point
/pwɛ̃/masculine
The English word "stitch" (as in a single pass of the needle in sewing) is translated into French as point.
In the context of sewing, point refers to a single stitch. Because point can also mean "point" or "dot" in many other contexts, you must rely on the context of sewing to ensure the meaning is clear.
Meaning: single pass of the needle in sewing (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you are speaking technically or formally about a sewing stitch, you can use point de couture. If you are referring to a medical stitch used by a doctor to close a wound, use point de suture.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word point is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pwɛ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When referring to a surgical stitch used to close a wound, do not use point. Instead, use the medical term point de suture.
Did you know?
- In French knitting and crochet, point is used to describe the specific pattern or stitch type, such as point de riz which translates to 'rice stitch'.
- When a doctor says faire un point, they are talking about applying a surgical stitch, but in a general context, it can mean 'to give a status report'.
- The French word for a stitch, point, shares the same Latin root as the English word 'punctual', which relates to a specific point in time.
Examples in context
- Qui a dit que le point de croix n'était fait que pour les femmes ?Who said cross stitch is strictly for women only?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the word point when discussing cross stitch.Tatoeba #4593181 by sacredceltic, translation #4591721 by mervert1
- La couturière a utilisé un point parfait pour réparer la robe.The dressmaker used a perfect stitch to repair the dress.
- J'ai ajouté un petit point pour que ton pantalon tienne mieux.I added a little stitch to make your pants fit better.
- Faites un point bien serré.Make a tight stitch.
- Ce point est irrégulier.This stitch is irregular.
Example conversation
Gabriel is teaching Manon how to mend a piece of fabric.
- GabrielRegarde, je fais un point ici.Look, I am making a stitch here.
- ManonC'est un beau point, Gabriel.It is a beautiful stitch, Gabriel.
- GabrielEst-ce que ce point est correct ?Is this stitch correct?
- ManonOui, le point est parfait.Yes, the stitch is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stitch” translations and entries point, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries point, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
