Darn it! All that work for nothing. You haven't been this frustrated in a long time. Maybe you even have a small collection of half-finished, flawed pieces gathering dust, and now you\u2019re officially fed up with this \"stupid\" tatting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sound familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Admittedly, you can\u2019t just unravel tatting like a knitting or crochet project. However, there are ways to fix mistakes as if they were never there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all make mistakes, and that\u2019s perfectly okay. All that matters is how you handle them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the most commen Tattig mistakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- A joining picot is missing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A decorative picot is missing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A ring is too small or too large<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There is a large gap between two rings or between a ring and a chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Double stitch halves are swapped \/ inverted<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A chain is curving in the wrong direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A ring won't close<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The thread snapped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Uneven stitches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Picots are inconsistent in size<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rings arn't circular<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to avoid Mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Don\u2019t tat when you\u2019re tired.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Perfect your thread tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use smooth thread.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don't just use any shuttle\u2014find the one that works best for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work on your technique for closing rings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read my blog post about back and front<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try one of my 5 methods for counting double stitches.<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out my article on achieving \"Flow\" with picots.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- or use a picot-gauge<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose patterns that match your skill level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to fix mistakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peace of Mind<\/strong>
I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJoining Without a Picot<\/strong>
I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFake Joining<\/strong>
Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnpicking Stitches<\/strong>
Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOpening Closed Rings<\/strong>
Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Occhiring](\"https:\/\/stitchmarkers-nook.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Knotenrichtung-2-724x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCutting and Re-tying<\/strong>
Yes, yes, and yes again.
Cut off entire rings or chains and tie on fresh thread. This is the most radical but also the fastest and cleanest method for fixing major errors.
Are you missing 6 stitches in the middle of a ring, throwing off all your picots?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Is an entire chain curving the wrong way?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Did you make several rings too small, ruining a whole section?
Cut it.<\/strong>
But wait! Don't grab the scissors just yet. Don\u2019t just cut anywhere. You need to leave enough thread to tie a new knot. For rings, push the first and last stitches apart and cut the inner thread at that opening. Then pull the shuttle as if you were closing the ring\u2014this will cause the ring to fall apart. For chains, cut the inner thread behind the last stitch and pull it out from the beginning of the chain.
Now, tie the new thread using a weaver\u2019s knot (sheet bend) very close to the last chain or ring. I explain how to do that here<\/a> .
Special Case: <\/strong>Your working thread snapped during a chain. If you also cut the inner thread, you\u2019ll have to attach two new threads but only have one chain to hide the ends. In this case, consider unwinding the inner thread from the shuttle so you can pull it out of the chain without cutting. This is only worth it if the inner thread isn't too long. Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.
Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWork with Focus<\/strong>
Is the dog staring at you hungrily? Are the kids tired and cranky in the background? Or did you just have a long day and can't concentrate anymore? Then call it a day. There are simple tatting projects that you can do almost on autopilot, but error correction requires your full attention. You need to be especially alert when you\u2019ve attached new thread and are working on the section that went wrong before. It\u2019s happened to me that I\u2019ve made the same mistake three times in a row! By the end, even the spot for tying the knot was frayed, and I had to sacrifice another ring just to find fresh, stable thread. Find a quiet moment with a sharp mind (I know, those moments are rare), take a deep breath, and fix the mistake. You can do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n7 Tatting Solutions<\/p>
- Peace of Mind<\/strong><\/strong>
I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p> <\/li>
- Joining Without a Picot<\/strong><\/strong>
I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p> <\/li>
- Fake Joining<\/strong><\/strong>
Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p> <\/li>
- Unpicking Stitches<\/strong><\/strong>
Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p> <\/li>
- Opening Closed Rings<\/strong><\/strong>
Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.
