list of colours of the D.M.C threads and cottons.

[Illustration: ORNAMENT AFTER HOLBEIN.]

Practical directions.

Hitherto we have been chiefly occupied with descriptions and
explanations of the different kinds of needlework; to render these
complete, it remains for us to give a few practical directions with
regard to the copying, adjustment and transposition of the patterns, as
well as to the different processes, often so essential to the ultimate
success of a piece of needlework. For this success will soon be found
not to depend on the stitches only but very largely on the proper
adaptation of the design to the space it is intended to fill.

Then, in the case of new lace, it is necessary to know the amount of
dressing it will require to give it the right stiffness and when this
dressing has worn off how to renew it; whilst in the case of applique
work more especially, it is indispensable to know exactly what the
ingredients are, of which the paste should be composed and how to make
and lay it on in the proper manner.

TRACING PATTERNS AGAINST A WINDOW PANE.--In order to copy a pattern in
this way, the first step is to tack or pin the piece of stuff or paper
on which the copy is to be made upon the pattern. In the case of a small
pattern, the tacking or pinning may be dispensed with and the two
sheets held firmly pressed against the window pane with the left hand,
whilst the right hand does the tracing, but even then it is safer to pin
or gum the four corners of the two sheets together, in case of
interruption, as it is difficult to fit them together again exactly.

The tracing may be done with a pencil, or better still, with a brush
dipped in Indian ink or water-colour paint.

The process of tracing is easy enough, so long as the hand does not get
tired but as this generally comes to pass very soon it is best, if the
pattern be a large and complicated one, to stick the sheets to the pane
with strong gum or suspend them on a string, fastened across the pane by
pins stuck into the window frame on either side.

TO TAKE OFF A PATTERN BY RUBBING.--If you want to take a pattern of a
piece of embroidery direct from the work itself, lay it, the right side
up, flat upon a board or table and cover it with letter or tissue paper.

The paper should be of a good medium thickness, if it be too thick it
will not take a clear impression of the pattern, and if very thin it is
apt to tear.

Fasten the paper