What Do You Call Someone Who Sews?

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Do you pause every time you try to describe someone who sews? As a sewing blogger, it’s something I find myself doing often. There are so many different names you can use to describe someone who sews. They each elicit different emotions and mean different things to different people.

If you like to sew or you run a sewing business, deciding what to call yourself is an important consideration. Afterall, you might want to put your sewing title on business cards and other materials. I’ve compiled a list to help you decide. Here are 10+ things you can call yourself if you sew.

Note: The definitions in this post were obtained from Dictionary.com.

Sewer

Sewer: A person or thing that sews.

“Sewer” is the proper term to call someone who sews. However, many people do not like the name because the same spelling also refers to a city’s plumbing system. Personally, I tend to avoid using it for this reason. To solve the problem, I have seen people hyphenate the word to “sew-er.” I kind of like that, although it’s not grammatically correct.

If you want to continue using “sewer,” it is still the most dominate word to call someone who sews. Just keep in mind that, “sewer,” works better in conversation, but it can look weird in writing.

Sewist

Sewist: (Not in the dictionary)

The Grammarphobia blog says, “The source of both ‘sewer’ and ‘sewist’ is ‘sew,’ an old English verb. Its earliest known appearance in English writing is from the early 700s.”

“Sewist,” is not technically in the dictionary, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. People have been using it for centuries. It seems to be a popular sewing title among bloggers. “Sewist” also eliminates the negative connotation people have with “sewer.” You might even hear people take it one step further and refer to themselves as a “sewista.” An alternate spelling could also be “sewyer.”

To be honest, I tend to avoid calling myself both “sewer” and “sewist.” I prefer to simply state that I like to sew, using no title at all. The term, “sewist” gives off a snobbish vibe to me, so it hasn’t been my first choice.

Sewologist

Sewologist: (Not in the dictionary)

“Sewologist” is another made up word you can call people who sew. I like the ring of it because the “logist” portion of the word implies you have studied the subject intensively. I think it is my personal favorite. I might have to adopt this sewing title within my business. I think it clearly shows my experience and passion for sewing.

Sewing Enthusiast

Enthusiast: A person who is filled with enthusiasm for some principle, pursuit, etc.

If you think “sewologist” sounds too official, you could use “sewing enthusiast.” It doesn’t imply as much expertise on the subject, just hobby-level interest. However, “sewing enthusiast” is a bit of a mouth full. I also like, “sewciopath.”

Seamstress

Seamstress: A woman whose occupation is sewing.

I sometimes refer to myself as a “seamstress,” but it’s not the best term for people who are trying to be gender conscious. “Seamstress” is a more professional term for women who sew, making it good for someone that runs a sewing business. A seamstress can make anything with a sewing machine — clothing, bags, drapes, you name it. I once saw someone refer to themselves as a “seamster.” I think that’s cool, too.

Tailor

Tailor: A person whose occupation is the making, mending, or altering of clothes, especially suits, coats, and other outer garments.

When I think of a “tailor,” I generally think of a man, but the term is not technically gender specific. It is a specific sewing job title for people who work in professional apparel stores. Sometimes specific sewing jobs have specific names, too, such as dressmaker, milliner, alterations specialist, costume designer, and garment maker.

Quilter

Quilter: A person who’s hobby or profession is making quilts.

Some people only like to sew quilts. It’s appropriate to use “Quilter” when you don’t want to be associated with garment sewing, alternations, and other forms of sewing. Quilting takes a lot of skill and I think the term, “quilter,” shows that.

Textile Artist / Fabric Artist / Fiber Artist

 Artist: A person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.

“Textile artist” might be a good title for you if you consider sewing an art form. I think it sounds weird in most circumstances, though.

Crafter / Maker / Designer

Maker: A person or things that makes.

“Crafter,” “maker,” and “designer” are more generic terms for people who sew. However, these are great titles for people who sew but also do other crafts, such as embroidery, vinyl stickers, and crochet.

Stitcher / Needleworker

“Stitcher” and “needleworker” are a couple more options to call people who sew. They are not common terms, so they are a good choice if you’re looking to stand out. When someone hears you describe yourself as a “stitcher,” it might cause them to pause and think about it.

Everyone prefers something a little different. I hope you can choose a term you like to describe people who sew. Tell us your choice in the comments below.

Also Read: How to Choose a Name for Your Handmade Craft Business.