I'm a huge fan of split chains but I know others don't feel the same. I like to use them as a design element but it brings up an interesting question- is it still a split chain if there is no split?
If you look at the example below you can see that there are chains linking to the center ring. Would you consider these split chains? And what about the ones made on shuttle 2 thread? I think of them as split chains because I still attach to a vsp and then tat back to the main line of tatting. Just curious as to people's thinking on what makes a split chain.
Did I mention that I really like split chains?
I always thought I was strange because I love split chains too. Such a cool technique, I find myself finding reasons to make them!
ReplyDeleteI think I remember seeing split chains referred to as 'bridge' or 'bridging' stitch somewhere. Perhaps if there is no split we could think of them as a 'bridge' to ....somewhere? I like the technique, too. If they're not attached to ANYTHING, they may be called 'floating' chains, but I'm not 100 percent sure on that one. ;-) It's a pretty medallion, whatever you call them.
ReplyDeleteStephanieW
I like the idea of bridging as a description. I've seen that before but didn't make the connection. Maybe if we call them bridging chains people won't be scared. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteI've only used split chains a few times, and I found them fairly simple to do... much easier than split rings! I'm not sure how to define them, though.
ReplyDeleteLove this, and the question you pose 🌹💟🌹
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, split chain (or more correctly the Dora Young Knotless method. In fat she first used them in a ring!) is a technique, a way of working or forming the stitches. So yes, I would still call those split chains. The term itself brings to mind a special kind of formation that one needs to adopt, hence. Other details such as which shuttle or whereto, can be detailed out in the pattern writing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy split chains, too, for their versatility besides functionality in bridging. Interesting question and motif :-)
Thanks, I've looked at Dora's book but haven't read it yet. I think I need to borrow it from someone.
DeleteNeat design!! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't comment on split chains cuz' I have not really worked with them.
If I understand your motif right, I would call all of those split chains. If I make a lock join and then cover the whole bare thread with unflipped stiches back to the beginning with that same shuttle, I call it a split chain and say the whole chain is worked "on the split."
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha, that makes sens. It's hard to know what to call things because we tend to have mutliple names for the same thing. I also want to be clear with what I'm asking people to do.
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