Hemstitch or hem-stitch is a decorative drawn thread work or openwork hand-sewing technique for embellishing the hem of clothing or household linens. Unlike an ordinary hem, hemstitching can employ embroidery thread in a contrasting color so as to be noticeable. In hemstitching, one or more threads are drawn out of the fabric parallel and next to ... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemstitch
• (v. t.) To ornament at the head of a broad hem by drawing out a few parallel threads, and fastening the cross threads in successive small clusters; as, to hemstitch a handkerchief. Found on http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/hemstitch/
Hem'stitch transitive verb [ imperfect & past participle Hemstitched ; present participle & verbal noun Hemstitching .] [ Hem + stitch .] To ornament at the head of a broad hem by drawing out a few parallel threads, and fast... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/H/33