hemstitch

[hem-stich]

verb (used with object)

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

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

noun

the stitch used or the needlework done in hemstitching.

Nearby words

Origin of hemstitch

First recorded in 1830–40; hem¹ + stitch

Related formshem·stitch·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hemstitch

You have learned the hemming stitch; now you will try the hemstitch.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
Hemstitch in the usual way, then turn the work and take up each group on the other side of the drawn threads (Figure 176).
The Library of Work and Play: Needlecraft|Effie Archer Archer
Do you know that some girls are often confused and call the hemstitch, the hemming stitch?
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
Double hemstitching means to hemstitch the other side opposite the hem, by taking up the same bundles.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne

Both are used at the top of the hem to hold it in place, but often the hemstitch is used in other places, too.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne

British Dictionary definitions for hemstitch

hemstitch

noun

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

verb

to decorate (a hem, etc) with hemstitches

Derived Formshemstitcher, noun

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

Word Origin and History for hemstitch

hemstitch

also hem-stitch, 1821, from hem + stitch. As a verb by 1839. Related: Hemstitched; hemstitching.