schiffli

American  

[shif-lee] / ˈʃɪf li /

noun

1. a large, loomlike machine for embroidering textiles and working patterns in lace.

2. the delicate work produced by such a machine, used on clothing, as lingerie and millinery, on furniture coverings, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of schiffli

< Swiss German: literally, little ship

Example Sentences

Mr. Schiffli shoots in a fluid style, tweaking colors and focus to register changes in perception and feeling.

From New York Times • May 14, 2015

Until a comparatively recent date the Schiffli was not considered as a competitor of the hand machine, its work being inferior in quality and confined to simple patterns.

From Lace, Its Origin and History by Goldenberg, Samuel L.

The machine-made variety, produced on the Schiffli embroidery frame, is now made at Plauen and St. Gall.

From Lace, Its Origin and History by Goldenberg, Samuel L.

The action of the Schiffli machine somewhat resembles that of a sewing-machine, and the product is more properly called embroidery than lace.

From Lace, Its Origin and History by Goldenberg, Samuel L.

Oriental Lace.—Really an embroidery, being produced on the Schiffli machine, the pattern being then either cut or eaten out.

From Textiles For Commercial, Industrial, and Domestic Arts Schools; Also Adapted to Those Engaged in Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods, Wool, Cotton, and Dressmaker's Trades by Dooley, William H. (William Henry)