hemstitch

[hem-stich]

verb (used with object)

1. to hem along a line from which threads have been drawn out, stitching the cross threads into a series of little groups.

2. to simulate hand hemstitching by piercing the material with a large machine needle and then stitching around the perforations.

noun

1. the stitch used or the needlework done in hemstitching.

hemstitch

/ ˈhɛmˌstɪtʃ /

noun

1. a decorative edging stitch, usually for a hem, in which the cross threads are stitched in groups

verb

1. to decorate (a hem, etc) with hemstitches

Other Word Forms

• hemstitcher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemstitch¹

First recorded in 1830–40; hem ¹ + stitch ( def. )

Example Sentences

Cecil appeared, sweeping back the chair and dusting it off with the hemstitched towel.

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“Garnet Hill’s quality is consistently high, and I like a hemstitch detail better than an embroidered one,” she says, for keeping sheets flat without ironing.

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The hemstitched place mats, 17 by 13 inches, are solid color and reversible so there’s a choice of blue-green or orange-yellow, $28 each.

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Mrs. Balfame put on her best black blouse in his honour; it was cut low about the throat and softened with a rolling collar of hemstitched white lawn.

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"Yet we have fine women and devoted ones here, Father," objected Constance, putting down the fine linen that she was hemstitching for her father's wearing.

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