6.--Scallop.]

ILLUSTRATION 66 shows how to prepare a scallop. Take thicker cotton than
that with which you work; never commence with a knot, and do not take a
thread longer than sixteen or eighteen inches. The outlines of the
scallops are first traced with short straight stitches. In the corners
particularly the stitches must be short. The space between the outlines
is filled with chain stitches, as can be seen from illustration; they
must not be too long, otherwise the embroidery will look coarse. It is
in this way that every pattern to be worked in button-hole or satin
stitch is to be prepared.

[Illustration: 67.--Double Overcast Stitch.]

ILLUSTRATION 67 shows the double overcast stitch or button-hole stitch
in a straight line. After having traced the outline begin to work from
left to right; fasten the cotton with a few stitches, hold it with the
thumb of the left hand under the outline, insert the needle downwards
above the outline, draw it out under the same above the cotton which you
hold in the left hand, and draw it up. Repeat for all the stitches in
the same manner; they must be regular and lie close to one another.
Great care should be taken that the material on which you embroider is
not puckered.

[Illustration: 68.--Overcast Stitch.]

ILLUSTRATION 68 (_Overcast Stitch_).--The double overcast and the
button-hole stitches are worked from left to right, whilst back
stitches, knotted and satin stitches are worked from right to left. The
stitch is worked in the same way as the double overcast, only the needle
must never be drawn out _above_, but _below_, the cotton with which you
work, and which you keep down with the thumb of the left hand.

[Illustration: 69.--Slanting Overcast Stitch.]

ILLUSTRATION 69.--The slanting overcast stitch is worked without tracing
the outline, always inserting the needle downwards--that is, from top to
bottom. The needle must be inserted in the manner shown in
illustration--that is, not straight, but slanting; insert it a little
farther than the last stitch, and draw it out close to it. The wrong
side of the work must show back stitches. This sort of stitch is used
for the fine outlines in patterns or letter.

[Illustration: 70.--Back Stitch.]

ILLUSTRATION 70.--This shows the back stitch, the working of which is
well known; it is worked in several rows close to each other.

[Illustration: 71.--Point Croise.]

[Illustration: 72.--Point Croise.]

ILLUSTRA