Petit point, << PEHT ee poynt, >> is a delicate form of embroidery usually sewed on fine mesh canvas. The term is also used to describe the finished canvas. Petit point is sometimes called tent stitch or half stitch.
The term petit point, which is French, means small stitch and refers to the tiny size of the stitches. These tiny stitches slant from left to right and are parallel to one another. The sewer uses a thin needle and fine thread.
Petit point is especially suited for highly detailed designs on such small objects as eyeglass cases, gloves, and handbags. The stitch is also used for embroidering larger canvas panels to decorate furniture seats and backs and canvas pieces that may be framed for display.
People have embroidered petit point since the Middle Ages. However, the term did not appear until the 1700’s in France, when the stitch became popular.
