Fig. 28.
Antique Seam (Fig. 28).—In earlier times, when the linens were woven in narrower widths, the seams were always connected in a more interesting method than at the present day, when, if a flat seam is wanted, the selvedges are invariably oversewn. One of the older methods is shown in Fig. 28. It makes a firm, flat and decorative row of stitching. For the joining of selvedges of bed-linen a narrow slanting stitch sewn in white was used; for more decorative purposes a coloured and a larger straight stitch was used, as Fig. 29. To work, lay the two selvedges parallel to each other and tack or pin them quite flat. Begin on the left side and insert the needle from below on the right and left sides alternately; in this way the threads cross each other between the selvedges. In connecting a very thin material in this way it makes a good finish.
Fig. 29. Fig. 29a.
Fig. 29 gives an effective stitch for a decorative joining of two edges. It may be applied to bands, cushion covers and household embroideries generally.
To work:—Prepare the seams by placing the two selvedges flat on to a stiff foundation, say quarter of an inch apart; secure the thread on the left upper edge; insert the needle at the lower edge a little to the right; pull through with the thread to the right of the needle; make a little stitch, as Fig. 29; pull through with the thread under the needle. This makes a good firm insertion; a thick twisted thread is the most suitable. Fig. 29 shows the insertion rather widely spaced. Plate XII. shows this stitch worked in wool, where it is applied to the edges of braids, which form the foundation for a useful collar.
Fig. 30.
A Useful Edging.—Fig. 30 gives a knotted loop stitch which is again borrowed from the many useful lace stitches. It is an edging which may be worked in silks, flax, cotton, threads, or wools. In Plate XII. it forms the finish to the braid collar, where it is worked in thick cotton thread. This loop stitch makes a charming insertion if worked on to the edges of any suitable material—narrow ribbon or hat straws. The working of the stitch is clearly shown in Fig. 30. The two edges are joined with an interlacing stitch of a contrasting colour, with raffia, cord, or narrow ribbon. Bands of hat straw could be joined in this way and made up into delightful light and economical summer hats. The shape could be then placed over a foundation of wire and the brim stiffened with wire, button-holed on to the straw with a silk, flax, or raffia thread.