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oversew

American  
[oh-ver-soh, oh-ver-soh] / ˈoʊ vərˌsoʊ, ˌoʊ vərˈsoʊ /

verb (used with object)

oversewed, oversewn, oversewed, oversewing
  1. to sew with stitches passing successively over an edge, especially closely, so as to cover the edge or make a firm seam.


oversew British  
/ ˈəʊvəˌsəʊ, ˌəʊvəˈsəʊ /

verb

  1. to sew (two edges) with close stitches that pass over them both

"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

Etymology

Origin of oversew

First recorded in 1860–65; over- + sew 1

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.

See Examples For:

Sally could oversew and hem when she wa'n't more'n three years old; nothin' straightens out children like work.

From The Pearl of Orr's Island A Story of the Coast of Maine by Stowe, Harriet Beecher

The right side of the skirt and the right side of the belt are placed against each other and each gather oversewed to the belt.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

After padding firmly, the front opening should be oversewed.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

If book is not oversewed the first and last sections must be guarded with jaconet.

From Library Bookbinding by Bailey, Arthur Low

If this patch is used to repair skirts near the band, only three sides are oversewed, the upper edge should be gathered into the band.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

Sew the end papers to the fly-leaves which have just been oversewed, and paste fly-leaves and end papers together.

From Library Bookbinding by Bailey, Arthur Low

The two degrees of obscuring or clouding gold by oversewing are here shown in most instructive contrast.

From Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery by Buckle, Mary

In small pieces of work, however, there is not much likelihood of strain, so the oversewing at the back answers fairly well.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

Overcast′ing, the action of the verb overcast: in bookbinding, a method of oversewing single leaves in hem-stitch style to give the pliability of folded double leaves.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Some garments, with designs produced by oversewing before dyeing, are seen here, but they are recent importations from the Kulaman or Tagakaolo tribes.

From The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao The R. F. Cummings Philippine Expedition by Cole, Fay-Cooper

It is permissible to stitch sections lengthwise before sewing regularly on bands, but oversewing is preferable.

From Library Bookbinding by Bailey, Arthur Low

In patchwork of loosely-textured material each separate piece of stuff may be cut large, turned in at the edge, and oversewn on the wrong side. larger image 65.

From Art in Needlework A Book about Embroidery by Buckle, Mary

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