No. 256. Inhabited Details from Woven Fabrics. Interest imparted by patterning on forms.
The design in stencilled work is not limited to one unit, and is not subject to hard and fast rules, the plates being of a size convenient to handle. Alternate units, or a series can be employed, the interest, apart from colour and subject consisting mainly of contrast in detail, and in the individualism expressed.
Mechanical Production, Printed and Woven
In textiles, where such mechanical processes as printing and weaving are involved, the design is restricted to the unit, the repetition of which is infallible both as to form and colour.
Apart from colour, the surface interest consists of suggested or actual contrasts of texture, the result of veining and striating leaves and flowers or of patterning forms or backgrounds with smaller details.
Needlework
Needlework, being a personal performance, has no such mechanical restriction; the design can, and should be, complete within the area, and the expression perfectly free. Beside Design and Colour, the surface interest is that of contrast in the different textures resulting from the various stitches, and the employment of darning, knots, laid-work, etc.
Appliqué
In Appliqué work, interest is imparted by the mass effects enriched by embroidery, the large shapes entailing detail of the inhabited variety to keep them from puckering. In all needlework the effect is due to some extent to light and shade, particularly in Appliqué, where a corded edge is employed.