Sewist, sewer, stitcher, seamstress, quilter, tailor… There are several terms used to describe us who love to sew. I pause every time I describe or refer to someone in print or in spoken language, as each term means a little different from each other and elicits certain meaning to different people.
Seamstress
noun
- a woman who sews, especially one who earns her living by sewing.
Many women who sew call themselves seamstress, which is defined as a “woman whose occupation is sewing.” But for those who are gender conscious, prefer to be called another term because this word tends to be “sexist” or “gendered.” For some, seamstress implies a factory worker who seams. Seamstress is more appropriate for women who specifically make clothes professionally.
Sewer
Is the oldest, most dominant term used for describing people who sew. Many people use this word because its meaning is always clear from the context. But let’s face it, sewer often does not sound or read right. “Hello, fellow sewers!” or “I’m a sewer” sounds quite weird and funny! People inevitably associate it with drainage, dirty plumbing, or sewage that’s why many prefer not to describe themselves or other people as so.
Sewist
“Sewist,” on the other hand is also popular. It is a non-word term that is a combination of the words “sew” and “artist.” A lot of people prefer this word because it’s gender neutral and the meaning it implies is appealing. Many see it as trendy and contemporary. But there are some people who dislike it because it simply does not exist in the dictionary.
Tailor
A tailor is “a person whose occupation is the making, mending, or altering of clothes,” while a stitcher is “a garment maker who performs the finishing steps,” usually hand needle work.
Quilter
Those who don’t want to be confused with someone who makes clothes or does alteration prefer to be called a quilter which is defined as “a person whose hobby or profession is making quilts.”
Other Sewing Terms
Some people want to be called terms like textile or fabric artist, quilt artist, maker, crafter, or sewing enthusiast. I like these terms because sewing is indeed an art.
Whatever term we use to identify ourselves, I think the most important thing is the fact that we all love to create beautiful things through sewing. But let me ask, what word describes what you do best?
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Comments & Reviews
Thanks for the clarification of sewing terminology. I never know what to call myself. It really depends on the day and mood 🙂
Hi, I still think of myself as a sewer. I do a little of all types of sewing and feel that word best describes what I do. I have noticed a lot of my sewing friends now refer to themselves as sewists. I don’t feel the need to change what I call myself after these years.
I call myself a ‘Sewist’. I know it’s not a real word but I feel it fits with what I do. I don’t quilt so I’m not a quilter, I don’t dress make so I’m not a seamstress or a tailor. I don’t want to be a ‘sewer’ as although it sounds ok when spoken, it reads like a drain!!
master seamstress.
I usually say ‘seamster’ or ‘sewster’ because they sound cooler than “sewer” or “seamstress.”
ive never really thought about what to call myself in reference to my use of sewing in art and as a hobby, but it makes me happy to know that theres some gender neutral language around for those of us that prefer it
Retired marine fabricator.. I made boat covers