635. _Binding._--Various kinds of work have binding set on to them, in preference to hemming them, or working them in herring-bone stitch. Flannel is generally bound, sometimes with a thin tape, made for the purpose, and called "flannel binding." It is also common to bind flannel with sarcenet riband. The binding is so put on as to show but little over the edge on the right side, where it is hemmed down neatly; on the other side it is run on with small stitches. 636. _Braiding._--Silk braid looks pretty, and is used for a variety of purposes. In putting it on, it is best to sew it with silk drawn out of the braid, as it is a better match, and the stitches will be less perceived. 637. _Marking._--It is of essential importance that clothes should be marked and numbered. This is often done with ink; but as some, persons like to mark with silk, we shall describe the stitch. Two threads are to be taken each way of the cloth, and the needle must be passed three ways, in order that the stitch may be complete. The first is aslant from the person, toward the right hand; the second is downward toward you; and the third is the reverse of the first--that is, aslant from you, toward the left hand. The needle is to be brought out at the corner of the stitch nearest to that you are about to make. The shapes of the letters or figures can be learned from an inspection of any common sampler. 638. _Piping._--This is much used in ornamenting children's and other dresses. It is made by enclosing a card of the proper thickness in a strip of silk cut crosswise, and must be put on as evenly as possible. 639. _Plaiting._--The plaits must be as even as it is possible to place them one against another. In double plaiting, they lie both ways, and meet in the middle. 640. _To keep Thread, Sewing-silk, &c._--In making up linen, thread is much preferable to cotton. Sewing-silk should be folded up neatly in wash-leather, and colored threads and cotton in paper, as the air and light are likely to injure them. Buttons, hooks and eyes, and all metal implements, when not in use, should be kept folded up, as exposure to the air not only tarnishes them, but is likely to injure them in a variety of ways. INSTRUCTIONS IN THE PREPARATION OF HOUSE-LINEN. 641. _Bedroom Linen._--This includes quilts, blankets, sheets, pillow-covers, towels, table-covers and pincushion-covers. 642. _Quilts._--These are of various sizes and qualities, in accordance with the purposes to which they are applied. They are generally made of the outside material and the lining--wadding or flannel being laid between--and stitched in diamonds or other devices. The stitches must pass through the whole, and the edges of the quilt are to be secured by a braiding or binding proper for the purpose. They are best done in a frame.