petit point

[ pet-ee ]

noun

1. a small stitch used in embroidery. Compare gros point ( def 1 ), tent stitch.
2. embroidery done on a canvas backing and resembling woven tapestry.

petit point

/ ˈpɛtɪ ˈpɔɪnt; pəti pwɛ̃ /

noun

1. Also calledtent stitch a small diagonal needlepoint stitch used for fine detail
2. work done with such stitches, esp fine tapestry

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit point¹

1880–85; < French: literally, small stitch

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit point¹

French: small point

Example Sentences

When I went into the sitting room she was already in her chair, her left foot on the footstool, with its petit point cushion, roses in a basket.

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