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kettle stitch

American  

noun

Bookbinding.
  1. (in handsewing) a knot tied in the thread that links one section to the next.


Etymology

Origin of kettle stitch

1810–20; part translation of German Kettelstich, equivalent to Kettel little chain (diminutive of Kette chain; Old High German ketīna < Latin catēna ) + Stich stitch; cf. chain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another section is laid on and sewn, but when the kettle stitch is reached, the under thread is caught up in the way shown in fig.

From Bookbinding, and the Care of Books A handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians by Rooke, Noel

The needle is inserted in the back groove of the first sheet at the left hand underneath the kettle stitch and the thread drawn out to the knots.

From Practical Bookbinding by Adam, Paul

The centre of the next section is then found, and it is sewn in the same way from tail to head, the thread being tied to the loose end hanging from the first kettle stitch.

From Bookbinding, and the Care of Books A handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians by Rooke, Noel

The saw-cuts at the kettle stitch are less deep and quite narrow; they only mark the place where the thread is to pass in and out.

From Practical Bookbinding by Adam, Paul

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