There is a reference in chapter 7 to Mrs Grant’s tambour frame. Tambour work was a technique introduced from India in the 1760’s. Fine muslin or other such fabric was stretched over a hoop to make it taut, and the thread was worked in a continuous line by the aid of a little hook (much smaller than a crochet hook). This produced a series of loops that were linked together to make a chain stitch. To make the chain, you hold a silk thread on the underside of the work, and draw it up in a loop from the top side with the hook, then insert the hook a short distance away to draw the thread up again through the first loop. Tamboured muslins typically had a twining or vine-like pattern, which worked best for this kind of embroidery. Tambour work was commonly done at home.

Here is a link to some illustrations.