What does sewing mean?
Sewing is the craft and practical activity of joining pieces of fabric with thread, usually by passing a needle through the material. It is used to make, alter, or repair clothing, accessories, household textiles, and many other fabric objects. The related verb 'sew' has the same meaning, while 'sewing' can also function as its present participle: 'She is sewing a dress.' The word often carries a domestic or artisanal association because sewing was traditionally practiced at home and remains a familiar household skill, although it also has industrial and professional applications. A sewing machine made the process faster and enabled more regular, durable stitches, while hand sewing continued to be valued for precision and control. Sewing is also important in costume-making, crafts, upholstery, bookbinding, and textile repair. Its vocabulary includes terms such as 'stitch,' 'needle,' 'thread,' 'seam,' and 'pattern,' reflecting its central role in the making of things from cloth.
The activity or craft of joining fabric together with thread, especially to make or repair clothing and other textile items.
"The children learned basic sewing at summer camp."
Usually uncountable; it normally refers to the activity or craft rather than to a single sewn object.
The present participle of 'sew,' describing the act of joining fabric with thread.
"He is sewing a button onto his coat."
This is a present-participle form used in continuous constructions; it is not usually a separate dictionary verb in its own right.
The noun 'sewing' normally refers to an activity or craft and does not take a plural form.
"She enjoys sewing and has made several quilts."
Sewing began as a practical way to turn separate pieces of cloth into durable clothing, and it remains one of the oldest forms of textile-making.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sewing come from?
The word 'sewing' derives from the English verb 'sew,' which comes from Old English 'siuwan,' meaning to stitch or join together. The underlying Germanic root is reflected in related English words such as 'seam' and in the now archaic verb 'sow,' meaning to stitch. In modern English, 'sewing' developed as the activity named by 'sew' and as the present participle of that verb.
Related word forms
How sewing is actually used
As a noun, 'sewing' is usually uncountable and refers to the activity or craft. As a verb form, it is used in continuous tenses and in sentences such as 'She is sewing.'
Easily confused with sewing
Sewing joins fabric with thread, whereas sowing scatters seeds in soil.