for this work, black being' sometimes combined with them. Any good cross stitch border will give a pattern, and as the work is done over threads no stamping is needed. Holbein stitch is generally used in connection with drawn work. In fine material baste a piece of canvas on, and work over it, drawing out the threads when the work is completed.
RAILWAY STITCH.
Designs for this stitch should always be of small flowers and leaves, such as daisies, etc., arranged in detached sprays. Trace them lightly. Commence to work from centre; and make each petal with one stitch. Bring the needle up from the back and put in close to where it came out, holding thread down with left hand, and bringing it out at the point of the petal. Draw up, making a long loop held in centre by the drawn up thread. Put the needle down again just outside the loop, thus making a very small stitch at the end of the petal: run the needle out at the middle of the flower, and repeat. Finish the centre with French knots or button-hole stitch, or pierce with a stiletto. The leaves should be made with a single railway stitch. Fig. 21 shows the manner of working this stitch in connection
Fig. 21.
with herring-bone. The centre of the flower is worked in French knots.
