Steekje

Steekje is a Dutch word that translates to "little stitch" or "small stab" in English. The term is often used in a colloquial and less literal sense to describe a minor discomfort or a brief, sharp sensation. For instance, someone might say they have a "steekje in their side" to indicate a fleeting, mild pain. It can also refer to a very small amount of something, similar to a drop or a tiny bit. In knitting and crochet, a steek is a vertical slit cut into a knitted fabric to allow for easier shaping or to transition between different sections of a pattern, particularly when working in the round. This technique is common in Fair Isle knitting and other intarsia methods to avoid carrying yarn across long distances. The cut is reinforced before being made to prevent unraveling. The word's versatility allows it to describe both physical sensations and small quantities, as well as a specific crafting technique.