FSG

Below are illustrations of some of the stitches used on Ottoman embroideries.


		Atma stitch = A type of composite stitch, this stitch is a combination of two stitches: single-faced satin stitch and a self-couching stitch called Bukharan stitch. Sometimes known as the Oriental stitch, it is worked in two steps. A single -faced satin stitch is used to cover the whole motif area, using unspun silk. On the second step, a plied silk thread is laid over the first layer of unspun silk threads at a ninety-degree angle. This second layer of plied silk thread is secured by bringing the same plied silk thread up from below.

	Double running stitch = A type of flat stitch, this stitch consists of a simple running stitch worked in two journeys over the same line. This stitch, which appears the same on both sides of the fabric, is known by several names: Holbein, line, square, stroke, two-sided line, two-sided stroke, and Romanian stitch. Ottoman embroiderers manipulated this stitch in innumerable ways to create many pleasing results.

		Musabak stitch = A type of composite stitch utilizing single faggot and reversed faggot stitches. Faggot stitch is a counted stitch worked on the diagonal. It is generally worked in rows as a filling or in pulled thread work. It produces parallel diagonal rows of straight stitches on the reverse. In musabak stitch a single faggot stitch is worked on the first journey and then a reversed faggot stitch is worked over it on the journey back.

	Running stitch = A series of straight flat stitches worked along a line in a continual forward motion through the ground fabric; stitches may or may not be of equal length on the face and/or the reverse. Worked in a single line as an outline, or may be disposed in rows to create a filling. In Ottoman embroidery, the running stitch, used in the pattern darning technique to fill large design areas, was disposed in closely worked parallel rows in diagonal alignment.