in open work leaves, as in fig.
62. The diagram explains the working of the stitch; at point A on the
plan the left thumb holds the thread down whilst the stitch is in
progress.

[Illustration: Fig. 62.]

MISCELLANEOUS STITCHES

[Illustration: Fig. 63.]

The stitch illustrated at fig. 63 is very similar to the common
herring-bone. The only practical difference is that in the plain
needlework stitch there is usually a smaller piece of material picked up
by the needle each time. To work it as in the diagram--Trace two
parallel lines on the material and bring the thread through at the
commencement of the lower line, insert it on the opposite line rather
farther along and there pick up a stitch, as the needle is doing in the
figure. Then on the opposite line pick up a similar stitch a little in
advance of the one just finished. After this work the stitches on either
line alternately, commencing each one at the point where the last one
ended; this forms on the underside a double row of back stitches. It is
quite easy to work this stitch with the back stitches on the working
side, and when they are required to be on the surface it is advisable to
do it in that way. When embroidering upon a semi-transparent material
this stitch is a satisfactory one to use, the back stitching follows out
the outline on either side of the form, and the crossing of the threads
on the under side shows through prettily. This stitch sometimes goes by
the name of double back stitch. It is useful in many ways, making a
light stitch for stems, leaves, or flowers; it can be sometimes found in
Eastern work used for an entire embroidery. When used for flowers or
leaves the width and the closeness of the stitch are varied to suit the
shape to be filled. An example of its use as a flower filling is shown
in the carnation at fig. 64, which is carried out in four shades of
colour. Considerable use is made of this stitch in embroidered curtain
shown in Plate VII.; it is there employed for all the stems and various
flowers upon the hanging.

[Illustration: Fig. 64.]

[Illustration: Fig. 65.]

The feather stitch, often used to decorate plain needlework, is now to
be discussed; although similar in name it must not be confused with the
feather or plumage stitch that has already been mentioned. The stitch is
so simple and so much in use as hardly to need description; fig. 65
explains the working. There can be many slight variations of the stitch,
the w