punchwork

noun

1

a

: an openwork embroidery with patterns of holes formed by separating threads of the cloth and stitching them in place

b

: a tufted embroidery of cut or uncut loops made by pushing a heavy thread through cloth and used especially for bedspreads

2

: a small repetitive allover pattern made with a steel punch (as on furniture or for the background on a carved decorative panel)

Word History

Etymology

partly from punch entry 1, partly from punch entry 3

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