Sewing

Sewing is the craft of joining fabrics or other materials using stitches made with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine. It encompasses hand sewing and machine sewing and is used in garment construction, home textiles, and many technical applications. Sewing relies on fabric, appropriate thread, and a suitable needle, along with supporting tools and notions.

Techniques in sewing include a variety of stitches and seams. Common hand stitches are running stitch, backstitch, whipstitch, and slip stitch, while machine stitching enables faster construction and finishes such as zigzag or straight stitch. Seams join two pieces of fabric and are often finished with serging, binding, or edge stitching to prevent fraying. Finishing touches include hemming, topstitching, and pressing. Tools and materials cover needles, thread, scissors, pins, measuring and marking tools, cutting mats, sewing machines or sergers, and a range of fabrics with different weights and fibers.

Process and planning typically involve pattern selection or drafting, cutting fabric according to the pattern, assembling pieces, basting for fit, final stitching, and finishing. Patterns indicate grain lines, seam allowances, notches, and assembly order. Proper fittings, pressing, and reinforcement at stress points are important for durability. Knowledge of fabric behavior, notions (zippers, buttons, snaps), and alterations is essential for quality results.

History and scope: sewing has ancient roots with early hand stitching, expanding through industrialization and the invention of the sewing machine in the 19th century. Modern sewing spans artisanal handcrafts and large-scale production, covering garment making, quilting, embroidery, upholstery, and technical textiles. It is taught in hobbyist communities and professional training programs, emphasizing accuracy, durability, and safety.