Naaimand

Naaimand is a Dutch term that appears in historical or regional sewing texts to describe objects connected with sewing. It is not a standard term in modern Dutch, and its exact meaning can vary by dialect, region, or period. As such, naaimand is primarily of historical or lexical interest.

In many sources, naaimand refers to a small container or case intended to hold needles, pins, and other tiny sewing tools. Such containers were made in wood, metal, or cloth, and were sometimes portable for repairs performed away from a workbench.

Another common interpretation is that a naaimand denotes a pincushion or needle-keeper—a soft object used to keep pins within reach while sewing. In this sense the term emphasizes function and may describe varied forms rather than a single, fixed design.

Etymology: the word combines naai-, meaning to sew, with mand, a historical term for containers or baskets. The precise origins are unclear, and attested usages are largely regional or obsolete rather than current standard Dutch.

Related terms include naald (needle), speld (pin), speldenkussen (pincushion), and naaimachine (sewing machine). In antique catalogs, craft dictionaries, or dialect glossaries, naaimand appears as a historical reference rather than a contemporary term.