<\/p> <\/li>
- Cutting and Re-tying<\/strong><\/strong>
How to avoid Mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Don\u2019t tat when you\u2019re tired.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Perfect your thread tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use smooth thread.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don't just use any shuttle\u2014find the one that works best for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work on your technique for closing rings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read my blog post about back and front<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try one of my 5 methods for counting double stitches.<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out my article on achieving \"Flow\" with picots.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- or use a picot-gauge<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose patterns that match your skill level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to fix mistakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peace of Mind<\/strong>
I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJoining Without a Picot<\/strong>
I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFake Joining<\/strong>
Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnpicking Stitches<\/strong>
Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOpening Closed Rings<\/strong>
Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCutting and Re-tying<\/strong>
Yes, yes, and yes again.
Cut off entire rings or chains and tie on fresh thread. This is the most radical but also the fastest and cleanest method for fixing major errors.
Are you missing 6 stitches in the middle of a ring, throwing off all your picots?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Is an entire chain curving the wrong way?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Did you make several rings too small, ruining a whole section?
Cut it.<\/strong>
But wait! Don't grab the scissors just yet. Don\u2019t just cut anywhere. You need to leave enough thread to tie a new knot. For rings, push the first and last stitches apart and cut the inner thread at that opening. Then pull the shuttle as if you were closing the ring\u2014this will cause the ring to fall apart. For chains, cut the inner thread behind the last stitch and pull it out from the beginning of the chain.
Now, tie the new thread using a weaver\u2019s knot (sheet bend) very close to the last chain or ring. I explain how to do that here<\/a> .
Special Case: <\/strong>Your working thread snapped during a chain. If you also cut the inner thread, you\u2019ll have to attach two new threads but only have one chain to hide the ends. In this case, consider unwinding the inner thread from the shuttle so you can pull it out of the chain without cutting. This is only worth it if the inner thread isn't too long. Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.
Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWork with Focus<\/strong>
Is the dog staring at you hungrily? Are the kids tired and cranky in the background? Or did you just have a long day and can't concentrate anymore? Then call it a day. There are simple tatting projects that you can do almost on autopilot, but error correction requires your full attention. You need to be especially alert when you\u2019ve attached new thread and are working on the section that went wrong before. It\u2019s happened to me that I\u2019ve made the same mistake three times in a row! By the end, even the spot for tying the knot was frayed, and I had to sacrifice another ring just to find fresh, stable thread. Find a quiet moment with a sharp mind (I know, those moments are rare), take a deep breath, and fix the mistake. You can do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n7 Tatting Solutions<\/p>
- Peace of Mind<\/strong><\/strong>
I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p> <\/li>
- Joining Without a Picot<\/strong><\/strong>
I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p> <\/li>
- Fake Joining<\/strong><\/strong>
Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p> <\/li>
- Unpicking Stitches<\/strong><\/strong>
Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p> <\/li>
- Opening Closed Rings<\/strong><\/strong>
Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.
<\/p> <\/li>
- Cutting and Re-tying<\/strong><\/strong>
How to fix mistakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peace of Mind<\/strong> Joining Without a Picot<\/strong> Fake Joining<\/strong> Unpicking Stitches<\/strong> Opening Closed Rings<\/strong> Cutting and Re-tying<\/strong> Work with Focus<\/strong> 7 Tatting Solutions<\/p> I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p> <\/li> I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p> <\/li> Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p> <\/li> Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p> <\/li> Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.
