Many other stitches called for neatness and good eyesight if they were to be worked to the standards set by nineteenth century teachers. Patching, when well done, could be almost indiscernible.
The darning on an infant's muslin gown requires a magnifying glass in order to see it clearly.
Most invisible of all, though, was seaming like that seen here on a linen chemise. It ccould be mistaken for a coarse thread in the fabric.
Herringboning demanded precision in placing each stitch. It was used in plain work on flannel or other heavy materials to fix seams in place.
Dexterity and patience were necessary to achieve the tiny folds of a felled gusset, seen here on an infant's "close shirt."
Marking served to identify the owner of a garment, and prevent loss or confusion during laundering. It could be done with indelible ink and there were special tools to make the task easier. This 1856 patented wooden cloth stretcher show signs of regular use. The 1859 patented indelible pencil was also intended for marking linen, and must have been effective, judging by the degree of wear.
For the woman who wanted to meet the highest standards, however, marking with needle and thread were de rigueur. Common cross-stitch marking was done over two threads, usually with turkey-red cotton because of its colorfast quality. The "BA" is worked on a fine linen infant's shirt and the "MW" is worked on a coarser linen child's night cap.