Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sharp, localized pain in the side of the torso: A stitch is a sudden, often cramp-like pain, typically felt just below the ribs, commonly experienced during or after strenuous exercise like running.
   • A single complete movement of a threaded needle in and out of fabric or material: A stitch is a single loop of thread or yarn made by a needle in sewing, knitting, crocheting, or embroidery. It is the fundamental unit that creates a seam or pattern.
   • A particular method or style of making such loops: Stitch can refer to a specific technique, such as a running stitch or a cross-stitch.

2. Verb:

   • To join, fasten, or mend something by making stitches with a needle and thread: To stitch is to sew, either by hand or with a sewing machine.
   • To decorate or create a design with stitches: To stitch can also mean to embroider or work a pattern with needle and thread.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • I had to stop running because I got a stitch in my side.
  • She sewed neat, even stitches along the hem of the dress.
  • The embroidery uses a complex satin stitch.

• Verb:

  • Can you stitch this button back on my shirt?
  • She spent the afternoon stitching a beautiful floral pattern onto the pillowcase.

Advanced Usage

• "A stitch in time saves nine": This proverb means that solving a problem promptly (with one stitch now) will prevent it from becoming much worse and requiring more work (nine stitches) later.

  • I fixed the small leak immediately—a stitch in time saves nine.

• "Not have a stitch on": To be completely naked.

  • The toddler ran through the house without a stitch on.

• "In stitches": Laughing uncontrollably.

  • The comedian's jokes had the entire audience in stitches.

Variants and Related Words

• Stitching (n): The action or process of sewing; a row of stitches.

  • The stitching on this leather bag is very durable.

• Stitcher (n): A person who sews.

• Stitch-up (n, informal): A situation where someone is falsely incriminated or betrayed.
  • He claimed the trial was a political stitch-up.

Synonyms

• Noun (for pain): Cramp, twinge, pang.
• Noun (for sewing): Suture (medical), seam.
• Verb: Sew, mend, suture, embroider.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Stitch up:
  • To sew something so that it is closed or repaired.

    • The surgeon stitched up the wound carefully.
  • (Informal) To successfully arrange or complete a deal or plan.

    • They stitched up the contract just before the deadline.
  • (Informal, UK) To betray or incriminate someone deceitfully.

    • He felt he had been stitched up by his so-called friends.

Related Idioms

• Drop a stitch (in knitting): To let a loop fall off the needle, creating an error in the pattern.

  • Oh no, I dropped a stitch and now the whole row is unraveling!

• Every stitch (of clothing): Every single piece of clothing one is wearing.

  • He was soaked to the skin, every stitch of his clothing was drenched.

Noun

1. a sharp spasm of pain in the side resulting from running
2. a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing

Verb

1. fasten by sewing; do needlework