cutwork

[ kuht-wurk ]
/ ˈkʌtˌwɜrk /

noun

openwork embroidery in which the ground fabric is cut out about the pattern.
fretwork formed by perforation or cut in low relief.
ornamental needlework in which spaces are cut from a ground material into which are inserted decorative figures that were made separately.

Origin of cutwork

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

Example sentences from the Web for cutwork

  • Bed-hangings, curtains, and furniture-coverings were covered with alternate squares of lacis and cutwork.

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

British Dictionary definitions for cutwork

cutwork
/ (ˈkʌtˌwɜːk) /

noun

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