hown in fig. 69, known as plait or Cretan, is commonly seen
on Cretan and other Eastern embroideries. It can be used as a solid
border stitch or as a filling, varying in width as required. To work
it--Bring the thread through on the lower central line, then insert the
needle on the uppermost line and bring it through on the next below as
in process in the diagram; then, still keeping the thread to the right,
insert the needle immediately underneath on the lowest line and bring it
through on the line next above, in fashion similar to the last stitch,
but in reverse direction. To continue, work the stitch alternately on
one side and the other, always keeping the thread to the right of the
needle. In order to make the central plait broader take up rather less
material with the needle; this will decrease the outer and increase the
inner lines. Fig. 70 is taken from a Cretan embroidery, in which this
stitch is mainly used.

[Illustration: Fig. 70.]

[Illustration: Fig. 71.]

Another similar but more simple stitch, often seen in Eastern work, is
shown in fig. 71. It can also frequently be found employed on XVIIth
century English wool work hangings. It is sometimes called Roumanian
stitch, and is composed of one long stitch crossed by a short one in the
centre. To work it--Trace two parallel lines on the material and bring
the thread through on the left-hand line at the top. Insert the needle
on the opposite line and bring it through near the centre, as shown in
process in the diagram. For the next half of the stitch the needle
enters the material at point A on plan, and is brought through again on
the left-hand line close to the last stitch, and so in position to
commence again. An illustration of this stitch in use as a filling can
be seen at fig. 72. It is worked in four shades of green wool, and each
line of stitches is so arranged as to encroach slightly on the line
before by means of setting each stitch just between two of the last row.
This method of working has two advantages; the shading is thus made
more gradual, and a pleasant undulating effect is given to the surface
of the leaf. This can be most easily understood by a practical trial of
the stitch and method.

[Illustration: Fig. 72.]

INSERTION STITCHES

There is occasion sometimes in embroidery to join edges together
visibly. This gives an opportunity for some additional pretty
stitching--the addition of something like this, that is perhaps not
absolut