Needle Tatted Seahorse

[Klhow74]

Hi everyone-

Just thought I would share my latest finished tatting here - Jane Eborall's Large Seahorse. It took a few days because I was mentally converting the pattern to needle tatting. I also wove in quite a few ends. The thread is Lizbeth size 20 colors 657 & 644 and the beads are Mill Hill Needlework beads (they seem smaller than rocailles). Like the result but doesn't lay completely flat because for the thrown off rings I used a size 8-0 needle and for the main body I used a 7-0. I think it will block flat though - I just haven't bothered yet.
seahorse.jpg

[crazytatter]

good job. I got this one on my list to do.

[xstchntat]

I think you did a wonderful job on your seahorse.

I used a size 8-0 needle and for the main body I used a 7-0

If this is because you don't have 2 of the same size you can move the needle to the other thread. When I need to move a needle back and forth between threads I use a dot of flexible fabric glue on each end, twist into a point, and let it dry. Just cut that end of before hiding the ends. It makes for re-threading constantly easier.

[Klhow74]

When I need to move a needle back and forth between threads I use a dot of flexible fabric glue on each end, twist into a point, and let it dry. Just cut that end of before hiding the ends. It makes for re-threading constantly easier.

I can't picture how to do what you are saying. But I'd love to know what you mean. I rethreaded my needle about a hundred times during this seahorse - I don't mind that but I don't see how I could have done the RoSR (ring off of a split ring) without two needles. I prefer tatting with the shuttle but I want to be able to do both so that is why I chose to use the needle for this project. Maybe I am being dense, but I don't get how to take the stitches that I need for the split ring off the needle, then use that same needle to make a RoSR, and then put the stitches from the split ring back on the needle, finish the rest of the split ring stitches and then close it. What is to hold the split ring stitches while I make the RoSR?

[Judy]

Carolivy described how she needle tatted everything with just one needle. Not me! I use 2, or 3 and once even 4. I drew the rings on paper, marked where I would add the needle for the 2nd ring, then added a third ring off that one. It was an interesting experiment. Now I need to do it again and document it. I think I have some fabric glue. Have to try that. I'm constantly looking for misplaced needle threaders. You wouldn't put the original stitches back on the needle, you just continue when done with the RoSR. Those stitches taken off have to be closed down on a paper clip or pin, so that the stitches don't flp flop and twist while doing the RoSR.

[xstchntat]

I think Judy explained it very well.

Edited because I said it wrong. See post below for video.

[Penelope165]

How cute is this seahorse! and how many useful directions in yr answers.
Thank you for sharing

[Klhow74]

So, when I pull the final split ring closed, the thread will also have to pull through the thrown off ring that I've already closed; am I right? I think I see what you guys mean. I would have to experiment with it though. Thanks for the replies. You guys are very knowledgeable here. It's nice to know I can always come here for help.

[kocuria]

oh my, definitely goes on my to-do list :) so purty!

[xstchntat]

So, when I pull the final split ring closed, the thread will also have to pull through the thrown off ring that I've already closed; am I right? I think I see what you guys mean. I would have to experiment with it though. Thanks for the replies. You guys are very knowledgeable here. It's nice to know I can always come here for help.

In this instance no. The thrown ring is a true ring. I will see if I can set up my new tripod and do a short video. Give me a little while.