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

This is merely embroidery again, but has more claim to the title of lace, as the tiny little flowers and scrolls are connected with brides made of buttonhole stitch ornamented with picots.

From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Lowes, Emily Leigh

The Needlepoint ground, No. I., is formed by a buttonhole stitch, which loops over again before taking the next.

From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Lowes, Emily Leigh

The letters are worked in buttonhole stitch, each fresh line being taken into the heading of the last one.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

The netting is nine holes wide, the stitches employed are point d'esprit and point de feston, the edge is in buttonhole stitch, the netted ground is cut away outside the scallops.

From Beeton's Book of Needlework by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella 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