Introduction: Sunshine: a Needle Tatting Pattern

About: I'm an artist who loves making pretty things! I have a gorgeous chocolate lab who accompanies me on hair-brained projects. I love the beach and I love crafting.I also run a crafting blog and and an etsy shop.
I wanted to make something that reminded me of the sun. Summer has closed and fall is here. Why not have a piece of sunshine you can take anywhere. The pattern is a very simple motif I came up with while doodling with my needle and thread. Maybe I'll come up with a moon pattern to match.

Step 1: Supplies

Supplies
Crochet Cotton size 10 [I used Aunt Lydia's Goldenrod Yellow]
Starch
*Jump Ring
*Chain
*Focal Bead
** is for optional step

Tools
Needle Threader
Size five Tatting Needle or a tatting shuttle
Scissors
pliers
Iron
Pressing Cloth.

Step 2: The Center

The pattern consists of two parts.

Let's start with the center ring.

Its a split ring

2 ds picot 4 ds picot 4ds picot 4 ds picot 4ds picot 2 ds  then remove the tail from the needle and work the same pattern 2 ds picot 4 ds picot 4ds picot 4 ds picot 4ds picot 2 ds close the ring and knot. Then hide your ends,

The finished ring should have 12 picots

The short hand

2-4-4-4-4-4-2 
unthread and work the tail
2-4-4-4-4-4-2

If split rings confuse you, check out Totusmel's video




Step 3: The Sunshine Motif

The Sunshine Motif

Ring 4ds picot 4ds picot 4ds picot 4ds close knot and reverse work
Chain 3 ds join 3 ds knot reverse work
Ring 4ds picot 4ds close knot and reverse work
Chain 3 ds join 3 ds knot reverse work

Repeat this around until you meet back at your starting ring

Then place your needle through the bottom of the starting ring Knot  Hide ends

******** Do not cut ends or hide them if you want to add focal bead.

You should have 12 rings when you finish.

Pattern Short Hand

R 4-4-4-4 cl knot Rw
Ch 3 join 3 Rw
R 4-4 cl Knot Rw
Ch 3 join 3 Rw

Step 4: Starch and Press

1. Spray with starch

2. Let the motif sit a few moments.

3. With a pressing cloth iron the piece.

4. Remove from ironing board spray with more starch and let dry for an hour.


Step 5: Optional Step: Adding the Focal Bead

Note: I tried to do this with a reverse picot and I was not successful if I figure it out I will add more on it.

1. Thread your needle with the tail string.

2. Carefully hide the tail through the stitches until it pops into the center ring.

3. Thread focal bead and set bead in the middle of the center ring.

4. Thread through the center at the bottom of the bead.,

5. Loop back through the bead. This is to make sure the bead is secure,.

6. Knot and hide ends completely.


Step 6: Finishing Off

1. Open a jump ring and attach motif.

2  Add a chain and Close 

3. Wear and enjoy!