backstitch

[ bak-stich ]

/ ˈbækˌstɪtʃ /

noun

stitching or a stitch in which the thread is doubled back on the preceding stitch.

verb (used with or without object)

to sew by backstitch.

QUIZZES

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Commas mark divisions in sentences. Periods end declarative sentences. Apostrophes show possession. Easy, right? Well, punctuation can get pretty tricky—fast. Think you got what it takes to be a punctuation expert? Take our quiz to prove it!

Question 1 of 10

Which of the options below is the best punctuation for the sentence? It__s your turn to pick the movie __ but your sister gets to pick the board game we _ re going to play.

Its your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.

It’s your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game were going to play.

It’s your turn to pick the movie, but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.

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Origin of backstitch

First recorded in 1605–15; back² + stitch

Words nearby backstitch

backsplice, backstab, backstage, backstairs, backstay, backstitch, backstop, backstory, backstrap loom, backstreet, backstretch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for backstitch

Lap ends one-fourth inch and backstitch closely at each edge of flap.
Make Your Own Hats|Gene Allen Martin
His machine was a short-thread model that made both the running stitch and the backstitch.
The Invention of the Sewing Machine|Grace Rogers Cooper
Insert one thickness between the other two ends, and backstitch closely.
Make Your Own Hats|Gene Allen Martin
This is one of the few machines producing a backstitch or half backstitch to realize any commercial success.
The Invention of the Sewing Machine|Grace Rogers Cooper

Backstitch across the bottom with a slanting line of stitches.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne

British Dictionary definitions for backstitch

backstitch

/ (ˈbækˌstɪtʃ) /

noun

a strong sewing stitch made by starting the next stitch at the middle or beginning of the preceding one

verb

to sew using this stitch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012