Turn down the canvas and herring-bone it at each raw edge: then sew it to the webbing of the frame, thread by thread. When the first end is sewed, take care that the other end shall be as nearly as possible opposite it. If too large for the frame, wrap some clean silver paper several times round the roller, before the canvas goes round it.
The part where the pattern is to be begun is the only part to be exposed in the frame. The sides must then be tightly braced with fine twine; and the canvas is then ready for the work. Berlin work is often done on canvas, with cloth, satin or velvet underneath it: this saves the labor of grounding, as the pattern being worked, the superfluous canvas is cut away, and the embroidery appears on the solid material. Some people draw out the threads of the canvas: this is not only very troublesome, but it also spoils the effect of the work. Small intermediate spaces of canvas, not covered with embroidery, are usually grounded with wool exactly the color of the cloth.
In framing cloth and canvas together, it must be borne in mind that the former stretches considerably more than the latter. If therefore, they are intended to be the same size, the cloth must be cut rather narrower, and (the edges being turned in,) must be firmly tacked to the selvages of the canvas. This will, of course, render the edges thicker than the centre; and to equalize the height, paper should be wrapt round the roller.
All patterns should be commenced at the left hand corner, unless they are intended for a centre; when the work must be begun on the centre stitch.
Delicate grounds should never be attempted on any but perfectly white canvas; and black grounds should always be avoided, if practicable.
The last direction I can give is to ensure a proper quantity of wool to begin with; as there is often great difficulty in matching shades, especially for grounding.
NEEDLES.
The needles principally used are tapestry needles, which are thick and blunt and have a long open eye,—Sharps, which are similar needles with sharp points, and are used for working on thicker substances than canvas,—as cloth, &c.; and short long eyes, which are used for the same purpose, and are like common needles, but very short, and with long eyes.
CROCHET COLLAR.
[SEE FIG. 1, FRONTISPIECE.]
Materials.—Crochet cotton, No. 30. Crochet hook, No. 20, or 21. Make 320 chain.