Sewing is a wonderful hobby and skill that many people enjoy. From making your own clothes to crafting quilts, embroidery and more, sewing allows you to create beautiful and useful items with fabric and thread.

But if you’re new to the world of sewing, you may be wondering – what exactly do you call a person who sews? There are actually many different terms used to describe people who sew, both hobbyists and professionals alike.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll take a look at the various names and terminology used for sewists. Keep reading to learn the differences between a seamstress, tailor, quilter, and more!

Key Takeaways

• The umbrella term for anyone who sews is “sewer,” though some prefer alternate words like “sewist” to avoid confusion.
• Casual hobby sewists may identify simply as sewing enthusiasts or needleworkers.
• Professionals often use more specific titles related to their work, like seamstress, quilter, or couturier.
• There are no hard rules, so feel free to get creative if none of the traditional terms feel quite right! The most important thing is enjoying sewing.

Common Terms for Sewing Hobbyists

First, let’s explore some of the most common ways to describe someone who sews for fun, relaxation or just for personal use.

Sewer

The term “sewer” is technically the proper word to use for anyone who sews. It’s been used for centuries, dating all the way back to medieval poetry.

However, many sewists dislike this term because it’s also used to describe the underground waste and plumbing systems in cities. To avoid confusion, some prefer to hyphenate it as “sew-er” instead.

Regardless of the odd connotations, “sewer” is still the most widely recognized word to describe someone who sews. Just be aware it looks a bit strange in writing compared to speech.

Sewist

A newer, trendy term gaining popularity is “sewist.” This creative word combines “sewing” and “artist,” emphasizing the creative nature of sewing. It also avoids confusion with plumbing systems.

“Sewist” is commonly used by bloggers and crafters, though traditionalists may claim it’s not a real word yet. What’s important is that it’s a fun, gender-neutral alternative with no odd connotations.

Stitcher

An old-fashioned term you may hear is “stitcher.” It conjures images of hand-sewing rather than modern machine work. However, some may use it today to broadly encompass all needlework hobbies.

Embroiderer

Someone who creates decorative designs on fabric through embroidery can call themselves an embroiderer. This term applies to both handwork and machine embroidery.

Quilter

Quilters specialize in sewing together fabric pieces to create quilts. It’s a specific term for sewists focused on quilting over other techniques.

Sewing Enthusiast

For casual and beginner sewists, “sewing enthusiast” is a fun term denoting passion for sewing over deep expertise. It has a lighthearted, approachable vibe.

Needleworker

Similar to stitcher, “needleworker” broadly covers all sewing and embroidery done with a needle and thread. It’s not used much today, but some see it as a unique way to stand out.

Professional Sewing Titles

Now let’s look at terminology used in the professional sewing industry:

Seamstress

The dictionary defines a seamstress as a woman who sews for a living. Before the sewing machine’s invention, many women earned money hand-sewing at home.

Today “seamstress” has a old-fashioned ring, and most female professionals use more specific titles related to their work. However, some do still identify generally as seamstresses.

Tailor

Tailoring involves altering and mending clothes for a perfect custom fit. So a tailor is someone who alters clothing professionally, especially suits and formal wear.

The term isn’t gender-specific, though some associate it more with men. Specific alterations jobs also exist, like dressmaker and costume designer.

Quilter

While quilting can be a hobby, there are also professional quilters who create and sell elaborate, artistic quilts. These textile artists bridge quilting and high art.

Designer/Maker/Crafter

These very broad terms can apply to anyone selling handmade sewn goods, from apparel designers to quilted home decor crafters on Etsy.

Couturier

In high fashion, a couturier is someone who creates custom-fit, exclusive apparel for clients. Coco Chanel is perhaps the most famous example of a couturier.

Dressmaker

A dressmaker designs and sews dresses, whether for individual clients or ready-to-wear. Historically it referred specifically to women, though men can be dressmakers too.

Common Sewing Terminology

Now that we’ve covered ways to describe the people who sew, let’s look at some other common terminology used in the sewing world. Knowing the lingo is helpful for communication, reading patterns, and getting the most out of your sewing journey!

Fabrics

First, understanding fabric terms will make shopping for materials much easier:

• Woven – Fabrics like denim, canvas, poplin. Yarns interlaced over and under. Usually very durable.
• Knit – Fabrics like jersey, interlock, velour. Made from interlocking loops. Usually stretchy.
• Quilting cotton – Lightweight woven fabric popular for quilting and apparel.
• Flannel – Soft, slightly napped woven fabric. Used for shirts, sleepwear, baby clothes.
• Lawn – Light, semi-sheer woven cotton or linen fabric. Commonly used for blouses and summer dresses.
• Voile – Sheer, lightweight woven fabric popular for billowy dresses and curtains.
• Chiffon – Delicate, lightweight plain woven fabric with a soft drape. Used for formalwear.
• Crepe – Lightweight woven fabric with textured crinkled surface. Used for blouses, dresses, and trousers.
• Brocade – Heavy woven fabric with elaborate designs. Used for upholstery and formalwear.
• Velvet – Woven fabric with a thick soft pile. Used for dresses, jackets, upholstery.
• Satin – Smooth, shiny woven fabric. Used for formalwear, bedding.
• Organza – Sheer, lightweight plain woven fabric with stiffness. Used for bridalwear, trimmings.
• Lace – Decorative open fabric made by looping, interweaving threads. Used for trimmings and overlays.

This covers just a sampling – there are countless fabric types and blends out there! When shopping, be sure to check the fiber content and description.

