half-stitch

Then, holding the thread downwards, instead of proceeding as in crewel-stitch (A) you slant your needle so as to bring it out a thread or two higher up than the half-stitch, but precisely above it.

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

The two simpler forms of herring-bone (it is always worked from left to right, and begun with a half-stitch) marked A and C on the sampler are strikingly different in appearance, and are worked in different ways -- as will be seen at once by reference to the back of the sampler

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

In the case of stems or other lines curved and worked obliquely, the stitches must be very much closer on the inner side of the curve than on the outside: occasionally a half-stitch may be necessary to keep the direction of the lines right, in which case the inside end of the half-stitch must be quite covered by the stitch next following.

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

You begin STEM-STITCH (G) with the usual half-stitch.

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

Having made a half-stitch entering the material at the upper edge of the work, bring the needle out on the lower edge of it immediately opposite.

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

You begin as in ordinary crewel-stitch, but after the first half-stitch you take up

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

Thence take a long slanting stitch upwards from left to right, bring the needle out on the lower edge immediately opposite, cross it by a rather shorter stitch from right to left, entering the stuff at the point where the first half-stitch ended, bring this out on the lower edge, opposite, and the stitch is done.

Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery Mary Buckle 1877

The Spanish half-stitch as shown in fig. 309, can only be done over 4 and 2 threads and worked one way, not to and fro.

Encyclopedia of Needlework Th��r��se de Dillmont 1868

A _half-stitch_ is thus formed, and must be tightened by being drawn closely to the forefinger and thumb of the left hand.

Beeton's Book of Needlework 1850

When this is done, guide with the unoccupied fingers of the left hand this second half-stitch up to the other, thus completing _one stitch_.

Beeton's Book of Needlework 1850