As a general rule no tacking stitch used as a decoration should be more
than half-an-inch in length, and the space between proportionately
less. The space between may be equal to the stitch, or may be half or a
quarter its length, but neither stitch or space should be longer than
half-an-inch, or the result may be a series of long threads, apt to
become loops if suddenly caught.
For the experiment, make the stitches about one-third of an inch, and
the space between either the same or very small—about one-tenth of
an inch. An inch measure at hand to test the first few stitches will
quickly help the eye to guess the correct length of the remainder
without effort. After the first row, the most difficult part is over,
as the second and succeeding rows will be exactly the same length.
[Illustration: A CHILD’S FROCK DECORATED WITH TACKING STITCH AND Y
STITCH.]
Three rows of stitching close together will result in a pattern of red
oblongs, with regular spaces between them. These may become squares if
more rows are added.
All the illustrations on pages 61 and 62 are based on the tacking
stitch, and may be applied to the decoration of a hem, or the border of
belt or neck.
[Sidenote: Pretty Fancy Stitches.]
An illustration on page 63 shows the treatment of the two-inch hem on
the child’s frock. The vertical bar repeated at regular intervals round
the hem is filled with a variation of the Y stitch, the working of
which is shown in diagrams A, B and C on page 64.
The pattern should be arranged on the sleeves, neck and belt, as shown
in the sketch.
The position of each vertical bar should be accurately measured, and
marked with a pencil, and a line drawn down the centre of each bar will
help to keep the stitch equal on each side.
[Illustration: SOME VARIATIONS OF THE Y STITCH.