A method for making an electrode assembly comprises overlaying an electrode on an electrode support, the electrode comprising a plurality of openings extending at least partially through a thickness of the electrode; supporting the electrode support with a jaw body; stitching a filament made of electrically insulative material comprising a first inset segment and exposed segment into a first opening of the plurality of openings such that the first inset segment is positioned in the first opening and at least a portion of the exposed segment is positioned to overlie an exposed working surface of the electrode; and affixing at least an end portion of the first inset segment of the filament to the electrode, electrode support, and/or the jaw body.