@Alter4Ego It means "take care of problems right away, so that they do not develop into bigger problems." When a garment starts to become unraveled, sewing one stitch might fix it. But if you let it unravel further, you will have to sew more stiches (maybe nine, because it rhymes!) later.

@DrWatson My nana used to say this to me as a little girl. :)

@Lilymoon and the related "it's gawd's will"