drawn-work

A delicate drawn-work hem adorns the sleeve of her blouse.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • A type of embroidery or needlework: "Drawn-work" refers to a decorative technique in fabric where threads are pulled out or drawn from the cloth, and the remaining threads are stitched or twisted to create a pattern, often used on clothing or household linens.

Usage Examples

• (A needlework technique involving thread removal.)
• (Decorative embroidery on clothing.)
• (A specific type of handwork.)

Advanced Usage

• "Drawn-work needlework": a more specific term emphasizing the craft aspect.
  • The museum displayed Victorian drawn-work needlework on antique linens. (Historical examples of the technique.)
• "Drawn-work pattern": the design created by this method.
  • She followed a drawn-work pattern to create a floral motif on the napkins. (A blueprint for the embroidery.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drawn-thread work (n): a synonym for drawn-work, emphasizing the removal of threads.
  • Drawn-thread work is common in Eastern European folk costumes. (Another term for the same technique.)
• Drawn-work embroidery (n): a descriptive compound term.
  • The artist specialized in drawn-work embroidery on silk. (Embroidery using this method.)

Synonyms

• Openwork: embroidery or lacework with gaps or holes in the fabric.
  • The openwork on the blouse was similar to drawn-work. (A broader category of decorative fabric work.)
• Thread-pulling: a descriptive term for the process of removing threads.
  • Thread-pulling is the first step in creating drawn-work. (The action involved.)

Related Idioms