cutwork

noun

cut·​work ˈkət-ˌwərk 

: embroidery usually on linen in which a design is outlined in buttonhole stitch and the enclosed material cut away

Examples of cutwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Banana Republic's 100-percent cotton poplin pants feel particularly perfect for summer thanks to that floral cutwork embroidery. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 14 June 2026

Discharge prints are being layered with screen printing to create 3-D effects, and more brands are adapting cutwork. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025

Many antique linens are sewn together with lace or have cutwork details that require delicate handling, so the dryer is out of the question. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2024

This Bode dress that is made from a cutwork tablecloth from the 1910s-1930s—I’m a fan of Emily’s vision for the brand and its stores. — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cutwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork