edge, which works out very prettily. No. 431
is an edged braid with open holes, in imitation of the point lace work
of the fifteenth century.

Point lace cords resemble the satin stitch embroidery in their close,
regular smoothness; the price is 1s. per hank, and they are of various
thicknesses, from the size of a coarse crochet thread up to that of a
thick piping cord. These cords are used to ornament the braid, and are
closely sewn on the braid, following its every outline, and serve as
_beading_ to the edging, being always sewn on the outer edge alone. The
finer kinds of this cord are used in place of braid where very light
work is needed, as in the point lace alphabet which forms the
frontispiece of this work. Directions for laying on the cord when
employed as braid are given on page 500. When used as a finish only, and
to impart the raised appearance of Venice and Spanish lace, it is fixed
on the braid by plain, close sewing. The thread used should be
Mecklenburg linen thread; that of Messrs. Walter Evans and Co. we
strongly recommend as being of pure linen, washing and wearing well; it
is pleasant to work with, from the regularity and evenness of the make.
The numbers run thus:--2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36,
and 40--and will be found adapted for every kind of lace stitch. No. 2
is the coarsest, No. 40 the finest, size.

In working point lace the following directions must be attended to:
Begin at the left hand, and work from left to right, when not otherwise
directed, as in reverse rows. Before cutting off the braid run a few
stitches across it to prevent it widening. Joins should be avoided, but
when a join is indispensable, stitch the braid together, open and turn
back the ends, and stitch each portion down separately. When passing the
thread from one part to another, run along the centre of the braid,
allowing the stitches to show as little as possible. In commencing, make
a few stitches, leaving the end of the thread on the wrong side and
cutting it off afterwards. In fastening off, make a tight button-hole
stitch, run on three stitches, bring the needle out at the back, and cut
off.

Having now completed our list of materials, we can proceed to lay on the
braid.

[Illustration: 442.--Mode of Placing the Braid.]

TO PLACE THE BRAID.--No. 442 shows the design traced upon paper or
tracing cloth, and lightly tacked to a foundation of leather or toile
ciree. Run on a straight line of braid