How to Make Battenberg and Point Lace - Basting and Overcasting

Basting and Overcasting

The first work is basting the braid to the pattern. It most patterns the braid is represented by a double line. In basting, one edge of the braid should follow the outer line of the pattern, and the basting threads should be placed through the open edge of the braid and upon the outer line of the pattern designating the braid.

When the progress of the pattern changes the outer line or curve, to which you have been basting, to the inner curve, the basting thread should be carried across the braid as is shown in the illustration, and the basting continued along what is now the outer curve.

The basting stitches should be rather close nd short, and should be drawn tightly so as to hold the braid firmly to its place.

The basting stitches should be rather close and short, and should be drawn tightly so as to hold the braid firmly to its place. Should the basting stitches be loose, the putting in of the lace stitches will inevitably draw the braid from its place on the pattern and spoil the perfection of the lines and curves of the design.

Back stitching is neither necessary nor advisable. The forward stitches taken closely and firmly will hold the braid securely, and are easy to remove. Braid that is back stitches to the pattern makes an unnecessarily tedious task of the separating of the work from the pattern just at the time when the completion of the stitches makes the worker unusually eager to see the work completed.

Never under any circumstancesshould any but a straight length of braid be basted through the middle. Should the braid be basted through the middle when following a curve, it is almost impossible not to draw it too tight, and as a result the outer edge will curl up and utterly spoil the work, as no amount of care in placing the stitches can make right a piece of work where the outer edge of the braid around a curve rises in its might, and reaches longingly towards its opposite and inner edge.

Tutorial 1 === Battenberg and Point Lace Selection of Materials

Tutorial 2 === Basting and Overcasting

Tutorial 3 === Turning Corners

Tutorial 4 === Scallops and Loops

Tutorial 5 === Overcasting

Tutorial 6 === Cutting the Braid

Tutorial 7 === Basting the Rings

Tutorial 8 === Fastening the Thread

Tutorial 9 === Preparing a Sampler

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