needleful
Definition
- Noun:
- A quantity of thread sufficient for a single threading of a needle: "Needleful" refers to the length of thread that is put through a needle's eye at one time for sewing. It is a countable unit, often measured by the amount needed for a particular stitch or task.
Usage Examples
- (A specific length of thread for one threading of the needle.)
- (The thread required for a single pass through the needle.)
Advanced Usage
"to take a needleful": to prepare a length of thread for sewing.
- The tailor took a needleful of silk thread to embroider the design. (The tailor measured and threaded a single quantity of thread.)
"a needleful of stitches": the number of stitches that can be made with one threading.
- A skilled seamstress can complete a needleful of stitches quickly. (The work done with one thread length.)
Variants and Related Words
- Needle (n): a thin, pointed piece of metal with a hole for thread, used in sewing.
- She threaded the needle carefully. (The sewing tool.)
- Needlework (n): the art or practice of sewing or embroidery.
- Her needlework was admired for its precision. (Sewing as a craft.)
Synonyms
- Thread length: a measured amount of thread for sewing.
- Threading: the act of putting thread through a needle (though not a direct synonym for the quantity).
Phrasal Verbs
- Thread a needle: to pass thread through the eye of a needle.
- She threaded a needle for the first time. (Prepared the needle for sewing.)
Related Idioms
- A needle in a haystack: something very difficult to find.
- Finding that tiny button is like a needle in a haystack. (An extremely challenging search.)
- To thread the needle: to navigate a narrow or difficult path.
- He threaded the needle between the two cars. (Moved skillfully through a tight space.)