Sew: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when creating or repairing clothes or fabric items by joining pieces of fabric together with a needle and thread.

• She learned to sew her own dresses.
• He needs to sew the patch onto his jacket.

Often used in both medical and sewing contexts; in sewing, it means making a single loop or series of loops with a needle and thread, while in medicine, it refers to sewing up a cut or wound.

• The doctor gave him stitches after the accident.
• She carefully stitched the quilt pieces together.

Used when securing one object to another or closing something like a button, zipper, or belt.

• Please fasten your seatbelt.
• He fastened the buttons on his coat.

Used when repairing damaged or broken items, especially clothes, to return them to a functional state.

• Could you mend this tear in my shirt?
• She mended the hole in his socks.

This term is generally used when you are talking about the act of using a needle and thread to join pieces of fabric together. It can be a hobby, a craft, or a profession.

• I learned how to sew from my grandmother.
• Can you sew a button onto my shirt?

Typically used to describe the craft as a whole, including various forms such as embroidery, cross-stitch, and quilting. It is often associated with decorative or artistic endeavors.

• She spends her weekends doing needlework.
• This piece of needlework took months to complete.

This word focuses on the individual stitches or the process of making stitches. It can be used in both a hobby and professional setting.

• The stitching on this bag is very fine.
• She spent the evening stitching a quilt.

Refers to a person, usually a woman, who earns a living by sewing clothes and other items. It often implies skill and professionalism.

• The seamstress tailored my dress perfectly.
• She opened a shop and works as a seamstress.