Sew and Knit

This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Rohullah in Afghanistan about using the words “sew” and “knit” and related terms.

Dear VOA Learning English,

I am sending this email to know what the differences are between "sewing and knitting" or "sew and knit.” Besides [that], I wanted to know what I can call a woman or a man that makes clothes.

Thank you

I’m happy to answer this question, Rohullah.

An important difference between sewing and knitting is that when we sew, we connect pieces of fabric or cloth that are already made. When we knit, we make the cloth itself from strings called yarn.

Also, the word “sewing” can describe many ways people connect or repair fabric and clothes. For example, people can sew many kinds of clothes, such as socks, shirts, dresses, hats, and gloves. People can also sew larger things, such as window coverings or tents.

A person can sew using a sewing machine or simply by using their hands with a needle and thread. Knitting does not generally require use of a machine or a needle and thread. To knit, a person uses thicker strings called yarn, along with two thin sticks called knitting needles. Yarn is usually made of small, natural pieces, called fibers, such as wool or cotton.

While sewing thread is often less than one millimeter thick, knitting yarn is generally two to five millimeters thick.

Many people who knit make clothing for cold weather, such as wool sweaters, hats, and scarves. They may also knit blankets or other things that can be used in the home.

More than 50 years ago, most Americans who earned money sewing clothes in a factory were women. They were called “seamstresses.”

Today, we sometimes call any person who sews a “sewist.” Or we can simply say “a person who sews.” And a person whose job is to sew or repair clothes to make them fit well is called a tailor.

For our readers and listeners, what are your questions about American English? Do you like to knit or sew? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. And please let us know where you are from, too.

And that’s Ask a Teacher.

I’m Andrew Smith.

Andrew Smith wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.

fabric – n. cloth or other material made from cotton, wool, silk, nylon or other threads

tent – n. a shelter made of nylon or strong, heavy cloth held up by poles, typically used for camping

needle – n. a small, very thin piece of metal with a sharp point at one end and a hole at the other for a thread to go through

thread – n. a long, thin piece of material such as cotton, nylon or silk used for sewing

blanket – n. a large square or rectangular piece of cloth, typically put on bed to keep you warm

◆ ◆ ◆

Word highlighting is estimated until aligned timings are added.