hemstitch

1 of 2

noun

ˈhem-ˌstich 

: decorative needlework similar to drawnwork that is used especially on or next to the stitching line of hems

also : a stitch used in such decorative needlework

Illustration of hemstitch

hemstitch

2 of 2

verb

hem·​stitch

hemstitched; hemstitching; hemstitches

transitive verb

: to decorate (something, such as a border) with hemstitch

hemstitcher noun

Examples of hemstitch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For this place setting, Kate Goddard of Wild Sky Events paired a textured white charger with a silver crosshatch pattern, a white hemstitch napkin, and a handmade paper menu with dusty gray-blue calligraphy. — Dobrina Zhekova, Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018

Verb

Peruse signature lines of linens, pillows, duvet covers, and hemstitch sheets as well as This Works bath and body products, scented candles, decorative pillows and fluffy robes. — Necee Regis, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Mar. 2021

This will buy you 400- to 600-thread-count Egyptian or Pima cotton, some with windowpane or hemstitch detailing. — Kelley Carter, ELLE Decor, 10 June 2020

Brasserie cups, saucers, and plate in white with blue trim, and hemstitched dinner napkins in yellow—all from Williams-Sonoma. — Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, 5 July 2012

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hemstitch

• bewitch
• caliche
• distich
• enrich
• bitch
• ditch
• fiche
• glitch
• hitch
• ich
• itch
• kitsch

Kids Definition

hemstitch

1 of 2 verb

hem·​stitch ˈhem-ˌstich 

: to embroider fabric by drawing out parallel threads and stitching the exposed threads in groups to form designs

hemstitcher noun

hemstitch

2 of 2 noun

1

: decorative needlework

2

: a stitch used in hemstitching