Then, thread the two loose ends through the eye of the needle. Work the stitches for the first ring and pull the double stranded core thread through the stitches just far enough to leave a loop. Put the needle through the loop and finish closing the ring.

Second Half of the Split Ring: I found an easier way to conceal the core thread in the second half of the split ring. From the eye end of the needle, pull the ends of the core thread until the core thread lies taught and parallel against the needle. Then, just tat over the needle and the core thread at the same time. The loose ends of the core thread may get caught in the stitches. To release them, just pull them loose from the half stitch. I had to do this for each half of the double stitch, but it was less fiddley than the other way that I mentioned before.

rsmre

[Sherongb]

Rsmre and all: Just a reminder that if you find any broken links on Georgia's site she has asked that you let her know so she can fix them. As she is also the Bella OnLine Tatting editor I suggest any broken links there also be reported to her. There is no way she can check all the links at any regular interval and she hopes we will all help her keep the links working.

Cynthia on New Shuttle and Needle will pass the message onto her but it's just as easy for you to let Georgia know directly.

[rsmre]

Thanks, Sherongb, I'll remember to let Georgia know about any broken links that I come across.