What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sew
Example
She learned how to sew from her grandmother. [sew: verb]
Example
I need to sew a button back onto my shirt. [sew: verb]
stitch
Example
She carefully stitched the hem of the dress. [stitched: past tense verb]
Example
I need to add a few more stitches to this seam. [stitches: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sew is a more commonly used term than stitch in everyday language. Sew is a versatile term that covers a wide range of fabric joining techniques, while stitch is a more specialized term that refers specifically to the act of creating individual loops of thread.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sew and stitch?
Both sew and stitch are associated with a formal and technical tone, as they are both important techniques in the field of fashion design and textile arts.
