The main stitches were cross stitch, flat stitch, French knots, rice stitch (point de riz), satin stitch, and so forth. The patterns associated with this form of embroidery are generally simple geometric designs, worked in large open stitches over the canvas. Often part of the canvas ground was left visible, as its stiff nature made it difficult to fill up with needlework.
Source: CAULFEILD, Sophia F. A. and Blanche C. SAWARD (1882). The Dictionary of Needlework, London: Upcott Gill, p. 278.
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