cutwork

American  

[kuht-wurk] / ˈkʌtˌwɜrk /

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.

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cutwork British  

/ ˈkʌtˌwɜːk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of cutwork

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 • Feb. 13, 2023

Still, New Wave Director Jacques Rivette knew that getting La Religieuse as a film past the heavy-handed censors of the Gaullist republic would require some fancy cutwork.

From Time Magazine Archive

“We’re hoping she takes a ribbon in cutwork, although her lace making is progressing as well.”

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

As in all countries, lace-making apparently commenced in its early English stages by drawn-thread and cutwork.

From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Lowes, Emily Leigh

The ancient collar from the South Kensington Collection, page 149, shows some of the finest developments of cutwork, when the foundation of linen was entirely dispensed with.

From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Lowes, Emily Leigh