A decorative sewing technique where threads are pulled from fabric to create an openwork border, often used to ornament hems; to sew using this technique.
From 'hem' plus 'stitch,' combining two sewing terms. The technique emerged in medieval Europe and became especially popular during the Renaissance for decorating fine linens.
Hemstitching was a sign of wealth and status for centuries—a single handkerchief with hemstitching could take hours to complete, so the pattern of tiny holes around an edge literally advertised that someone had time (or servants) to spare.
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