Sew and Knit

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 fifty 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 at voanews. dot com, and please let us know where you are from, too.

And that's Ask a Teacher.

I am Andrew Smith.