d four. The last long stitches should come under the
last short ones and the short ones, in the middle of the last long ones.

[Illustration: FIG. 285. MILANESE STITCH.]

PLUSH STITCH (fig. 286).--This stitch, also called Astrachan stitch,
by means of which a very good imitation of an Oriental rug can be
produced, consists of loops, each secured by a cross stitch; the best
way to ensure these loops being even and regular is to make them over a
narrow wooden ruler, or a piece of whalebone.

The effect can be varied by cutting the loops, which gives the surface
the appearance of velvet.

[Illustration: FIG. 286. PLUSH STITCH.]

The illustration represents the middle loops only, as cut, for the cut
and the uncut stitch can both be introduced into the same piece of
embroidery. For example, the borders in figs. 290, and 291, are worked
in open or cut plush stitch, whilst in the centres, the stitch is left
uncut. Two stitches of a similar kind, called Smyrna and Malta stitch,
suitable for making rugs or carpets, are described in the last chapter
but one in the book.

CHAIN STITCH (fig. 287).--Generally speaking, this stitch is only used
for the adornment of under-linen or small articles of fancy-work but it
can also be employed in copying cross stitch patterns. In old
collections we often meet with very interesting pieces of needlework,
which were used for hangings or screens, where the figure-subjects, are
executed in chain stitch. Patterns in many colours, gain immensely by
being worked in this stitch, the colours blend together better than in
any other, and even the shape of the stitch contributes to soften the
contrasts of colour.

Chain stitch cannot, like other stitches, be worked to and fro, nor can
all the stitches of one row be finished first, as is generally possible
in cross stitch work, each row must be begun separately, and always from
the same side, and a different needle should be used for each colour, as
the material has often to be changed.

[Illustration: FIG. 287. CHAIN STITCH.]

The stitch is worked as follows; after fastening in your thread, insert
the needle at the same hole it came out of, and bring it out two threads
lower down. Keep the loop, formed by the working thread, under the point
of the needle. The thread should not be drawn up tightly but left to
form a rather loose, round loop. For the next stitches, insert the
needle close to the thread that issues from the last loop.

PATTERN F