ith two stitches at each turn, as described in fig. 234. Small holes
where the stitches are to come, have first to be pierced in the material
with the pricker, from the right side, for the needle to pass through.
In soft stuffs, this is unnecessary, but in brocaded materials, and in
plush and leather, where every prick shows and would often spoil the
whole effect, it is indispensable.

[Illustration: FIG. 242. USE OF THE SPINDLE]

Gold thread which is stiff and difficult to work with, can be rendered
soft and pliable by putting it into the oven, or any other warm place,
for a short time.

EMBROIDERY WITH GOLD PURL (fig. 243).--Embroidery is the easiest kind
of gold embroidery; you have only to thread the little pieces of purl,
cut into the required lengths beforehand, like beads on your needle, and
fasten them down upon the foundation like the beads in bead-work. Smooth
and crimped gold purl, or silver and gold purl used together, look
exceedingly well, particularly where the pattern requires effects of
light and shade to be reproduced.

[Illustration: FIG. 243. EMBROIDERY WITH GOLD PURL.]

EMBROIDERY IN DIAMOND STITCH (fig. 244).--The diamond stitch is a
charming novelty in gold embroidery. Short lengths of purl, not more
than 11/2 m/m. long, are threaded on the needle, and the needle is put
in and drawn out at the same hole. These stitches which resemble knot
stitches, form so many little glittering knots, turned alternately to
the right and left, and look like seed-diamonds in appearance, more
especially, when they are made in silver purl. The shorter the pieces
are, and the more closely you set the knots together, the handsomer and
richer the effect will be.

[Illustration: FIG. 244. DIAMOND STITCH.]

CHINESE GOLD EMBROIDERY (figs. 245 and 246).--We recommend the
imitation of Chinese gold embroidery to our readers as an easy and
grateful recreation. It consists simply in laying down a gold thread, on
a delicately outlined pattern and securing it by stitches. It can be
done on any material, washing or other, the costliest as well as the
most ordinary.

[Illustration: FIG. 245. CHINESE GOLD EMBROIDERY. First part.]

[Illustration: FIG. 245. Second part]

[Illustration: FIG. 246. CHINESE GOLD EMBROIDERY. First part.]

[Illustration: FIG. 246. Second part.]

For a washing material use, Or fin D.M.C pour la broderie, No. 20, 30 or
40,[A] which, as it washes perfectly, is well adapted for the embroidery
of