Run round the outer edges of the spaces which are to be filled in with a filet or net pattern with two rows of tacking stitch to strengthen, and button-hole over this.
To prepare the mesh background, turn on the wrong side, then cut six and pass six horizontal threads alternately; remove the cut threads; turn the work half round and prepare the threads, previously the vertical ones, in the same way, that is, cut and withdraw six, pass six. Turn the work to the right side again and oversew the strands, one stitch into each little space, taking care to let the stitches slant in the same direction on the return row. This groundwork is also described in connection with Plate XV. The braid has a row of French knots in blue to finish the inner edge. For the finishing of the edges of the mat, a firmer edge will be made by cutting the linen a quarter of an inch beyond the braid and turning it back under the braid, then button-hole this double edge and the braid together in blue. The little lace edge may be worked with the needle or with the crochet hook; in Plate VII. the latter was used. The lower loops are worked in white, the edging in blue with picots is worked into it. For description, see [Chapter XIII.] on crochet edgings.
CHAPTER VIII
COUCHING—FRENCH KNOTS AND BULLION
STITCH
“When she rode in coach abroad, was always knotting thread.”
Couching is a pleasant and most useful method of applying threads, cords or braids to materials of various kinds. For filling in forms, circles, or squares it is equal to chain stitch, and should be worked similarly—all forms, whether squares or curves, are better to be commenced from the outer edge and worked inwards, in order to preserve the shape. Special care is required for the outlining of squares or angular forms where the tendency is to tighten the applied material, whether threads or braids, in turning the corners. At these points the threads or braids should lie easily and they should be firmly sewn down with closer stitchery. Couching is one of the simplest means of decorating velvet, a material always difficult of manipulation, and particularly so for the beginner, on account of the pile, which is apt to cause irregularity in the stitchery.
Fig. 21. Fig. 21a.
Couching (Figs. 21, 21a).—This stitch is often worked in a frame—it is easier to keep the material stretched; when working diagonal lines or circles, where much of the stitchery comes on the cross of the material, it is advisable to do so. By means of couching, the embroideress may sharply define an outline, fill in various forms, geometric or otherwise, repair a worn surface, work diaper patterns, or attach metal threads and braids to her embroidery (Plate XVI.).
It is a name applied to a method of attaching threads singly or in groups to a foundation by means of another thread, usually a single one. Under all circumstances this should be finer than the thread or cord sewn down. It is most economical in use as the threads lie on the surface—a point well worth consideration (Plate III.).