Tools and Notions

Sewists use a variety of tools and notions:

• Sewing machine – Mechanical device with needle & thread for stitching fabric
• Serger – Specialized machine that sews seam finishes for stretch fabrics
• Scissors – Cutting implement for fabric and thread
• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler – Used together for accurately cutting fabric
• Pins and needles – For temporarily joining and hand-sewing
• Seam ripper – Small tool for removing stitching
• Presser feet – Attachments for sewing specialty techniques
• Iron and ironing board – Essential for pressing and finishing
• Thimble – Worn on finger to push needles through fabric
• Bobbins – Small spools that hold lower thread in sewing machines
• Measuring tape – For taking body and pattern measurements
• Hand-sewing needles – Available in many types and sizes
• Loop turner – Turns straps and ties right side out

Having the right tools suitable for your project will make sewing easier and more enjoyable. Slowly build up your sewing toolbox over time as you advance your skills.

Sewing Techniques

Some common techniques used in sewing patterns and projects include:

• Seam – Joining two pieces of fabric together
• Hem – Turning under raw edge and stitching it down
• Gather – Long stitches that draw fabric into ruffles/poufs
• Dart – Folded tuck sewn to shape fabric around curves
• Baste – Long, temporary stitches for holding pieces in place
• Stay stitch – Stitches along seam line to stabilize curved edges
• Ease – Distributing extra fullness in one piece to fit another
• Trim – Cutting seam allowances down to reduce bulk
• Clip/notch – Snipping inward into seams to allow spreading
• Topstitch – Visible straight stitching on the outside of a project
• Edge stitch – Sewing very close to a folded edge
• Serge/overlock – Machine finishing for raw edges
• Understitch – Catching facing/lining to seam on inside to prevent flipping to right side

Don’t let unfamiliar techniques intimidate you – most can be learned with a little reading and practice. Start simple and build up your skills over time.

Pattern Markings and Directions

Being able to interpret the markings, keys and directions on a pattern is critical. Here are some common examples:

Pattern Markings

• Cut on fold – Place pattern piece with this edge aligned on fabric fold and cut once
• Grainline arrow – Match this to fabric grain
• Dot – Match dots on adjacent pieces
• Triangle – This is a placement mark, not a trim/clip
• Small circle – Gather or pleat here
• Large circle – Place button or snap
• Square corner – Match seam intersections precisely

Pattern Keys

• Sewing line – Solid line indicates sew here
• Dart legs – Broken/dashed lines show dart extent
• Cutting line – Dashed outer line is fabric cutting line
• Fold line – Indicates folded hem/casing
• Stitching line – Indicates topstitching or special stitching
• Lengthen/shorten line – Alter pattern length along this line

Written Directions

• RS – Right side of fabric
• WS – Wrong side of fabric
• RST – Right sides together (place wrong sides facing out)
• Baste – Sew temporary long stitches
• Clip – Snip into seam allowance without cutting through
• Press – Press with an iron vs ironing repeatedly
• Finish – Use serger or zigzag stitches to prevent raw edges fraying

These are some of the most common terms, but there’s always more to learn! Consult sewing books, blogs and classes when you encounter unfamiliar techniques.

Tips for Learning Sewing Terminology

Picking up unfamiliar sewing terms can feel intimidating at first. Here are some tips to learn the lingo quickly:

• Invest in a sewing dictionary – Handy for looking up definitions anytime they arise.
• Read sewing patterns thoroughly – Pattern guides often explain key techniques used.
• Take notes – Jot down terms and techniques as you learn so they stick.
• Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification from teachers.
• Learn terminology in context – Understanding how terms are applied will help cement definitions.
• Practice sewing skills – Hands-on experience will make the meanings click.
• Browse sewing blogs and videos – Seeing terms used in tutorials reinforces meanings.
• Be patient – Building sewing knowledge takes time, but progress will come with regular practice.

The more you sew and immerse yourself in resources, the more familiar the language will become. Before long you’ll sound like a seasoned pro!

Key Takeaways: Sewing Lingo Cheat Sheet

Here are some key takeaways to help you remember common sewing terminology:

• Woven vs. knit – Two main fabric types; woven does not stretch, knits stretch
• Notions – Helpful tools like needles, pins, rotary cutters, seam rippers
• Seam – Sewing two fabric pieces together
• Hem – Turning under raw edge and stitching down
• Gather – Drawing fabric into poufs with long stitches
• Dart – Sewn fold that shapes fabric around curves
• Topstitch – Decorative stitching on right side
• Staystitch – Stabilizing seam edges on curves
• Clip – Snipping into seams to allow spreading
• RST – Right sides together, wrong sides facing out
• RS/WS – Right side/wrong side of fabric
• Press – Use iron to set seams vs ironing repeatedly

Learning even a few key terms at a time helps build sewing knowledge. Refer back to this guide anytime you need a refresher on common terminology.

Final Thoughts

With so many techniques, fabrics, tools and patterns involved in sewing, it’s no wonder there is so much unique terminology to learn. Don’t let the unfamiliar words deter you – learning lingo takes practice, patience and exposure.

Hopefully this overview of key sewing terms provides a helpful reference as you grow your knowledge. Learning sewing language opens up patterns, books and resources that may have seemed confusing before.

Soon enough you’ll have the vocabulary to communicate confidently with other sewing enthusiasts. Knowing the right words makes all aspects of sewing clearer and more enjoyable.

So don’t be afraid to look up terms you’re unsure of, ask questions when confused, and immerse yourself in sewing resources. You’ll be fluent in sewing lingo before you know it!