Definition

Noun: 1. A type of needlepoint embroidery: A form of needlepoint characterized by being worked with very small, diagonal stitches, creating a fine and detailed canvas. 2. A single stitch in this technique: The specific small, diagonal stitch used in this type of embroidery.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the embroidery technique:

  • The cushion cover was exquisitely worked in petit point.
  • She specializes in petit point, creating miniature portraits with thread.

• Referring to the individual stitch:

  • Each petit point must be perfectly even for the image to be clear.
  • The design requires thousands of petit points to complete.

Advanced Usage

• Artistic and historical context: Petit point is often used for delicate pictorial scenes, floral designs, or detailed reproductions of paintings on needlepoint canvas. It is historically associated with fine furnishings and decorative arts.
• Contrast with other stitches: In needlework, "petit point" is distinguished from "gros point" (which uses a larger stitch over a single canvas intersection) and "tent stitch" (which can be synonymous with petit point but sometimes refers to a slightly different technique).

Variants and Related Words

• Needlepoint (n): A broader term for the craft of working stitches on a stiff, open-weave canvas. Petit point is a specific type of needlepoint.
• Gros point (n): A needlepoint stitch that is larger than petit point, typically covering two threads of the canvas in each direction.
• Tent stitch (n): Often used interchangeably with petit point, especially when worked over a single intersection of canvas threads.

Synonyms

• Fine needlepoint
• Petit stitch (when referring to the stitch itself)

Notes on Meaning

The term "petit point" is borrowed from French, where "petit" means "small" and "point" means "stitch." It exclusively refers to the craft of needlepoint and its characteristic small stitch. It is not used as a general term for any small point or detail outside of this specific context.

Noun

1. needlepoint done with small stitches
2. a small diagonal needlepoint stitch