by covering it
with an open network of stitches in some contrasting colour; buttonhole
and various lace stitches can be used for the purpose.

[Illustration: Fig. 160.]

KNOTS

Knots, which can be very pretty, are at times required in embroidery;
anything that requires a fastening may give an opportunity for some
pretty interlacing strap work or knotting. Also knots may be practically
useful in both weaving and embroidery, for sometimes a finishing thread
must be knotted on to a new one, since there may be no opportunity of
making a firm commencement with the aid of the material.

The knot shown in fig. 161 is called the girdle knot; it might be made
use of in many other ways. To carry it out, make a loop with one end of
the cord and hold it between the left finger and thumb, the looped part
being towards the right, and the end that points downwards to the left
passing over the other end. Take up the other piece of cord, pass it
diagonally across the surface of the loop, commencing from the
right-hand lower side, then round under one end and over the other, then
up into the loop from underneath, over its own end that crosses the loop
there, and then out under the loop at the top right-hand corner.

[Illustration: Fig. 161.]

The Chinese knot, which is used for a sailor's collar, is shown in fig.
162. The looped end can be left as large as necessary. To work it the
first part of the knot is laid in position on the table, commencing at
point A; for the latter part (from point C) the thread is interlaced
through to the finish. It can then be pulled tight, taking care in the
drawing-together process that the various loops are adjusted in right
position.

[Illustration: Fig. 162.]

[Illustration: Fig. 163.]

Another ornamental knot is shown at fig. 163. To make it--Form a loop
and hold it between the left thumb and finger, the loop pointing to the
right, the longer end pointing upwards and passing over the end that
points downwards. Take hold of the end pointing upwards, pass it
perpendicularly downwards across the surface of the loop, then round
under the other end, up over its own end, under the side of the loop,
over its own end that lies across the loop, and out under the loop at
the right-hand end. Pull as tight as required. All these knots may be
made of double cord by running a second through, following the lead of
the first, just before tightening up the knot. The one last described
may be made of doub