Sew

Sewing is the act of joining fabric or other materials using stitches made with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine. It encompasses construction, repair, and decorative stitching across textiles, leather, and composites.

To sew, the basic tools are a needle and thread, scissors, pins, and measuring equipment. Hand sewing uses a needle and thread, while machine sewing uses a sewing machine with a presser foot. Thread types include cotton, polyester, silk, and blends; needle types vary by fabric and stitch. Finishing tools include a thimble, bobbins, fabric markers, and seam allowances.

Common stitches include running stitch, backstitch, whipstitch, and slip stitch for hand sewing, and straight stitch, zigzag, and overlock for machine sewing. Techniques include hemming, gathering, topstitching, basting, and decorative stitches. Finishing edges with serging, binding, or zigzag closures helps prevent fraying.

Sewing has ancient roots with evidence of stitched textiles in multiple regions. The invention and adoption of the sewing machine in the 19th century accelerated production and transformed fashion and industry. Today, sewing ranges from domestic crafts to industrial manufacturing and the development of technical textiles.

Applications include clothing construction and repair, upholstery, quilting, leatherwork, and the creation of accessories. Sewing also supports educational, artistic, and sustainable practices through upcycling and mending. The activity spans hobbyist, artisanal, and professional contexts, reflecting both traditional skill and modern innovation.