Illustration of hemstitch
: 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
hem·stitch
hemstitched; hemstitching; hemstitches
: to decorate (something, such as a border) with hemstitch
hemstitcher
noun
Examples of hemstitch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Morrill, ELLE Decor, 15 Nov. 2018
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
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
An ivory hemstitched napkin with gold monogram is the little black dress of tabletop.
—Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 29 July 2019
Cocktail plates, hemstitched linens and teaspoons line up like soldiers encouraging guests to treat themselves.
—Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Apr. 2018
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Noun
Best: $130 to $190 400 to 600 thread count Egyptian or Pima cotton, some with windowpane or hemstitch detailing.
—Hannah Morrill, ELLE Decor, 15 Nov. 2018
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
An ivory hemstitched napkin with gold monogram is the little black dress of tabletop.
—Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 29 July 2019
Cocktail plates, hemstitched linens and teaspoons line up like soldiers encouraging guests to treat themselves.
—Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Apr. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Hemstitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemstitch. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
: decorative needlework
2
: a stitch used in hemstitching
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