h for the purpose, is
quite simple to manipulate, and is easier to manage than the cross on
both sides.

The third example is made use of when a larger letter is required. It is
known as blanket stitch, and is used for the marking of such things. It
may be further completed by a neat back stitch just fitting along the
outside edges of the other stitches.

[Illustration: Fig. 144.]

Many embroidery stitches are suitable for marking purposes, such as
satin, chain, stem, back, rope, basket, and others. The Oriental stitch
which carries out the letter in fig. 144 is a good one when both sides
can be seen, for though these are quite different, it is presentable
upon either. The diagram shows the appearance of the stitch on the front
and on the back.

A simple initial letter may be made interesting by enriching the ground
behind it with some form of diaper patterning. An example of this is
shown in fig. 145. The letter could be worked in a plain satin stitch
over a padding of threads, and the pattern on the ground in a darning
stitch and French knots, or in any other suitable way.

[Illustration: Fig. 145.]

A monogram carried out in embroidery can be a very pretty thing; there
is scope in it for ingenuity both of design and of stitching. The
letters may be decorated and tied up with a floral spray, strap work or
a combination of several _motifs_. Fig. 146 shows a monogram composed of
the letters I. G. ornamented and bound together by a ribbon-like
interlacing band. The letters are worked in a raised satin stitch, and a
running stitch in another colour threads in and out down the centre of
each letter. The outline is stem stitch in a darker colour. The band is
outlined on both sides with an overcast stitch, which always makes a
particularly neat edging for anything of this sort. The centre is filled
with a row of French knots, the tassels are worked in close lines of
stem stitch, and the petals of the small flowers in satin stitch,
finished off with a French knot at the centre.

[Illustration: Fig. 146.]

Another mark of proprietorship and origin was the shield of arms of the
owner, which introduces the subject of heraldry. A shield executed with
the needle is often seen, and looks particularly rich. Heraldry is an
intricate science, full of pitfalls for the unwary, and demands an
earnest study of its complex rules and regulations. Every one should
know at least some fine examples of great national shields such as t