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

See Examples For:

buttonhole stitch

Put in three threads across the width of the buttonhole, bringing the thread out at the bottom of the last 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

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 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

This insertion is worked in raised satin stitch and buttonhole stitch.

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

Four rows of buttonhole stitch at top of flower.

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