stitch

Stitch refers to a looped thread or series of loops that secures two pieces of material together, or to the act of making such a loop. It is central to sewing, embroidery, and wound closure in medicine. The term also encompasses the resulting line of thread, the stitch type, and the technique used.

In sewing and textile work, stitches provide structural joins and decorative effects. Common basic stitches include the running stitch, backstitch, and whip stitch, each differing in how the thread enters and exits the fabric. More complex stitches, such as satin or cross-stitch, are used for finish, strength, or decoration.

In medicine, a stitch, or suture, is a strand used to close a wound or incision. Materials include natural fibers and synthetic polymers, and they may be absorbable or nonabsorbable. Sutures are deposited with a needle and secured with knots; some wounds require removal of the sutures later, others dissolve as healing progresses.

A side stitch, or stitch in the side, is a sharp pain that occurs during vigorous exercise, often near the ribcage. Causes are debated but may involve the diaphragm or reduced blood flow. Management includes controlled breathing, gentle stretching, and pacing.

The term stitch also appears in idioms and practices, such as "stitching someone up" (to frame or deceive) or "stitching" as embroidery. In clothing, a stitch differs from a seam, which is a line of stitches joining larger pieces. The length and type of stitch affect durability and appearance.