Stitch: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a single loop of thread in sewing or the act of sewing a small area. It can also refer to a sudden, sharp pain, usually in the side.

• She decided to add an extra stitch to reinforce the seam.
• After running fast, he felt a painful stitch in his side.

Used for the line where two pieces of fabric are joined together by sewing. It can refer to both clothing and other textiles.

• There was a small tear along the seam of his shirt.
• She carefully ironed the seams to make the garment look crisp.

Typically used in a medical context, referring to the process of stitching a wound or incision closed. It has a specific, clinical connotation.

• The doctor had to suture the deep cut on his arm.
• After the surgery, the sutures were carefully removed once the wound had healed.

Used to describe the edge of a piece of cloth that has been folded over and sewn. It's often mentioned in the context of clothing, like pants or skirts.

• She needed to hem her new dress to keep it from dragging on the floor.
• The pants were a bit too long, so he took them to a tailor to get the hem adjusted.

Use 'stitch' when talking about sewing or joining pieces of fabric together, usually with needle and thread. Can also apply to any instance where small, successive steps are combined to create a complete item.

• She knew how to stitch a button onto a shirt.
• The doctor used three stitches to close the wound.

'Loop' can refer to the circular shape made by a piece of yarn, thread, or string, often used in both sewing and knitting. Also used more broadly to describe cycles or repeated sequences.

• Make sure to pull each loop tight in your crochet.
• The programmer fixed an infinite loop in the code.

'Knit' is often used when creating fabric or garments using yarn and knitting needles, either by hand or machine. It's a common term in textile crafts.

• She decided to knit a sweater for her niece.
• Grandma loves to knit scarves during the winter.

'Purl' is specific to knitting, referring to a type of stitch that creates a bump on the surface of the fabric. It's the opposite of a knit stitch.

• After mastering the knit stitch, she practiced her purl stitches.
• A basic pattern alternates rows of knit and purl stitches.

Used primarily in the context of sewing, it refers to the individual loop or series of loops of thread used to bind materials together.

• She added a decorative stitch around the edge of the fabric.
• He felt a sharp stitch in his side after running.

This is the general term for using a needle and thread to attach pieces of fabric or make clothes. It is the act of stitching together pieces.

• She loves to sew dresses for her children.
• He spent the afternoon sewing a patch onto his jacket.

This word is used when referring to attaching or securing something, not just in sewing but also with buttons, zippers, or other fastening mechanisms.

• Please fasten your seatbelt before we take off.
• She fastened the clasp on her necklace.

Used when referring to repairing something that is broken or damaged, particularly clothing or fabric but also other items.

• He learned to mend his clothes while he was in the army.
• She took the ripped dress to the tailor to be mended.