It is needless to say that if you have to trace a pattern from a mounted piece of work you cannot stretch it on a board; with a little invention however some way can always be found of planting the pins so as not to injure the work.
To alter the width of a pattern retaining the original height (figs. [888], [889], [890]).—Sometimes it is necessary to lengthen out a pattern without however altering its height. In this case you modify the shape of the square and make long or narrow squares, according to the general shape of the design you wish to reproduce. Fig. [888] represents a pattern in Soutache D.M.C, marked out in squares; in fig. [889] the squares are lengthened out a third beyond their original size and the pattern is expanded; in fig. [890], the squares are compressed to a third less than their original size.
This method of subdividing patterns greatly facilitates the alterations they have so often to undergo and we are sure that there are few amongst those who have any real aptitude for needlework, who cannot draw enough to be able to copy the contents of a square.
Fig. 888. Pattern in soutache. Original size.
Fig. 889. Pattern in fig. [888] drawn out in the width.
Fig. 890. Pattern in fig. [888] compressed in the width.
To prepare the paste for appliqué work.—It may seem strange to devote a separate paragraph to such an apparently simple operation; but in appliqué work it is a most important one, as not only the stuff on which the work is done but all the expensive accessories are liable to be spoilt by paste that has been badly prepared.