tent stitch

a short, slanting stitch used in embroidery. Compare gros point(def 1), petit point(def 1).

Origin of tent stitch

First recorded in 1630–40

She does, core of my heart,—she does, and is as ignorant of music as I am of tent-stitch.

My Novel, Complete |Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Green and tawny and red—red and tawny and green; tent-stitch down here, and satin-stitch up yonder.

The White Lady of Hazelwood |Emily Sarah Holt
A picture in tent-stitch is even more foolish than a picture in mosaic.

Art in Needlework |Lewis F. Day
Tent-stitch, for instance, plays an important part in the wreath border of Fig. 8.

Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries |Marcus Bourne Huish

This is taken from a quaint little needle-book dated 1703; the design itself being worked in tent-stitch.

Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries |Marcus Bourne Huish

tent stitch

another term for petit point (def. 1)

C17: of uncertain origin