Magic Square Cross

muskaan © March 2020

https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/

This cross is derived from the vintage ‘magic square’ as seen in sketch. It is merely one of many possible
patterns that can be extracted, some of which have already been converted into tatting patterns for heart,
bracelet, bookmark, etc. In fact there is a stylised Huguenot Cross within this Magic Square Cross!
See 3-part series on deriving patterns and explore the possibilities :
https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2014/11/deconstructing-patterns.html
http://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.in/2014/11/deconstructing-patterns-2.html
http://www.tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.in/2014/11/deconstructing-patterns-3_23.html

In Anchor Pearl Cotton size 8 ( ≡ Lizbeth size 20), the cross measures just over 11½ cms x 8½ cms.

Pattern is presented as a consolidated diagram on page4, along with working Notes and explanation on page2,
and written notations for one arm/repeat on page3. Visual tatters can opt to print only the last page.

TIP :
Chains can be direct tatted from the
front with Sh2, or, worked normally
with Sh1 after reversing work (rw).

Since the tatter needs to be familiar with Split Rings, it is a good opportunity to apply the same technique to the
short chains. 2nd side of split ring is worked with Reverse Stitches. Direct Tatting employs the very same reverse
stitch where the half stitches are unflipped and their order is reversed (unflipped 2nd half stitch followed by
unflipped 1st half stitch). Simply switch shuttle before and after the chain and work all from the front, without
frequently reversing work.
For updates, if any: https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-new-old-cross.html

1
Notes
• Work moves in counter-clockwise direction, starting with right arm.
• Wind 2 shuttles preferably with contrasting threads.

RINGS:
• All rings are worked with shuttle1.
• Rings 1, 2, 12, 13, 16, 27, 30, 41, 44, 47, & 50 start off as free rings
with 3 picots each. (4-2-2-4)
• Rings 8, 22, 25, 36, 39, 56, 59, 62, 65, 66, & 67 are linked to both
adjacent rings. (4+2-2+4)

CHAINS:
• All chains are 4ds without picots, except for the inner ones with decorative picots.
• Before and after each chain, reverse work, if working with shuttle1. Hence chains are worked backside in
case of frontside/backside tatting. See also TIP on page1.

SPLIT RINGS (SR):

• All split rings start with shuttle1 as core thread and the arrow within shows direction of work.
• Split Rings 3, 7, 17, 21, 31, 35, 45, 48, 51, 55, 58, & 61, are symmetrical. (4/4)
• Split Rings at the tip viz, 5, 19, 33, & 53 are asymmetrical, eg.(4/3,JK6,3)

Josephine Knot(JK): Split Rings at the tips and around the center have a JK of 6 half stitches thrown off 2nd side
of SR. To make this, start SR normally. On 2nd side, reverse work just before and after the JK.
eg. SR10: [ 8 / 4, rw, JK(6), rw, 4, close ]
• JK tip: Work the half stitches a bit loose. After 6 half-stitches, work 1 opposite half-stitch to ease closing
and to keep the JK flat.
• The JK can be replaced with decorative picot, graduated picots, or beads (pre-string beads on Sh2).

Chain with Joining Picot

Chain immediately after split rings 10, 24, 38, & 64 start with a small picot. After making a 4ds chain immediately
before split rings 14, 28, 42, & 68, join the chain to the small picot, reverse work, and start respective SR.
Note – the split rings are Not joined directly.

TO FINISH:
• After closing SR68, cut the threads leaving 6 to 8” tails. Thread Sh1 tail through needle, and insert it
through base of ring1. Tie both threads and hide ends.
• Block and stiffen as required.

2
Pattern for first repeat (right arm) :
Joins threads of 2 shuttles. (dnrw = do not reverse work)
With shuttle1 in hand,

1-R : 4-2-2-4. rw
Ch : 4. rw
2-R : 4-2-2-4,. rw
Ch : 4. rw
3-SR:4/4. rw
Ch: 4. rw [ fig-1 ]
4-R: 4+2-2-4. rw
Ch: 4. rw
5-SR: 4/3 JK(6), 3. rw
Ch: 4. rw [ fig-2 ]
6-R: 4+2-2-4. rw
Ch: 4. rw
7-SR:4/4. rw
Ch: 4. rw
8-R: 4+2-2+4. rw
Ch: 4. rw
9-R : 4+2-2-4. dnrw [ fig-3 ]
10-SR: 8/4 JK(6) 4. rw
Ch: p 4. rw [ fig-4 ]
11-R: 4+2-2-4. rw
Ch: 2-2 rw
12-R: 4-2-2-4. rw
Ch: 2-2. rw
13-R: 4-2-2-4. rw
Ch: 4 join to chain. rw [ fig-5 ]
14-SR: 8/4 JK(6) 4. dnrw [ fig-6 ]

This completes one arm. Repeat twice, joining to center as in main diagram. The long arm is also
worked similarly, but with 2 extra ring clusters. Refer to Notes for details and main diagram for
sequence.

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tutorials - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/p/tatting-resources.html

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