Josh,

Ok on the term “fine wool binding stitch” which on this flag, appears to be a loop hand stitch on the outer edge of the stars. Most of the time thats all you need to attach a star. Why the straight stitch is unknown unless there is something on the reverse of the star. One thing, wool thread was somewhat rare and unreliable in this period.

Machines in this period, only went forward, no reverse, so in order to machine the stars you would have to stop at the point and reverse the material. The stars were usually sewn onto the bars first and then the bar to the field or attached into the field. However, hand sewing the stars would have been tree times faster maybe four and being paid for pice work, without looking at the flag other then by pictures it is hard to believe the stars were attached by machine, not to say your wrong, just saying its hard to believe.

Happy Trails!
Tom Martin
www.Piedmontflag.com
www.Confederate-flags.org