sewing

American  

[soh-ing] / ˈsoʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or work of one who sews.

2. something sewn or to be sewn.

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sewing British  

/ ˈsəʊɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a piece of cloth, etc, that is sewn or to be sewn

   2. ( as modifier )

      sewing basket

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Etymology

Origin of sewing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at sew ¹, -ing ¹

Explanation

Sewing is the craft of stitching things using a needle and thread. If you enjoy sewing, your elaborate, hand-stitched Halloween costumes might be the envy of all your friends. Before the invention of the sewing machine in the 1800s, sewing was done by hand. This kind of sewing involves threading a needle and taking repeated stitches through fabric, to attach several pieces to each other. The sewing that goes into a modern, mass-produced piece of clothing requires speedy, electric-powered sewing machines doing all the stitching. You can also use this word for a stitching project: "Have you seen my sewing? I thought I left it on the coffee table."

Example Sentences

Tracye Saar, who is her mother’s youngest daughter and also her studio manager, has memories of sitting under the long wooden tables at the ICCC, smelling the dust and oil from the sewing machines.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

In second grade, Mother taught me to hand-sew seams and then to use the old black Singer sewing machine.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

The mother-of-two said she works all day sewing clothes and embroidering but she can't afford baby formula for her youngest.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Singers were sewing costumes and painting sets right up to opening night.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

When she was certain no one was near, she put down her sewing and examined the rest of the costumes, which were hung on large garment racks by the wall and stored in labeled boxes.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• tailoring