sewing-machine stitch

2.8

A row of thread that a sewing machine makes to join pieces of fabric

noun
/ˈsoʊɪŋ məˌʃin stɪtʃ/

: puntada de máquina de coser

For added durability, use a zigzag sewing-machine stitch when working with stretch fabrics.

Examples

She used a sewing-machine stitch to finish the hem.
A sewing-machine stitch can be stronger and more uniform than a traditional hand stitch.
The seamstress adjusted the tension to create a perfect sewing-machine stitch on the new dress.
The sewing-machine stitch was perfectly even.
Using a sewing-machine stitch ensures that the seams on your quilt are strong and neat.
The designer chose a decorative sewing-machine stitch to enhance the visual appeal of the garment.
To achieve a professional finish, always use a sewing-machine stitch instead of a hand stitch.

Synonyms

stitch

vssewing-machine stitch

23 2.3

A single loop of thread made when sewing or knitting

is specifically produced by a powered device rather than by hand

machine stitch

vssewing-machine stitch

3.4

A line of thread that a sewing machine makes to join fabric

is the same but written with a hyphenated form

How Secure

lockstitch

Specialized

1 6.8

sewing-machine stitch

2.8

to overlock

1 6.3

chain stitch

Specialized

4.6

Surface Forms

sewing-machine stitch singular

sewing-machine stitches plural

Morphology

sewing-machine + stitch

The meaning 'a stitch made by a sewing machine' is directly and compositionally derived from the constituents 'sewing-machine' (machine for sewing) and 'stitch' (a sewn loop). This follows a regular noun–noun compound pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the parts will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Sewing-machine stitch comes from the machines that sew fabric quickly and make the same small, even stitches each time; the sewing-machine makes the stitch different from a hand stitch. That's why it means 'a stitch made by a sewing machine' today.