Two-sided Spanish plaited stitch (figs. [308] and [309]).—This stitch has the advantage of being, not only very effective, but also very quickly executed. It is worked in two rows, forwards and backwards. All cross stitch patterns can be worked in Spanish stitch. The gaps, which are occasioned by the long stitches, have to be filled in with short ones. In itself, the stitch consists of slanting stitches, three threads a part, alike on both sides, and advances three threads at a time, as shown in figs. [308] and [309].
Fig. 308. Two-sided plaited spanish stitch.
Fig. 309. Two-sided plaited spanish stitch.
Two-sided line stitch (figs. [310] and [311]).—Square stitch, Holbein stitch, line, or stroke stitch, as it is sometimes called, and setting stitch, are all worked on one principle. Though all these two-sided stitches are related to each other, and by no means difficult of execution, those new to the work will find a little practice necessary, to make the stitches follow in their proper order. Fig. [310] explains how the needle has to pass, alternately, step by step, over and under the threads of the stuff, and fig. [311], how the threads, left blank the first time, are covered on the way back. The great difficulty is how to place your first row of stitches so as to ensure an unbroken course back. It is as well before setting out, to ascertain clearly the most direct course back, so that you may not come to a stand-still, or be obliged to make unnecessary stitches on the wrong side. If you have to pass obliquely across the stuff, as in patterns figs. [326], [327], [328], [329], [331] and [333], proceed in the same way as though you were covering the straight threads of a fabric.
Fig. 310. Two-sided line stitch. Forward row.