oversew
oversew — verb
- oversewpresent simple I / you / we / they
- oversews3rd person singular
- oversewing-ing form
- oversewedpast simple
1. to stitch along the edge of a piece of cloth using small, evenly spaced loops th
to stitch along the edge of a piece of cloth using small, evenly spaced loops that go over the edge, either to join two folded edges together or to finish the edge so it does not come apart.
Rodrigo oversewed the hem of the cotton dress with neat, even stitches.
oversew + [object] with [stitch type]
The tailor taught Nkechi how to oversew the two folded edges of the lining together.
oversew + edges + together
Nora carefully oversewed the patch onto the torn sleeve of her jacket.
The tailor oversewed the edges of the collar by hand before attaching the lining.
The class practiced how to oversew the border of each handkerchief.
- whipstitch
very similar technique; 'whipstitch' usually describes a quicker, more visible stitch used for joining, while 'overhand' implies neater finishing
文法句型
oversew + [object]
用法筆記
Object is usually a fabric edge, hem, seam, or patch that needs joining or finishing. This sense describes hand-sewing, not machine stitching.
常見錯誤
2. to sew over a cut edge of cloth with diagonal stitches that pass across the edge
to sew over a cut edge of cloth with diagonal stitches that pass across the edge, forming a protective layer that prevents the threads from coming loose or the fabric from fraying.
Vivek oversewed all the raw edges of the wool fabric before washing it.
oversew + raw edge + [fabric type]
Eitan oversewed the raw edges inside the linen skirt to stop fraying in the wash.
Sora learned to oversew the cut edges of the canvas bag before assembling it.
The dressmaker always oversews the edges of silk garments to protect the delicate fabric.
Darius oversewed the neckline before attaching the collar to prevent unravelling.
- overcast
used as a verb synonym; 'overcast' is more common in pattern instructions ('overcast the seam allowance')
文法句型
oversew + [object]
用法筆記
Object is typically a raw (unfinished) fabric edge, seam allowance, or cut line. Distinguish from Sense 1: overcast stitching is specifically for preventing fraying on raw edges, whereas overhand stitching often joins two finished edges.
常見錯誤
3. to bind a book or printed pages by machine, sewing through the folded sections w
to bind a book or printed pages by machine, sewing through the folded sections with strong thread so the spine stays firm but the pages can open flat.
The library sent the worn volume to be oversewed so its pages stayed secure.
passive: be oversewed by machine
Mayumi had the student thesis oversewed instead of stapled for a more durable finish.
Brooke noticed that the reference book had been oversewed, so it opened flat on the desk.
The workshop oversews rare manuscripts for archival collections around the country.
Emre checked whether the thesis could be oversewed before the binding machine was set up.
- sew through the fold
a descriptive phrase for the technique, not a direct synonym but used in binding manuals
文法句型
oversew + [book / volume / manuscript]
be oversewed + by machine
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice ('be oversewed', 'got oversewed'). Object is always a bound item (book, volume, manuscript, thesis). This bookbinding sense is distinct from Senses 1 and 2, which refer to hand-sewing on fabric.