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

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

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 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