Various kinds of split rings can be made to allow the tatter to move from one ring to another without the need for a chain, and to allow the tatter to create rings that are in two different colors at the same time.
You can also put a ring on the second side of a split ring if you wish to do so.
THE MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE PROJECT
2 shuttles
Thread.
Both shuttles should be wound with different colored threads and tied together at the ends.
If the pattern only requires one color, then the thread can be wound continuously onto both shuttles if there is only one color needed.
BEGIN BY WORKING THE FIRST HALF OF THE RING
Make four doubles using shuttle A in the usual manner, but do not close the ring as you normally would.
WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SECOND HALF OF THE RING
Drop shuttle A so that it is hanging. After making the first half of the ring on the lower part of the thread around the hand, using the second shuttle (B) and without using shuttle A, make the second half of the ring on the lower part of the thread.
It is recommended that the smallest finger of the left hand be used for holding the ring open.
To complete a “reversed” double, begin with the second half of the double, followed by the first half to complete the reversed double. It is very important not to allow the knots to jump on this half of the split ring.
As long as the thread is kept taut around the fingers, it is an easy task to accomplish.
PICOTS
There is also a need for careful consideration when it comes to picots.
Make sure that the first double on the second half of the ring is close to the 1st double on the first half of the ring and keep doing so until all 4 doubles have been performed.
In the next step, you will need to go back to shuttle A and close the ring the way you normally do.
The split ring will then be completed, and the shuttles will be in position to be used as a starting point for another ring or chain.
In order to create the second half of the split ring, there are two different methods that can be used. I would like to suggest that the first step (and one that takes the most time!) is to remove the ring from the hand and make the second half as usual, but be sure not to flip the stitch!
A second way to do this is to tip your hand upwards and away from yourself, and then work on the second half of it right there in place. According to some users, this method is commonly referred to as ‘dead spider’ because of the way it works.
If you would like some images to go with the above instructions, please visit Jane Eborall’s instructions here.