Paragraph 117. The damask hemstitch is a modification of the ordinary hemstitch, the threads being wrapped to produce an artistic effect.

To make this stitch, first plan the hem, draw the desired number of threads, crease and baste the hem just as in single hemstitching (Par. 115). Knot the thread and insert the needle in the lower edge of the hem; bring it out through the edge of the hem. Place the needle under three or four of the drawn threads and sew over and over the threads five or six times or until they are completely covered. Put the needle under the covered threads with three or four more uncovered threads, wrap the thread around them once, drawing it tight so the threads thus wrapped form the bottom of the V. See Figure 16. Wrap the loose threads completely up to the hem. This will complete the V. Take a hemming stitch (Par.

Figure 15.

Figure 16.

114) between the two bundles of wrapped threads into the edge of the hem. Bind the threads wrapped last, and the next three or four unwrapped threads together and continue across the hem.

The damask hemstitch is used to finish edges of table linens.