kettle stitch

noun

, Bookbinding.

1. (in handsewing) a knot tied in the thread that links one section to the next.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kettle stitch¹

1810–20; part translation of German Kettelstich, equivalent to Kettel little chain (diminutive of Kette chain; Old High German ketīna < Latin catēna ) + Stich stitch; chain

Example Sentences

The needle is inserted in the back groove of the first sheet at the left hand underneath the kettle stitch and the thread drawn out to the knots.

From Project Gutenberg

The first and last sheets must be fastened to the one following and preceding respectively; but in the course of the sewing this enchaining to the preceding sheets—the so-called kettle stitch—is only necessary in the case of very thick sections.

From Project Gutenberg

With all other sheets, excepting the end sections, the thread is inserted at the kettle stitch and brought out at the next cord, round the cord, and inserted at the same hole, to be brought out again at the next cord, and so on till the thread comes out at the other kettle stitch and is inserted in the next sheet to go through the same process.

From Project Gutenberg

The saw-cuts at the kettle stitch are less deep and quite narrow; they only mark the place where the thread is to pass in and out.

From Project Gutenberg

When the thread is brought out of the kettle stitch of the second section the end of the thread left projecting from the first section is securely tied to it, and the sewer proceeds with the third section.

From Project Gutenberg