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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.

See Examples For:

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

Stranding—The strand consists of carrying the thread along the edge of the buttonhole near enough to be easily covered by the buttonhole stitch, for the purpose of adding strength to the buttonhole.

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

It is worked from left to right, and the buttonhole stitch from right to left.

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

Contour in stem stitch, filled in lightly with buttonhole stitch, and darning and long-and-short stitch.

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

A cluster of berries can be very prettily worked in buttonhole stitch in the way shown in fig.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

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