What’s in a Name?

I recently randomly came across a few posts/comments that were discussing names used for people who sew. I was surprised that opposing “name droppers” had very strong opinions on the subject. When I first started sewing, it seems that most people sewing were female and the definitive name was seamstress, which is a female name. I wasn’t aware of any men or boys that sewed but I did know that most tailors were men. They were called tailors, which to me sounds like a specific occupation, rather than an overall description of what you do.

In this post, I’m going to explore some of the names that identify those of us who sew. I see most of them as interchangeable and have no strong opinion about any of them. I do find it fascinating that we have so many names from which to choose. As an author of sewing publications, I like having multiple name choices, so I have more variety as I write, rather than repeating a single word over and over. Keep reading to see words that are used to label sewers, often indicating the type of projects they sew. Some sewers may use one label while others can accurately have several labels because they create multiple types of projects with needle and thread.

Sewer

This name refers to any and all types of sewing, rather than one specific type, but I think this is the one that is most controversial. Many people dislike this name (sometimes intensely) because it is the same spelling as sewer that refers to plumbing, specifically an underground pipe that carries waste from the house. I have to say, I have always seen the word as a person who sews and did not see the alternate pronunciation and meaning until someone pointed it out to me. I think if you look at the context and the way the word is used, it doesn’t present a problem. Sewer can be used by by anyone, male or female.

Seamstress

This name is from the 1600s and as I said before, it is commonly used and refers to women and girls who sew, specifically creating clothing. It sometimes refers to an occupation but is mostly found in home sewing. Seamster is is not as common but can be used to identify male sewers.

Dressmaker

Refers to someone that sews clothing, specifically focusing on dresses. This name is gender neutral.

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer describes someone who designs clothing. Once the garment is designed, it may or may not be sewn by the designer. Commercially, many designers have sample makers who actually sew the  pieces together to complete the garment.

Tailor

Historically, a tailor is a male who makes structured garments such as men’s suits, coats, and beautiful ball gowns. In the past, the term “tailoress” was used to identify a female tailor but today the word, “tailor” is considered gender neutral so female tailors may be called by the same name as the male tailor.

Quilter

I have had many quilters tell me, “I don’t sew, I quilt”. Quilting is definitely a form of sewing and those who make quilts are called quilters or quilt makers. These names are gender-neutral and can refer to a male or female quilter.

Sewist

Even though this name was coined in the 1860s as a gender neutral term, it is relatively new for today’s sewers. The suffix “ist” means a person who practices or is an expert in an activity, in this case, sewing. And apparently, based on some of the comments I’ve seen, Sewist is a name that you either love or hate. When I first heard it a few years ago, I was not a fan because it just doesn’t roll off the tongue. But when I read a different take on what the word means, I think it is a great idea. It can be seen as a combination of the word “sewing” and the word “artist”. This may not have been the original meaning of this label but since I think all sewers are artists in one way or another, I love this name!

Machine Embroiderer

The number of stitchers who love to embroider by machine has grown exponentially over the last few decades. Some of these stitchers sew other items but many focus only on machine embroidery. Because the term “embroiderer” is used for someone who does hand embroidery, I almost always clarify the meaning by labeling this type of stitcher as a machine embroiderer. This is because even though they are both called embroidery, the process and the results  of each type is very different.

What is your opinion? How do you identify yourself in relation to your sewing life? Which names, if any, do you find offense? Let me know – I’m curious!

As always,