'Simply' hiding ends!

[CindyK]

BlueDode - I think you are correct - Susan BT mentioned using the square knot as well. I have a phobia about tying knots - I think I was taught to never, ever tie a knot when I crochet a doily, and never have had anything come apart. Seems funny to me to have to tie a knot when knotting! Thanks again :)

[BlueDode]

CindyK:

I have a phobia of tying knots in my knitting; that translates to a phobia of tying knots in tatting, too.

If you want to avoid some knots in tatting, there's CTM (continuouis thread methods), bridging / split chains, false picots, split rings, and maybe some other techniques I'm forgettng that allow you to "bridge" from one round to another without tying off and tying on again. Often you need to do some re-engineering of the design to make this work -- starting and ending rounds in different locations and redesigning initial rings.

That said, I like tatting using multiple colors, so that means hiding ends. It is good to learn methods to avoid creating extra ends to hide, but also learn the methods of hiding ends discreetly: it is useful to learn more than one way, since there are different situations where you need to hide ends, and different threads affect what you can and cannot do easily.

Good luck on your tatting: if it is any consolation, consider that tatting is made of knots, and knots at the end of rounds / colors are more compatible with tatting, since it is made of knots, than with crochet or knitting, since those are loop based.

[CindyK]

CindyK:

It is good to learn methods to avoid creating extra ends to hide, but also learn the methods of hiding ends discreetly: it is useful to learn more than one way, since there are different situations where you need to hide ends, and different threads affect what you can and cannot do easily.

Good luck on your tatting: if it is any consolation, consider that tatting is made of knots, and knots at the end of rounds / colors are more compatible with tatting, since it is made of knots, than with crochet or knitting, since those are loop based.

Thanks - great advice. I have had a hard time with hiding colors or variegated thread successfully. And your thoughts on knotting the knotting make so much more sense when put that way!

[Judith Connors]

Hello, CindyK.
All ends, at the start or end of your tatting, need securing. You can tie a square/reef knot, or double the threads as you tat the first half stitch. Rings especially have to have the ends secured or they will come adrift, as you have found. Loops/magic threads are for hiding the ends once you have secured you threads.
Judith.

[CindyK]

Thanks Judith. I was thinking that the magic ends were a way to 'end'. I see it's not just OK to knot, I actually need to knot.

[Judith Connors]

Yes, in the most inconspicuous way. The 'magic thread' is usually OK with chains as they are already attached somehow.

When you start with a ring and two cut ends, overlap them on your hand and make the first half-stitch with the doubled thread. Then you can weave the unwanted thread through the ring for a few stitches before cutting off.
Judith.