stitches crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "stitches" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. This versatile clue can have several meanings, ranging from sewing actions to medical procedures or even a type of pain. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "stitches crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SEWS: To join or repair something with needle and thread, forming stitches.
5 Letters
SEAMS: The lines where two pieces of fabric are joined by stitching.
CRAMP: A sudden, painful involuntary contraction of a muscle, often referred to as a "stitch" in the side during exercise.
7 Letters
SUTURES: Medical term for stitches used to close wounds or surgical incisions.
More About "stitches crossword clue"
"Stitches" is a classic crossword clue that often tests a solver's ability to consider multiple interpretations of a common word. It can refer to the act of using a needle and thread to join fabrics or close wounds, the result of that action (the loops of thread), or even a specific type of bodily discomfort. The beauty of such clues lies in their ambiguity, prompting solvers to think broadly about context.
When you encounter "stitches," consider the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme. Is it a craft-themed puzzle? Then sewing-related answers are likely. Is it medical? Then look for terms related to injury or surgery. If neither seems to fit, the less common meaning of a sharp pain might be the key. Our curated list aims to cover all these popular interpretations, providing you with a complete toolkit for success.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for becoming a proficient crossword solver. A single word can unlock multiple possibilities, and "stitches" is a prime example of a word with rich semantic depth that crossword constructors love to exploit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "stitches" that have multiple definitions, always brainstorm every possible meaning. Crossword setters love to use the less common definitions to trick solvers.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your best friend. If you have "stitches" and need a 4-letter word, SEWS is a strong candidate. If it's 7 letters, SUTURES might be the one.
- Look for Context Clues: Pay attention to any other words in the clue or surrounding clues. A clue like "Seamstress's work" will clearly point to sewing, while "ER procedure" would lean towards medical answers.
- Practice with Ambiguous Words: The more you solve puzzles with multi-meaning words, the better you'll become at anticipating their various interpretations. Keep a mental list of common ones!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of 'stitches' in crosswords?
The clue 'stitches' can refer to several concepts: the act of sewing (e.g., SEWS), the physical results of sewing (e.g., SEAMS, SUTURES), or a sharp, sudden pain, often in the side (e.g., CRAMP or PANG).
How can I distinguish between the medical and sewing meanings of 'stitches'?
Look for accompanying words in the clue. Terms like 'wound closer,' 'surgical,' or 'hospital' would point to SUTURES. Words like 'fabric join,' 'quilting,' or 'thread work' would suggest answers like SEWS or SEAMS.
Is 'stitch' related to a type of pain in crosswords?
Yes, 'stitch' or 'stitches' can be clued as a sudden, sharp pain, typically in the side, often experienced during exercise. Common answers for this interpretation include CRAMP or PANG.