sewing

textile

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Sewing is the process of joining materials, typically fabric, using a needle and thread to create stitches. It is a fundamental assembly and decorative technique in the clothing and footwear industries, often referred to as the "needle trades".12

Textiles are materials made from fibers, which can be natural (like cotton or wool) or synthetic (like rayon or nylon). These fibers are spun into yarns, which are then used to create fabrics through methods such as weaving, knitting, or braiding. The type of fiber, yarn, and construction method all influence the final characteristics of the textile. Textiles are widely used in apparel, home furnishings, and industrial applications.345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

6 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

needle
sewing or embroidering and, in variant forms, for knitting and crocheting. The sewing needle is small, slender, rodlike, with a sharply pointed end to facilitate passing through fabric and with the opposite end slotted to carry a thread. Bone and horn needles have been used…
Read More
sewing or embroidering and, in variant forms, for knitting and crocheting. The sewing needle is small, slender, rodlike, with a sharply pointed end to facilitate passing through fabric and with the opposite end slotted to carry a thread. Bone and horn needles have been used…
Read More