Stich
/stɪtʃ/noun
A stitch is a loop of thread or a single pass of thread used in sewing or knitting.
Did you know?English stitch is historically tied to an old Germanic root meaning “to prick or pierce,” which is why it also survives in words for pain, sewing, and sharp, puncturing motions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steig-
“to prick, pierce, or stick”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*stikaz
“a prick, stab, or puncture”
Old English
OE
stice
“a stitch, stab, or puncture”
Middle English
ME
stiche
“a stitch in sewing; also a stab or sharp pain”
Modern English
English
stitch
“a loop of thread used in sewing or knitting”