Definition

Noun: A type of machine-made stitch in which two separate threads, one from above (the needle thread) and one from below (the bobbin thread), are interlocked or twisted together at the center of the material being sewn. This creates a secure, durable, and non-raveling seam, making it the most common stitch in modern sewing machines.

Usage

The term "lockstitch" is used to specifically describe the stitch formation and the resulting seam. It is a technical term common in sewing, tailoring, and textile manufacturing. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a lockstitch, tight lockstitches). - It is often used attributively as a noun modifier (e.g., lockstitch machine, lockstitch formation).

Examples

• The durability of denim jeans comes from the strong lockstitch used on the seams.
• Most household sewing machines create a basic lockstitch.
• You can adjust the tension to make the lockstitch tighter or looser.
• The mechanic explained that the lockstitch on the upholstery was still intact.

Advanced Usage

• Lockstitch is contrasted with other machine stitch types, such as the chainstitch, where loops of a single thread are interlooped. The lockstitch is generally stronger and more secure.
• In industrial contexts, "lockstitch" specifies a class of sewing machines (e.g., a single-needle lockstitch machine).

Variants and Related Words

• Lockstitching (gerund/noun): The action or process of sewing with a lockstitch.
  • The lockstitching on this jacket is of very high quality.
• Chainstitch (noun): A different, often less secure, type of machine stitch for comparison.

Synonyms

• Interlocked stitch (descriptive synonym)
• Double-thread stitch (descriptive synonym)

Antonyms

• Chainstitch (a stitch formed from a single, looped thread)
• Hand stitch (a stitch made manually, not by a machine's interlocking mechanism)

Related Phrases/Technical Terms

• Bobbin thread: The lower thread in a lockstitch that comes from the bobbin.
• Needle thread: The upper thread in a lockstitch that comes from the spool.
• Thread tension: A critical adjustment for forming a proper, balanced lockstitch.

Noun

1. machine stitch in which the top thread interlocks with the bobbin thread