cutwork

[ kuht-wurk ]

noun

1. openwork embroidery in which the ground fabric is cut out about the pattern.
2. fretwork formed by perforation or cut in low relief.
3. ornamental needlework in which spaces are cut from a ground material into which are inserted decorative figures that were made separately.
4. point coupé ( def 1 ).

cutwork

/ ˈkʌtˌwɜːk /

noun

1. openwork embroidery in which the pattern is cut away from the background

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutwork¹

First recorded in 1425–75, cutwork is from late Middle English cut werk. See cut, work

Example Sentences

Some had a decorative folded border or verses on the folds; cutwork resembling lace; or watercolor decorations of pierced hearts, lovebirds and flowers.

From Seattle Times

This used to be where you came to get wholesale clothing, and it still is; but the old Jewish delis are disappearing, replaced by Chinese emporia, wicker furniture, cutwork tablecloths, bamboo wind chimes.

From Literature

So those bias-cut dresses displayed flashes of flesh through open seams in the same way that a tabletop might show through a cutwork cloth.

From New York Times

On any given day you can find factory workers pushing massive racks of clothing down bustling sidewalks or young fashionistas hauling fabric or cutwork to the next stage in the production cycle.

From Time

While there were a few lehengas and saris in her collection, she also had some modern pieces like a sari kimono with elaborate stitching, and jackets and blouses with lace cutwork.

From Seattle Times