Fig. H.—This type of work makes a rather more open background than some of the others; it is very suitable for filling in small spaces, for handkerchief sachets, nightdress bags or borders for collars or handkerchiefs.
It should be worked with a fine coloured or white lace thread, sufficiently strong to draw the strands firmly together, yet fine enough to leave the spaces as clear as possible. As a filling it is easily and quickly worked, as no threads are drawn out, which is a recommendation.
The pattern is worked over six threads both ways—with the exception of the first stitch—and in two horizontal lines. It will be noted that the stitches are not quite vertical, being inclined towards each other in twos.
A Good Filling.—To form the first stitches, bring the needle out at the top left corner; count down over six strands and three to the right; insert the needle and take a horizontal stitch under six strands to the right. The slanting stitch is now formed by inserting the needle into the hole on the upper line made by the first stitch, and taking a horizontal stitch under six strands to the right on that line—the upper one; proceed in this way to the end of the space. The next row is worked from right to left. The thread should be tightened after each stitch to increase the open space.
Fig. D, Diagonal Filling.—This grounding pattern consists of rows of slanting stitches, worked downwards over six strands of material; the working thread is taken across from corner to corner of a square, each successive stitch being taken three strands below the upper one; a strand of the material forms a mid-rib between the inverted rows. If preferred, these rows might be separated by a line of backstitching, in which case two threads should divide each row of slanting stitches; this gives a clear line for the backstitching.
These backgrounds and darning stitches described above are well suited for working on coarse materials with thick threads—as well as with finer ones; although the patterns for the majority of workers are too laborious for very fine stuffs, they may be used for small spaces in linen embroidery such as fillings for flowers, or initials.
Charming open groundings may be worked without removing the threads of the foundation material, but by drawing them in clusters tightly together, by means of stitches. Compare Plate II., where the fillings, Figs. H, I, B, K, L, and M, are worked in this way.
These patterns can be only shown properly on a loosely woven cloth, such as canvas, linen, or cambric. For fine material a fine lace thread is required.
Fig. I.—This pattern consists of little squares and crosses. In Fig. I it has been worked with a thick thread and the strands have not been pulled together—in order to show the method of working; but as already explained, it requires a fine thread and tightened strands to show to advantage.
A Filling in Squares.—Begin the pattern with vertical stitches, in horizontal rows over six strands, exactly as in Fig. 10, until the required space is filled, drawing each group of threads tightly together; then work the horizontal stitches over five strands to complete the squares, tightening them also, but not to such an extent as to pucker the material. The squares may be made smaller and the open spaces larger if each stitch is worked over twice with a very fine thread.