with holes at regular intervals; in these
are inserted metal pins, by means of which the work is kept stretched.
Fig. 9 represents a frame of this type. If the frame is a very large one
it can have a strengthening bar fixed across the centre from roller to
roller.

[Illustration: Fig. 1.]

The frame is most convenient for work when fixed in a stand, although it
can be used leaning against a table or the back of a chair. A very large
frame would be supported upon trestles, but for ordinary purposes, a
stand, such as the one shown in fig. 2, is practical. It consists of two
upright wooden posts, a little over 2 feet in height, which are
connected near the base by a strengthening cross piece. Both this and
the uprights are adjustable; the centre part of the posts is arranged to
slide up and down, and can be fixed at any convenient height by the
insertion of a long metal pin; the width of the cross piece is regulated
in similar fashion, being made firm, by a screw, at the required width,
thus allowing various sized frames to be used in the same stand. The
frame is fixed in place by metal clamps, and a wooden pivot is arranged
so as to permit the stretched work to be inclined at any angle
convenient. Both stand and frame should be well made and of good wood,
for they must be able to stand strain and be perfectly firm and true
when fixed for work.

[Illustration: Fig. 2.]

A small circular frame, such as is shown in fig. 3, is useful for
marking linen or for any small work. This, formed of two hoops fitting
closely one within the other, can be procured in wood, ivory, or bone,
of various sizes, the one illustrated being about 6 inches in diameter.
The material to be worked upon is stretched between these hoops like the
parchment on a drum. These tambour frames, as they are called, are
sometimes fixed into a small stand or fitted with a wooden clamp for
fastening to a table; this frees both hands for work. These tambours
cannot well be recommended; the material is apt to stretch unevenly, and
a worked part, if flattened between the hoops, is liable to be damaged.

[Illustration: Fig. 3.]

The illustration at fig. 4 shows a simple little instrument for making
a twisted cord. It is interesting to note that Etienne Binet, who wrote
on embroidery about 1620, when discussing some necessary equipment for
an embroideress mentions "_un rouet pour faire les cordons_."

There is sometimes a difficulty in procuring the cord just