in the illustration. They are worked in rows, those of the second
row encroaching on those of the first, and fitting into one another.

[Illustration: FIG. 221. ENCROACHING SATIN STITCH.]

Work your flowers and leaves from the point, never from the calyx or
stalk. If they are to be shaded, begin by choosing the right shade for
the outside edge, varying the depth according to the light in which the
object is supposed to be placed. The stitches should always follow the
direction of the drawing.

ORIENTAL STITCH (figs. 222, 223, 224).--The three following stitches,
which we have grouped under one heading, are known also, under the name
of Renaissance or Arabic stitches. We have used the term Oriental,
because they are to be met with in almost all Oriental needlework and
probably derive their origin from Asia, whose inhabitants have, at all
times, been renowned for the beauty of their embroideries.

[Illustration: FIG. 222. ORIENTAL STITCH.]

[Illustration: FIG. 223. ORIENTAL STITCH.]

These kind of stitches are only suitable for large, bold designs. Draw
in the vertical threads first; in working with a soft, silky material,
to economise thread, and prevent the embroidery from becoming too heavy,
you can begin your second stitch close to where the first ended.

[Illustration: FIG. 224. ORIENTAL STITCH.]

But if the thread be one that is liable to twist, take it back
underneath the stuff and begin your next stitch in a line with the
first, so that all the stitches of the first layer, which form the
grounding, are carried from the top to the bottom. The same directions
apply to figs. 223, 224 and 226.

When you have laid your vertical threads, stretch threads horizontally
across, and fasten them down with isolated stitches, set six vertical
threads apart. The position of these fastening stitches on the
transverse threads must alternate in each row, as indicated in fig. 222.

For fig. 223, make a similar grounding to the one above described,
laying the horizontal threads a little closer together, and making the
fastening stitches over two threads.

In fig. 224, the second threads are carried diagonally across the
foundation-threads, and the fastening stitches are given a similar
direction.

For these stitches, use either one material only, a fleecy thread like
Coton a repriser D.M.C for instance, or else two, such as Coton a
repriser D.M.C for the grounding, and a material with a strong twist
like Cordonnet 6 fi