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Teeny Tatmouse suggests you try the looper technique of hiding your final
tails when ending with a ring. First of all, though, cut a 12" length of thread from the shuttle thread you'll be practicing with. Make a ring and work to within the final five double stitches. Take a separate piece of the same size thread you're using - approx 12" long. Loop the center of this thread around the shank of your shuttle (over the thread that's already there) with the two ends going in the same direction as your shuttle thread (if your shuttle is wound correctly, this will be away from you). Take these two ends and hold them with your left hand (along with the shuttle thread) - ready to make the next double stitch. Over the three threads, work the next four double stitches plus the first half of the last stitch, adjusting the ends to keep the looper threads at the same length as the shuttle (core) thread. Release the loop from the shuttle. Work the last half of the last stitch over the core thread only (not the looper threads). Close the ring. Cut the thread from the shuttle leaving 4 or 5 inches coming from the ring. Pull on the ends of the looper until there is about a half inch loop remaining. Be careful not to pull it all the way through the stitches or you'll be defeating the purpose. Insert the cut end of the thread coming from the last stitch about half way through this loop. Don't pull it all the way. Hold the closed ring between your thumb and index finger of your right hand. Pull on the looper ends with your left hand until the loop of the looper pulls the end of the thread from the last stitch right through the final double stitches. You can now discard the looper but pull the thread 'end' right through the stitches. Trim it off close to the double stitches. |
| These last five double stitches may look a little thicker than the others but Teeny Tatmouse is sure you'll agree it's worth this to have a secure hidden thread end! |
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| WHERE'S MY TAIL? -- © Copyright 1997 Snowgoose |
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Stay tuned! Teeny Tatmouse might tell you how to hide your tails when ending with a chain - and then again if she doesn't hear from you, she could just flick her tail and walk away - a trick she learned from her Calico cat, Kiwi. |
Happy Tatting