Four tent-stitches, just occupy the space of one cross-stitch a tent-stitch being taken diagonally from one space to the next above it to the left.
Tent-stitch and Cross-Stitch are distinguished among the French by the names of Petit point and Gros point.
Irish-Stitch is extremely simple, and very rapidly done. It consists of a series of upright stitches which cross the horizontal lines, and are worked between the perpendicular ones. For the first line, (beginning at the left hand corner,) bring up the needle in the lowest vacant space, and put it down in the fourth above it, allowing it to cover four bars of thread; bring up the needle on the line with the first stitch, with one upright thread between, and down on the third space, the wool covering two threads. Repeat these alternate short and long stitches, throughout the line. The next and following lines, every stitch must cover four threads; and as you bring out the needle in the space in which you brought it down in the last row, the stitches are still alternately two threads higher than the intermediate ones.
German Stitch is very similar to the above; but the stitches are taken diagonally. The first stitch is taken from one space to the next diagonal one; in the second, one space is missed; so that the stitches are alternately long and short. All the following rows are worked like the first, care being taken that the long stitches of one row shall join the short, and vice versa. This stitch is only used for grounding.
Gobelin Stitch is that which is more peculiarly fitted for delicate and beautiful picture working; but the needle requires a really artistic hand to direct it in forming patterns in this stitch. The wool crosses two threads in height, but only one in width; two tapestry stitches therefore, are equal to a cross-stitch, remembering that the square so formed is not a true one.
Some writers enumerate other stitches on canvas; but the best authors reckon the above named only, all others being merely varieties of them.
You will observe that any pattern may be made larger or smaller than the original when worked, simply by selecting the canvas that will effect the requisite alteration. When you choose your Berlin pattern, consider what size you will desire your work to be, and calculate by the scale I have already given you, what canvas will be needed; and also whether it will require to be worked in tent-stitch or in cross-stitch. If for the former you may reckon a thread of canvas for every square. For the most part, Berlin patterns are intended to be worked in tent-stitch; but some have each square in the more delicate parts divided into four. When this is the case, the mass must be worked in cross, and the fine parts in tent-stitch; otherwise it is quite optional.
I must repeat my previous caution not to attempt Berlin patterns on German canvas. Figure pieces especially, would suffer materially in the effect from the want of squareness in the canvas. It is not advisable to attempt reducing very materially a pattern crowded with subjects; nor, on the other hand, to enlarge one that has few. The reason of this is obvious.
TO FRAME CANVAS.
There is considerable art in doing this properly; and if negligently arranged, it is certain that the work will be distorted when complete.