buttonhole stitch

American  

noun

Sewing.

1. a looped stitch used to strengthen the edge of material and keep it from raveling, as around a buttonhole.

---

buttonhole stitch British  

noun

1. a reinforcing looped stitch for the edge of material, such as around a buttonhole

---

Etymology

Origin of buttonhole stitch

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

buttonhole stitch

Hold the string and ring firmly in the left hand while making the buttonhole stitch with the right.

From Hand-Loom Weaving A Manual for School and Home by Todd, Mattie Phipps

Characteristic and most beautiful use is made of buttonhole stitch in the piece of Indian work in Illustration 24, where it is outlined with chain stitch, which goes most perfectly with it.

From Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery by Buckle, Mary

The entire pattern is carried out in this way, first laying down foundation threads in the necessary places and then covering them up with either overcasting or buttonhole stitch as required.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

The fourth example shows two lines of spaced buttonhole stitch fitting neatly the one into the other and forming a solid line.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

Blanket Stitch.—The blanket stitch, often erroneously called the buttonhole stitch, is used for finishing raw edges.

From Handicraft for Girls A Tentative Course in Needlework, Basketry, Designing, Paper and Cardboard Construction, Textile Fibers and Fabrics and Home Decoration and Care by McGlauflin, Idabelle