I\u2019m putting this point right at the beginning for a reason. Did you forget a single picot? Did you start a chain with the wrong half-stitch? Is a ring missing one double stitch? Honestly? Is anyone going to come by later with a magnifying glass to check if everything is perfect? Probably not. How many people do you even know who understand tatting well enough to spot your mistake? Only you know what happened, and chances are, you\u2019ll have forgotten it yourself by the time you're on your next project. So, if it\u2019s just a tiny detail that no one will ever notice, just leave it be and keep going. It\u2019s okay\u2014really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I forget picots all the time. Usually, I realize it a few double stitches later. Unpicking the stitches is not only annoying but also not necessarily recommended (more on that in a moment). Fortunately, you don\u2019t actually need a picot to join. In every ring\u2014even a closed one\u2014there\u2019s a little bit of \"give.\" The stitches can slide back and forth ever so slightly. We can take advantage of this by pushing the stitches apart right where the picot should have been. We\u2019re essentially creating a \"mini-picot.\" Insert your hook into the small gap between the ring thread and the two stitches, and join just as you normally would. If the gap is too small, try a thinner crochet hook. It can also help to first poke into the gap with a darning needle to pry it open a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you remembered the picot, but later forgot to actually join to it. You can rescue this too! Simply tie the two elements together with a small piece of thread. Push the stitches apart where the join should have happened and pull a small loop of thread through. You can use a crochet hook or a sewing\/darning needle for this. Then, pull that loop through the picot and tie a knot. Make sure the thread ends end up on the back of your work. Snip the ends close and secure them with a tiny drop of glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unpicking knots is fiddly and takes a long time. The real problem, however, is that it often damages the thread quite badly. Whether you\u2019re picking at the knot with your fingernails or a needle, fibers will loosen. The more fibers fray, the more stability the yarn loses. It can even happen that you finally fix your mistake, only for the thread to snap when you try to close the ring. I personally find that incredibly frustrating. You can unpick one, two, maybe three stitches. Anything beyond that isn't worth the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it's true. It\u2019s possible, and it\u2019s actually quite simple. As you know from \"Joining Without a Picot,\" there is always a little play in every ring. We use this play to reopen it. If the front of the ring is facing you, the oldest stitches are at the bottom right. The shuttle thread emerges from the last (oldest) stitch. Push the two oldest double stitches as far away from the rest as possible to create a \"mini-picot.\" In the picture below, there is a real picot at that position, but this will work just as good with a \"mini-picot \". Insert your crochet hook into this space and catch the inner ring thread. Since you are close to the \"exit,\" you can pull the thread out relatively easily. Once you\u2019ve made a start, it becomes easier to slide the stitches along the thread.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Yes, yes, and yes again.
Cut off entire rings or chains and tie on fresh thread. This is the most radical but also the fastest and cleanest method for fixing major errors.
Are you missing 6 stitches in the middle of a ring, throwing off all your picots?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Is an entire chain curving the wrong way?
Cut it.\u00a0<\/strong>
Did you make several rings too small, ruining a whole section?
Cut it.<\/strong>
But wait! Don't grab the scissors just yet. Don\u2019t just cut anywhere. You need to leave enough thread to tie a new knot. For rings, push the first and last stitches apart and cut the inner thread at that opening. Then pull the shuttle as if you were closing the ring\u2014this will cause the ring to fall apart. For chains, cut the inner thread behind the last stitch and pull it out from the beginning of the chain.
Now, tie the new thread using a weaver\u2019s knot (sheet bend) very close to the last chain or ring. I explain how to do that here<\/a> .
Special Case: <\/strong>Your working thread snapped during a chain. If you also cut the inner thread, you\u2019ll have to attach two new threads but only have one chain to hide the ends. In this case, consider unwinding the inner thread from the shuttle so you can pull it out of the chain without cutting. This is only worth it if the inner thread isn't too long. Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.
Alternatively, you can weave one thread end into the stitches of the previous ring\/chain with a needle and hide the other end in the new chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is the dog staring at you hungrily? Are the kids tired and cranky in the background? Or did you just have a long day and can't concentrate anymore? Then call it a day. There are simple tatting projects that you can do almost on autopilot, but error correction requires your full attention. You need to be especially alert when you\u2019ve attached new thread and are working on the section that went wrong before. It\u2019s happened to me that I\u2019ve made the same mistake three times in a row! By the end, even the spot for tying the knot was frayed, and I had to sacrifice another ring just to find fresh, stable thread. Find a quiet moment with a sharp mind (I know, those moments are rare), take a deep breath, and fix the mistake. You can do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p> <\/li>