CHAPTER VI.
PRINT-WORK.
This is a very fine kind of embroidery, and specimens of it are quite rare. As the name implies, it is intended to imitate a picture, and is generally used only for small subjects—the stitches being almost too minute to be distinguished at all.
It is done on white silk or satin, which is carefully stretched in a frame, and the design is then drawn on it. This is sketched with a pencil, and usually worked in black silk; the various shades between black and white may be used, but not colors—as the object is to represent an engraving. Lead color, or pale slate, will be as suitable as black.
A very fine needle must be used, and fine silk to correspond; and a dotted engraving can be so well imitated in this kind of work that it is almost impossible to tell the difference. The stitch used is known as masking-stitch; and it is set as closely as possible without lapping one over another.
In working a copy of an engraving, the embroiderer begins with the darkest shades, which are done with black silk; gradually proceeding to the lightest tints, with silks of the intermediate shades—blending them into each other with the nicest care. To accomplish this, where it is necessary to introduce the lighter portions, the stitches are set wide apart and the intervals filled up by putting in the lightest tint used.
The worker must always have the engraving before her to study the lights and shades. Fine engravings can be copied in the same way—but the stitches should be longer and wider apart.
This kind of needlework requires great patience and is a heavy strain upon the eyesight; and considering the beautiful effects produced by other methods with less outlay, it is not likely to become very popular.