punto
/ˈpun.to/masculine
The English word 'stitch' (referring to a single pass of the needle in sewing) is translated into Italian as punto.
punto is used to describe a single stitch in sewing. To be more specific about the method used, you can use the phrase punto a macchina for a machine stitch or punto a mano for a hand stitch.
Meaning: single pass of the needle in sewing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While punto is the general term for a sewing stitch, if you are referring specifically to a medical stitch or a surgical suture used to close a wound, the more precise term to use is punto di sutura.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of punto is punti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpun.to/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase punto e basta uses the word for 'stitch' to mean 'period' or 'end of discussion'. It is used to shut down an argument decisively.
- The Italian word punto is also the word used for a 'period' at the end of a sentence. This stems from the idea of a 'point' or a 'dot' ending a thought.
- The word punto comes from the Latin punctum, meaning a small hole or a prick.
Examples in context
- Devi cucire un altro punto sul vestito.You need to sew another stitch on the dress.
- La cucitura sul bordo della tovaglia è molto ben fatta.The stitching on the edge of the tablecloth is very well done.
- Ho fatto una ripresa alle ginocchia dei miei jeans preferiti.I stitched up the knees of my favorite jeans.
- Il punto è molto piccolo.The stitch is very small.
- Devi fare un punto regolare.You must make a regular stitch.
- Ogni punto richiede tempo.Every stitch takes time.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are sewing a small piece of fabric together.
- MatteoGuarda questo punto, Giulia.Look at this stitch, Giulia.
- GiuliaÈ un punto molto bello.It is a very beautiful stitch.
- MatteoGrazie, ma è difficile.Thanks, but it is difficult.
- GiuliaSei un bravo sarto, Matteo.You are a good tailor, Matteo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stitch” translations and entries punto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries punto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
