Darning is a very satisfactory sort of embroidery. In this work the
greater part of the silk is laid on the right side of the material so
that it carries large masses of color. Darning is generally considered
a filling embroidery and is often used in background work. Backgrounds
darned around a design may be made very artistic.
[Illustration: FIG. VIII _a._ SIMPLE DARNING STITCH.]
_A._ _=Simple Darning Stitch.=_--The simple darning stitch is
a short stitch on the back and a long one on the face "running" on
a straight line, the second row alternating with the first in the
positions of the long and short stitches, and lying parallel to it.
Care and practice are necessary to make these rows of equal tension.
They should keep their straight direction and terminate where they meet
the outline. There are ways of accommodating them to the outline when
they are used within the design. See Fig. VIII _a_.
[Illustration: FIG. VIII _b._ BRICK DARNING STITCH.]
_B._ _=Brick Darning Stitch.=_--If it is desirable to increase the
color effect the first series of rows may be crossed at right angles
by a similar series. This is known as the "Brick Darning Stitch." The
straight bars should be laid by darning one way and back, alternately.
By a little planning very pretty coloring may be gained through
relating the background shade to the imposed work. See Fig. VIII _b_.
_C._ _=Seed Stitch.=_--This may be considered a darning stitch,
having however the short stitches on the surface and the long ones on
the back. This is largely used in combination with satin stitch for
lettering. (See Designs Nos. 612 A, B, D, E, and F.)
[Illustration: FIG. VIII _d._