Cro-Tatting Rows of Rings: Split Rings and Stacked Rings

Cro-Tatted Split Rings on the Left and Stacked Rings on the Right

There are two main methods for creating rows of rings when cro-tatting. The first, making split rings, is very similar to how we make split rings in needle tatting. We use the split ring method when we want to make several split rings in a row. The second method is stacked rings. We use the stacked ring method when we need to make only two or three rings in a row.

How to Cro-Tat Split Rings

The trick to making split rings in cro-tatting is to create a second working ball, a continuous ball, that will stay on the tail side of the cro-tatting hook. A row of split rings starts with a first, complete ring. In this example, the pattern for all the rings is 3-3-3-3, or 3 double stitches (ds), picot (p), 3ds, p, 3ds, p, 3 ds.

1. After closing the first ring, start the split rings by casting on the left side of the second ring: 3-3.

2. Flip the hook so that your "main" hook, or working end, is now on the right and the tail is now on the left.

3. Cast on the second half of the split ring using the tail thread, 3-3.

4. Flip the hook so that the main hook is back on the left side and the tail is back on the right side.

5. Close the ring as usual. I added a crochet chain stitch between my rings.

How to Cro-Tat Stacked Rings

The second method, stacked rings, does not require a long tail thread. However, we use stitch markers or an alternate color thread to mark where we'll exit the "pull through" to create a ring atop another ring. Again, this method should only be used when making two or three rings on a row. We cannot add a chain stitch between rings using this method.

1. The first step is to cast on the first half of the 3rd ring, 3-3, the first half of the second ring, 3-3, and in this example, the complete first ring, 3-3-3-3. We have room on this hook to create a fourth or fifth ring, but it does become more difficult to count and close rings.

2. The second step is to place stitch markers between the first half of the third and second rings, and between the half of the second ring and the complete first ring.

3. After placing the markers, close only the first ring by pulling through to the first stitch marker, then exiting the double stitches.

4. Tighten the ring using fingers or a second small hook. Remove the stitch marker.

5. Cast on the second half of the second ring, 3-3.

6. Close the second ring by pulling through to the second marker and tightening the loops using fingers or a second hook. Remove the stitch marker.

7. Cast on the second half of the third ring, 3-3.

8. Tighten the third ring as usual.

Choosing Split Rings or Stacked Rings

Tatting patterns often call for split rings. When adapting tatting patterns for cro-tatting, we can certainly imitate the needle tatting method for split rings or create stacked rings in order to complete the pattern as long as the pattern does not require a chain stitch between the rings. Simply remember that split rings require a substantial amount of tail thread, and stacked rings could also be substituted if the pattern requires only two or three rings in a row.

Want to read more about arts and crafts? Try

Make a Celtic Tatting Shuttle
The Susan Bates Tatting Shuttle with Bobbin
A Brief Introduction to Crochet Hooks




Copyright Amy Lynn Hess. Please contact the author for permission to republish.