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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of buttonhole stitch

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The entire figure is then carried out, both solid filling and openwork, with fine stitching, the buttonhole stitch being most generally employed.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Do not cut this thread, as this is ready to begin the buttonhole stitch after the overcasting. c.

From Project Gutenberg

Very soon I had mastered the art of making long and short stitches, French knots, border and buttonhole stitches, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg