The Set Stitch

The set stitch has also been called the node stitch, rick-rack tatting and Victorian sets. It refers to the creation of either ring or chain by tatting a multiple of each half stitch in repetition. Picots can be placed which face either direction in the technique.

Here is a diagram from Rebecca Jones' "The Complete Book of Tatting", page 49 which illustrates the zig zag or rick-rack type effect:



This excerpt from Elgiva Nicholls' "Tatting Techniques" page 113 show a set stitch with picots:



The set stitch also be employed in ring as these further examples from the Nicholls' demonsrate:



And here is a modern example in the Set Stitch Bag pattern by Dianna Stevens (Tatting Online pages 97-99.)



And here is a brand new pattern donated by Sharon Briggs for the class to practice the set stitch.


Please take a moment to send Sharon a note of thanks: tatnlace@interlog.com

Sharon's bookmark utilizes sets of stitches for the "tail" The sample picture was actually done with SCMR's before I knew what they were called. I've had students use a safety pin to keep the starting picot open until the ring is completed. It allows the students to do a "chain only" pattern that actually looks like something when they're done. I've done variations of this with a small daisy and a small heart although I haven't tried doing the heart one in chains only. Sharon says this is 1) quick, 2) used only chains, 3) simple and 4) didn't have any ends to hide.

Using CTM, start in the middle and work toward both ends. The butterfly starts at the bottom arrow and when it is completed, they are back to the bottom and the tail is just a continuation done in sets of stitches with a tassel added at the bottom to hide the ends. I thought it was a clever idea and real newbies can do it quickly with a great sense of accomplishment whether they do it chain only or with rings.