The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word PURL
P
U
R
L
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a stitch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a stitch = purl.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PURL mean?
PURL noun- A particular stitch in knitting; an inversion of stitches giving the work a ribbed or waved appearance.
- The edge of lace trimmed with loops.
- An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.
- To decorate with fringe or embroidered edge
- An inverted stitch producing ribbing etc
- A heavy or headlong fall; an upset.
- To upset, to spin, capsize, fall heavily, fall headlong.
- A circle made by the motion of a fluid; an eddy; a ripple.
- A gentle murmuring sound, such as that produced by the running of a liquid among obstructions.
- To flow with a murmuring sound in swirls and eddies.
- To rise in circles, ripples, or undulations; to curl; to mantle.
- Ale or beer spiced with wormwood or other bitter herbs, regarded as a tonic.
- Hot beer mixed with gin, sugar, and spices.
- A tern.