hemstitch

[ hem-stich ]

/ ˈhɛmˌstɪtʃ /

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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.

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Origin of hemstitch

First recorded in 1830–40; hem¹ + stitch

OTHER WORDS FROM hemstitch

hemstitcher, noun

Words nearby hemstitch

hemp nettle, hempseed, Hempstead, hemp tree, hempy, hemstitch, hen, Henan, hen-and-chickens, henbane, henbit

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use hemstitch in a sentence

Double hemstitching means to hemstitch the other side opposite the hem, by taking up the same bundles.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
Do you know that some girls are often confused and call the hemstitch, the hemming stitch?
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
Now that you know the hemstitch, you can use it in many places.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne
You have learned the hemming stitch; now you will try the hemstitch.
Clothing and Health|Helen Kinne

Sometimes when a very open effect is desired it is necessary to double hemstitch the threads.
The Library of Work and Play: Needlecraft|Effie Archer Archer

British Dictionary definitions for hemstitch

hemstitch

/ (ˈhɛmˌstɪtʃ) /

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 forms of hemstitch

hemstitcher, 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