petit point

American  

[pet-ee] / ˈpɛt i /

noun

1. a small stitch used in embroidery.

2. embroidery done on a canvas backing and resembling woven tapestry.

---

petit point British  

/ ˈpɛtɪ ˈpɔɪnt, pəti pwɛ̃ /

noun

1. Also called: tent stitch.  a small diagonal needlepoint stitch used for fine detail

2. work done with such stitches, esp fine tapestry

---

Etymology

Origin of petit point

1880–85; < French: literally, small stitch

Example Sentences

There’s a hard little cushion on it, with a petit point cover: faith, in square print, surrounded by a wreath of lilies. faith is a faded blue, the leaves of the lilies a dingy green.

From Literature

Guenever was doing some petit point in the gloomy room, which she hated doing.

From Literature

John Thomas Paradiso stitches pansies on leather in what looks like petit point.

From New York Times

The average English palate would shudder at the flavour of aioli, but it would be charmed by the insertion of that petit point d'ail which turned mere goodness into triumph and laurelled perfection.

From Project Gutenberg

This method was much practised in France, and the term applied to it in that country, “au petit point,” has become generally used.

From Project Gutenberg