The term “suture” is a derivative of the Latin term sutura, which translates to “a sewn seam”. Sutures were first described as far back as 30,000 BC in Egyptian literature. Ancient civilisations constructed eyed needles from bone and used fibrous plant materials and animal hairs as suture material. East African tribes closed wounds by pushing Acacia thorns through the wound edges and tying strips of vegetation around the protruding ends. A South American technique used large black ants, their jaws acting akin to Michel clips, that bite the wound edges together before twisting the ant’s body off leaving its head in place. In the 21st century, although various alternative wound closure methods have been developed, sutures remain the standard of care. The surgical suture market size is valued at approximately 5 billion USD, with one company producing enough suture per annum to wrap the around the circumference of the world six times. Whilst the materials and processes for applying sutures have evolved with technological sophistication, the basic concept and purpose that underscores the humble suture remains the same as ever. This poster illustrates the history of the suture and its innovation through the years, which have been instrumental to transform surgery and elevate standards of care.