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

For the tourists' benefit, Vlkolinec puts on traditional craft demonstrations, from sewing folk costumes and gingerbread decorating to mowing and haymaking.

From Barron's • Jul. 3, 2026

She found a job in a Brooklyn factory sewing buttons on coats for half a penny per button.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Only after her plight was the centerpiece of a Las Vegas Sun article about public assistance did the welfare department set her up with a sewing class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing dominoes, sewing and spending time at the beach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

I groan and push past Charlie down the hall to where I’ve been sleeping, in Miz Rita’s sewing room.

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist

Related Words

• tailoring