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.

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buttonhole stitch British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of buttonhole stitch

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

A large eyelet may be cut out and worked around with the buttonhole stitch.

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

The smaller petals were partially filled in with buttonhole stitch and darning.

From Jacobean Embroidery Its Forms and Fillings Including Late Tudor by Fitzwilliam, Ada Wentworth

Make a buttonhole stitch and return in the same manner over the face of the loom, around to the top ring, where you make a buttonhole stitch and return, until the whole warp is strung.

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

Measure the string, which should be continuous, allowing enough to go to the rings at the back and make a buttonhole stitch each time.

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

Embroider the scallops with linen embroidery floss, size "D," using the buttonhole stitch.

From Guide to Hotel Housekeeping by Palmer, Mary E.