PATTERN STITCHES

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22767, 20 July 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

PATTERN STITCHES

Satin Stitches The satin stitch, as shown at Fig. 1, is a favourite in embroidery, and as its name suggests it should give the work a smooth appearance. It is used for leaves and flowers intended to- be filled in, but to'be really effective, the stitches should be close together, and the edges perfectly even. Fdr the petals of flowers the stitches should be taken straight across from side to side. Care must be taken to keep the

graduation even; usually a single stitch is made down the middle of the space to be covered in order to raise it. A richer effect can be had by padding the space with stitches as shown at Fig. 2, and then covering it closely without any space between as shown at Fig. 3. In filling in leaves with the satin stitch, it is usual to slope the stitch towards the bottom of the leaf, each half of the leaf being worked separately as shown at Fig. 4.

Used for the same purpose is the long and short stitch, as shown at Fig; 5. For shaded effects this stitch, is most useful-and effective. Usually the stitch is begun from the outside 1 with the lightest tint, a short and then a long stitch, and continued, to the end of the line. The next set of .stitches, slightly darker, are made to join on. but the difference of the length need not be so pro-i nounoed. A- third, row. darker still, will probably work out all the same length, but care should be taken to; fill up all the space and to keep to the growth lines of the leaf or

flower when filled in with this stitch. Most effective toning can be. done this way. . - Simple Embroidery Motifs ■. Although it is possible to get transfers for almost any kind of embroidery work, it is much more satisfactory to work out your own pattern. • • ... In Fig. 1 you see a flower motil which can be done with the lazydaisv stitch, or as shown, done with loops drawn closely together/ The centre should be done With french knots. The motif at Fig. 2 can be

done in the same way with crewel or back stitch to form the stem. The flower motif at Fig. 3 is effective when done in the back stitch or in some other form of line stitch. Sprays of leaves are always effective, when done with a flower. In the illustration at Fig. 4 the leaves are done in back stitch, and the stem in crewel stitch. It is better to limit the veining of a leaf to as few lines as possible. Many beginners are apt to overdo the veins

and make the leaf too heavy :In comparison to the. stem. Figs. 6 and 7 show how a motif is arranged before it is worked. Moor-Hen • The moor-hen is. a bird of the cfake, family, familiar bn the. borders of British ponds, rivers, and lakes. It is of dark grey plumage With olive-brown wings edged with white.