NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #385 (Sunday, March 23 2025)
Need help with Strands #385? Here are some hints and the answers

Need some assistance with NYT Strands today? Today's theme — "In stitches" — is reasonably straightforward, as long as you know enough words associated with it.
Below, we've compiled some useful hints for Strands #385, as well as the answers, should it come to that. We'll start off with some clues, before building up to the full answer for Strands #385, so read on if you need a little help.
Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Strands #385.
Today's NYT Strands answer — Today's theme and hints
The official theme for NYT Strands #385 is... "In stitches".
And here's an unofficial hint from me: "Feeling crafty".
If you're still in the dark, here are some useful words to give you those valuable clue tokens:
- BORED
- LINK
- BEAST
- DEATH
- ROBE
- HEAD
- PAID
- WASTE
Still struggling? The spangram will give you a hint about the connection word. Today, it starts with N and ends with K.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Scroll down to find out what it is...
It's NEEDLEWORK.
Today's Strands answers
So, what are today's Strands answers for game #385?
Drumroll, please...
- CROCHET
- PATCH
- MEND
- DARN
- KNIT
- BASTE
- EMBROIDER
...and the spangram was NEEDLEWORK.
Strands #385
“In stitches”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
Hi Strands fans. Even though I know nothing about needlework, the theme of "In stitches" could only refer to two things: laughter - which was yesterday's theme - or crafts. It had to be the latter, so I found NEEDLEWORK spelt down the board and was away.
It was largely through the process of elimination that I got through this puzzle without clues. I saw CROCHET in the top-left corner, which helped me get PATCH, MEND and DARN below it to complete the left-hand side of the grid.
The right side was a bit harder, but I made it easier for myself by getting KNIT in the middle of it, breaking up the remaining words neatly. BASTE was below it - a word I've never heard in this context - and that just left EMBROIDER in the top right to complete the puzzle.
Yesterday's Strands answers
Reading this in a later time zone? You can find the full article on yesterday's Strands answers for game #384 right here.
Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

















