stülpen

Stülpen is a German verb meaning to turn something inside out or to slip something over or over an edge. It is used in contexts such as textiles, clothing construction, and garment finishing, where fabric or a sleeve is pulled over a edge or onto a body part. In many cases, the action described is simply drawing material over a border or through a opening, for example “den Rand stülpen” (to fold or draw fabric over the edge) or “die Kapuze über den Kopf stülpen” (to pull the hood over the head).

The more specific form umstülpen is commonly used when the action involves turning an item inside-out, reversing its orientation. While umstülpen emphasizes turning inside out, stülpen can refer more generally to covering, enclosing, or pulling fabric over an edge without a necessary reversal.

Etymology is not precisely documented in accessible sources, but the verb is typically related to the noun Stulpe, which denotes a cuff, sleeve, or end of a garment. The relationship lies in the sense of manipulating fabric around an edge or opening.

Usage notes: In technical or sewing instructions, umstülpen is often preferred when the intended result is an inside-out orientation. In everyday language, stülpen remains common for actions that involve slipping fabric over a border or wrapping it around a part of the body.

See also: German verbs with prefixed forms such as umstülpen; related garment terminology involving cuffs and sleeves.