UNDERSTITCH Meaning and
Definition
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Understitch:
Understitch is a sewing technique or stitch used in dressmaking and garment construction to achieve a neat and professional finish on the inside of a garment. It is commonly used on facing, linings, and edges of fabrics that need to be stabilized and secured without the stitches being visible from the outside.
The understitch is typically sewn on the seam allowances, close to the edge of the fabric. It involves stitching the facing or lining along the seam line, facing inwards, while simultaneously catching the seam allowances underneath. This creates a subtle line of stitching that helps to keep the facing or lining in place and prevents it from rolling or peeking out when the garment is worn. Additionally, it aids in maintaining the shape and structure of the garment.
The understitch is sewn using a regular straight stitch on a sewing machine or can also be done by hand using a slip stitch or catch stitch for more delicate fabrics. It is important to ensure that only the facing or lining is caught by the stitching and not the main fabric of the garment.
Overall, the understitch is an essential technique in dressmaking that adds a professional touch to the construction of garments, ensuring a clean and polished finish on the inside.
Etymology of UNDERSTITCH
The word "understitch" is a compound word made up of "under" and "stitch".
The term "stitch" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "stihtan" and meant "to sew or mend with a stitch". The word then evolved over time to its current form.
The word "under" also comes from Old English, spelled as "under", and it meant "beneath or below".
Therefore, the etymology of "understitch" is straightforward. It refers to a type of stitch that is done beneath or below the surface of the fabric to secure one layer of fabric to another.
