This antimacassar is a sort of bag, slipped over the top of the chair. The front is ornamented either with braid run on, or with chain stitch, the latter being rather the most work; but having a far better effect than the former. The initials we have selected are given to show the way in which any initials may be arranged for the centre. The pattern for the border is given in the engraving with the utmost accuracy, but requires, of course, to be greatly enlarged, and marked on the muslin.
The width of the antimacassar, at the widest part, is 26 inches; a margin is left beyond the border, of about one inch, and the depth is eighteen inches. The back of the antimacassar may be of either worked or plain muslin. The two tucks are run together, near the edges, on the wrong side, then turned on the right, and a row of chain-stitch worked at the extreme edge. All the border is done with one shade of the Shetland wool; but the monogram should be in two or three shades, according to the number of letters, each letter being done in one shade. When the muslin is braided, one shade only need be employed. The Russian mohair braid is the best adapted for this purpose; it washes well, and is easily put on; but the chain-stitch is certainly prettier. Marked muslin may be readily finished for either oblong or oval antimacassars; and those who wish it, can have any initials marked for them.
THE BORDER.—Take a bone mesh half an inch wide, and do a strip of common diamond netting, wide enough for the border of the antimacassar. Do four plain rows, and in the fifth work three stitches in one. In the sixth row, take three stitches together. Repeat these two rows, and knot a handsome fringe in the loops of the last.
The border is composed entirely of Berlin wool; the depth of the fringe is four inches.
Our readers will be glad to learn the proper way of knotting fringe. Wind the wool on cotton as often as you may wish, round a card of any given width, and slip it carefully off, without cutting either end. Draw all the loops of one edge through the loops of netting, sufficiently far to allow the loops of the other edge to be drawn through them, and tightly pulled. The ends must then be cut.
WATCH-POCKET.
BRODERIE EN LACET.
(See Plate in front of Book.)
Materials.—One-quarter of a yard of maroon satin; two yards of ribbon to match, an inch and a quarter wide; a knot of the narrowest blue silk Russia braid; a hank of gold beads; four knots of gold thread, No. 0; and some blue sewing silk.