deshilar

To pull or remove threads from fabric one by one — either as unwanted unraveling or, deliberately, as the traditional embroidery technique deshilado, where threads are drawn out to create an openwork pattern. More precise and controlled than the accidental fraying of deshilachar.

• Las artesanas deshilan la tela para bordar el patrón tradicional. — The artisans draw out the threads to embroider the traditional pattern.
• Con cuidado, deshiló el borde para hacer el encaje. — She carefully drew out the threads at the edge to make the lace.
• El mantel tiene un bonito trabajo de deshilado a mano. — The tablecloth has beautiful handmade drawn-thread work.

Don't treat this as identical to deshilachar — deshilar is often a deliberate, careful technique (as in embroidery), while deshilachar describes fabric unintentionally fraying from wear.

Often confused with deshilachar.