The Priscilla Hardanger Book - A Collection of Beautiful Designs in Hardanger Embroidery; With Lessons and Stitches #222654

As the square is the principle upon which Hardanger embroidery is based, any fabric woven with a square mesh so that warp and filling are the same size may be used. When the threads are drawn, a per fect square must always result. Hardanger canvas, manufactured especially for the purpose, is most commonly used, and the various sizes of scrim and Congress canvas are also suitable. Many dress materials are adapted to this work, and the possibilities of Hardanger embroidery directly upon the fabric of the dress, and worked in the same or harmonizing colors, is especially alluring to the feminine mind. The uses to which this beautiful embroidery may be put are many. With the Norwegian woman the apron is a most important part of her wardrobe, and this she decorates most elaborately. Hardanger embroidery makes an excellent decoration for curtains, portieres, and bed-spreads. It is a beautiful ornamentation for lunch-cloths, sideboard scarfs, buffet-covers, tray-cloths, bags, collars and cuffs, belts, blouses, towels, centrepieces, pillow-covers, and gowns. One pretty con ceit is the little Hardanger medallion used as the cover for button molds. When undertaking a piece of Hardanger embroidery the first thing to be done is to deeply overcast the edges of the canvas to prevent fraying. All work must be embroidered before any threads are cut. To cut and draw out the threads and then attempt to embroider is to invite trouble and disaster The canvas edges will ravel, the working thread will not lie in the proper position, and the cut edges will catch the thread to its injury.