What does pinking mean?
Pinking usually describes the cutting of a fabric's raw edge into a repeated zigzag or scalloped shape. It serves a practical purpose by making an edge less likely to fray and a decorative purpose by creating a more finished appearance. The familiar tools for the job are pinking shears and pinking scissors, although fabric can also be pinked by hand. In a less common and more literary sense, pinking means turning or becoming pink, as when the evening sky takes on a rosy colour. The noun therefore names either the decorative edge treatment itself or the process of producing it. Although the word may sound unusual outside sewing and craft contexts, it names a simple technique that has long been familiar to people who work with cloth.
A decorative and often fray-resistant edge treatment made by cutting fabric in a zigzag or scalloped pattern; also the process of making such an edge.
"The pinking along the seam gave the lightweight cloth a neat finish."
Most often used in the expressions “pinking shears” and “pinking scissors.”
To cut a fabric edge into a repeated zigzag or scalloped pattern, especially to reduce fraying or add decoration.
"She pinked the ribbon before attaching it to the card."
Usually associated with pinking shears or pinking scissors.
To make something pink or turn pink.
"The clouds began to pink at the horizon."
This sense is uncommon and literary; in ordinary use, “pink” is preferred.
A zigzag cut that looks decorative also gives raw fabric edge a fighting chance against fraying.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pinking come from?
Pinking developed from the verb “pink” in its earlier sense of cutting or notching material, particularly cloth. The verb is attested in English before the modern compound “pinking shears” became established. The ultimate origin of the cutting sense of “pink” is uncertain, so it should not be confidently connected with the similarly named colour.
How pinking is actually used
The cutting sense is most often encountered in the compounds “pinking shears” and “pinking scissors.” The sense meaning “to turn pink” is uncommon and literary compared with the standard verb “pink.”
Easily confused with pinking
Pinking usually refers to cutting fabric in a repeated zigzag pattern, whereas scalloping more often describes a rounded, series-of-curves edge.