pinking iron

American  

noun

1. a tool for perforating, or for notching or scalloping the edge of fabric, leather, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of pinking iron

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Just in time, dearie, to fetch us the paste from the library and the pinking iron which Gussie was using last evening.

From Heart of Gold by Brown, Ruth Alberta

One end of our chopping block, usually of sycamore or oak, is kept for this function, and a few minutes work with pinking iron and hammer will border the lining with neat scallops.

From Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit A Guide for Those Who Wish to Prepare and Mount Animals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, etc., for Home, Den, or Office Decoration by Farnham, Albert B.

With a pinking iron cut scalloped edge and enough of a narrow strip to gather fully all around just inside the outer edge.

From Taxidermy by Pray, Leon Luther

Place two pieces together and pin at the fold, and "pink" through the four thicknesses, around the edges with a "pinking iron."

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