Fasten the thread to the selvedge, count eight threads, pass the point of needle upwards between 8th and 9th threads, then back between 5th and 4th, keeping first four threads on the needle, and crossing them over second four by drawing the linen thread from right to left. Take up next eight threads and proceed in same way. This is called, usually, matrimony-stitch ; the association we fail to see. It is the simplest of drawn-work-stitches, but very showy and capable of an infinite variety of combinations. Instead of clusters of matrimony-stitch, the drawn space may be worked as in illustration. For the narrow pattern, hem-stitch the edges of the drawn space, making bunches of four threads. With a linen thread knot two bunches together with button-hole stitch as in the two-tie work, a third from either edge. In the second row, knot alternate bunches, so as to form a chequer-work. The thread is carried from bunch to bunch. This pattern may be worked any width, always taking care to alternate the clusters that are secured by the button-hole-stitch. 632 FANCY WORK. Corner-piece in detail. For the wider pattern, hem-stitch both edges, and knot into bunches of two at each side 'as before. For the center part, fasten thread to button-hole near left edge, pass the needle in and out from right to left under two clusters as shown in the design, keeping the darning even and well pressed together. When the center of the drawn space is reached, pass thread through single cluster of four to the left ; back to darned cluster by passing the needle twice aronnd connected thread. Pass needle to single cluster of four to right, back to main cluster as before by the double twist around the connecting thread. Finish last half of darned cluster same as first; fasten, and cut the linen working thread, as each of these clusters in darning-stitch is done separately. The study of the illus- trations, when once the idea is caught, is plainer than written direc- tions. The number of threads taken up depends upon the mesh of the fabric. In this illustration a firm border is left, by carefully clip- ping the threads at a distance from the edge instead of drawing them entirely through. Wheel for corner. DRAWN WORK. 683 The corner may be worked in darning-stitch ; the open center filled with a wheel in the rope-stitch. This is made by catching the thread in loose loops around the sides of the square, begin- ning at a corner, and then overcasting, until a firm cord is secured both in the loops and in the center wheel. This design is a good one for a linen table cover, but would be particularly beau- tiful for a sofa cushion, done with colored silk in one shade, or with harmonizing colors on linen, batiste, or bolting cloth, lined with silk to match the embroidery. The center square might contain the monogram, or a design in embroidery, the stitches for which we are to reach, later. In the design with the open circles, run a^ thread of working cotton , around them, cut the center across, trim off angles, and with needle Border for Table Cov Drawn-work Border, with Corner. 684 FANCY WORK. turn the edges under and work with cord-stitch. Use French working cotton.

AI-modernized reading of the original text

Fasten the thread to the selvedge, count eight threads, pass the point of needle upwards between 8th and 9th threads, then back between 5th and 4th, keeping first four threads on the needle, and crossing them over second four by drawing the linen thread from right to left. Take up next eight threads and proceed in same way. This is called, usually, matrimony-stitch ; the association we fail to see. It is the simplest of drawn-work-stitches, but very showy and capable of an infinite variety of combinations. Instead of clusters of matrimony-stitch, the drawn space may be worked as in illustration. For the narrow pattern, hem-stitch the edges of the drawn space, making bunches of four threads. With a linen thread knot two bunches together with button-hole stitch as in the two-tie work, a third from either edge. In the second row, knot alternate bunches, so as to form a chequer-work. The thread is carried from bunch to bunch. This pattern may be worked any width, always taking care to alternate the clusters that are secured by the button-hole-stitch. Corner-piece in detail. For the wider pattern, hem-stitch both edges, and knot into bunches of two at each side 'as before. For the center part, fasten thread to button-hole near left edge, pass the needle in and out from right to left under two clusters as shown in the design, keeping the darning even and well pressed together. When the center of the drawn space is reached, pass thread through single cluster of four to the left ; back to darned cluster by passing the needle twice around connected thread. Pass needle to single cluster of four to right, back to main cluster as before by the double twist around the connecting thread. Finish last half of darned cluster same as first; fasten, and cut the linen working thread, as each of these clusters in darning-stitch is done separately. The study of the illustrations, when once the idea is caught, is plainer than written directions. The number of threads taken up depends upon the mesh of the fabric. In this illustration a firm border is left, by carefully clipping the threads at a distance from the edge instead of drawing them entirely through. Wheel for corner. The corner may be worked in darning-stitch ; the open center filled with a wheel in the rope-stitch. This is made by catching the thread in loose loops around the sides of the square, beginning at a corner, and then overcasting, until a firm cord is secured both in the loops and in the center wheel. This design is a good one for a linen table cover, but would be particularly beautiful for a sofa cushion, done with colored silk in one shade, or with harmonizing colors on linen, batiste, or bolting cloth, lined with silk to match the embroidery. The center square might contain the monogram, or a design in embroidery, the stitches for which we are to reach, later. In the design with the open circles, run a thread of working cotton , around them, cut the center across, trim off angles, and with needle Border for Table Cov Drawn-work Border, with Corner. turn the edges under and work with cord-stitch. Use French working cotton.

The household (of the Detroit free press)