What Do You Call a Person Who Sews? Sewist? Sewer? (Explained)

Looking for the right guidance on what we call a person who sews?

You’re in the right place!

This article will explain or discuss:

  • What do you call a person who sews?
  • Some commonly used titles for people who sew
  • What is the best name to call ?
  • And much more !

Ready? Let’s get started!

person who sew

What Do You Call A Person Who Sews?

Numerous names can be used to describe someone who sews. Each one elicits different emotions and conveys different meanings to different people. You can select from several sewing terms.

Each type of sewing has a name. It could be artisan patchwork, upholstery, or embroidery. Anyone who sews for a living will refer to themselves as a seamstress, tailor, or dressmaker.

Some Commonly Used Titles For People Who Sew

Sewer

Sewer: A person or thing that sews. 

Someone who sews is properly referred to as a “sewer.” Many people, however, object to the name because the same spelling also refers to a city’s plumbing system. I personally avoid using it for this reason. I’ve seen people hyphenate the word “sewer” to solve the problem.

That’s kind of cool, even if it’s not grammatically correct. If you want to keep using the term “sewer,” it is still the most common way to refer to someone who sews. Just keep in mind that while “sewer” sounds better in conversation, it can look strange in writing.

Sewist

Sewist: Someone who sews.

Both “Sewer” and “sewist” are derived from the old English verb “sew”. Its first known appearance in English writing dates back to the early 700s. The term “sewist” isn’t in the dictionary, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. It has been in use for centuries.

It appears that it is a popular sewing title among bloggers. “Sewist” also removes the negative connotation associated with the word “sewer.” People may even refer to themselves as “sewists” if they take it a step further.

The best thing about this new term is that it combines the concepts of sewing and sublime art. This is fantastic because sewing is an art form. To make something unique and functional, you can use ready-made patterns to cut and sew your first handmade garment, a toy for your child, or an intricate blanket. Sewing takes talent, time, and patience. Fans of this art deserve some cool neologisms, such as sewing!

To be honest, I prefer not to refer to myself as a “sewer” or a “sewist.” I’d rather just say I like to sew and leave it at that. I find the term “sewist” to be snobbish, so it hasn’t been my first choice.

Seamstress

Seamstress: A woman whose occupation is sewing.

A Seamstress is not the best term to describe someone who is attempting to be gender-conscious. “Seamstress” is a more formal term for women who sew, making it appropriate for someone who owns a sewing business. A seamstress can use a sewing machine to make anything — clothing, bags, drapes, you name it.

However, most professionals nowadays refer to themselves using a more specific term. For someone looking to market a specific sewing skill, the term “seamstress” is a little ambiguous.

Tailor

Tailor: A person whose occupation is the making, mending, or altering of clothes, especially suits, coats, and other outer garments.

When I think of a “tailor,” I usually think of a male, yet the phrase isn’t gendered specific. Tailoring is the skill of changing clothing. This is another rather wide phrase that has expanded to embrace more than one talent.

Quilter

Quilter: A person whose hobby or profession is making quilts.

Someone who sews quilts is referred to as a quilter. Quilting is one of the oldest types of sewing and is done in a variety of styles all throughout the world.

The beautiful thing about this phrase is that it may apply to folks who sit on their front porch with their mothers, grandmothers, and friends to quilt a project together, or it can refer to a professional textile artist who produces and sells thousand-dollar quilts as works of art.

Stitcher  

Stitcher: A person who stitches something.

Stitcher is a unique phrase, thus they are a wonderful choice if you want to stand apart. When someone hears you define yourself as a “stitcher,” they may pause and consider it.

This is a phrase that is hardly heard nowadays. A person who does the finishing work on a garment is referred to as a stitcher. Stitcher is a great, all-encompassing phrase that might refer to anything from quilting to knitting.

Textile Artist / Fabric Artist 

Artist: A person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.

If you believe sewing to be an art form, labels like “Textile artist” and “Fabric artist” are appropriate. It may also refer to someone who produces art with fabric and fiber. We’re not speaking about a poodle appliqued into a skirt here, but rather museum-quality art. Some weavers identify themselves as textile artists as well.

Garment Maker

Garment Maker: A person or company that makes or manufactures clothes.

To be particular, “Garment Maker” is a more generic word. However, it’s an excellent term for folks who sew as well as perform other crafts. If you make garments, this is a good all-purpose phrase that encompasses anything from gowns to socks.

Sewing Enthusiast 

Enthusiast: A person who is filled with enthusiasm for some principle, pursuit, etc. 

The phrase “sewing enthusiast” is a mouthful. This term is for you if you enjoy sewing as a hobby. Because most crafters are passionate about their needlework, referring to oneself as a sewing lover may be the best way to go! Of course, if you enjoy a certain type of sewing, you may find this phrase to be overly broad.

Conclusion

Next time you talk to your friends about sewing, what will they call it? Do people typically use the term sewer or do most prefer something with a bit more swagger like dressmaker.
in this article i found out that there are 3 terms used in describing those who sew-sewist, hobbyist ,and professional seamstresses/designers

Whatever word we use to identify ourselves, I believe the most essential thing is that we all enjoy making beautiful things with our hands via sewing.

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