This is a 1940's illustration on how to do the outline stitch. Very simple really. (I just realized that I have been holding my thread down, not up, as in the picture! My stitches overlap the other way. It is still pretty, either way!)
For those of you who are still feelling a bit uncertain. Here are detailed instructions.1. Working from left to right, with needle pointing right to left, pull needle up at starting point.
2. Take a small stitch along line you want to embroider, going down on right, coming up on left.
3. Take another small stitch about 1/8 of an inch away from the one just worked.
4. Repeat step #3.
I snapped a few quick pictures this morning, but they don't really illustrate the stitch very well. Maybe I will take a few more.I love the wrong side of vintage embroidery, all so neat and tidy. I have noticed that they never hop around, but always cut their thread and start again. So, I have tried to do the same. It makes for a lot of knots, but it is tidy!
And here are apples and grapes for you to try! If anyone is interested in the whole collection, feel free to email me, I love to share! 
