Stem-stitch is not difficult. It is simply a long stitch forward, a short one backward, and then another long stitch a little in advance of the first. In working outlines, care must be taken to exactly follow the line of the pattern, and to keep the thread to the left of the needle. Some knowledge of drawing is necessary for good embroidery. Leaves and flowers or conventional designs should be nicely drawn or stamped before beginning to work. A lady is sometimes so deft with her needle that she can compose her pattern as she goes on, but this is not apt to be widely the case. The stem-stitch may be longer or shorter according to fancy, but it must be even.

Split-stitch is a variety of stem-stitch, but in bringing the needle up through the material it must be passed through the embroidery silk or crewel.

Satin-stitch is the same on both sides. The needle must be taken back each time to the point from which it started. Rope-stitch is a twisted chain stitch; blanket-stitch is the ordinary buttonhole stitch less closely worked, and feather-stitch is a broken stitch, worked in a light airy way, to suit the convenience of the seamstress.

Drawn-work consists in drawing out threads from linen, and working designs in the drawn space or filling in with needlework. This is pretty for tidies and for the bordering of pillow-shams, spreads, and curtains.

The embroiderer needs a smooth thimble, as a sharp one is likely to catch in her silk, a sharp and pointed pair of scissors, and a set of needles of different sizes.

Appliqué work is simply transferred work. Cut out pretty figures from damask or cretonne, or the best parts of old and worn embroideries, and fasten them securely on a foundation of lace, linen, or silk.