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[00:00.00]This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Rohullah in Afghanistan about using the words "sew" and "knit" and related terms.

[00:16.14]Dear VOA Learning English,

[00:19.26]I am sending this email to know what the differences are between "sewing and knitting" or "sew and knit."

[00:29.51]Besides [that], I wanted to know what I can call a woman or a man that makes clothes.

[00:38.25]Thank you

[00:39.31]I'm happy to answer this question, Rohullah.

[00:43.03]An important difference between sewing and knitting is that when we sew, we connect pieces of fabric or cloth that are already made.

[00:56.64]When we knit, we make the cloth itself from strings called yarn.

[01:03.99]Also, the word "sewing" can describe many ways people connect or repair fabric and clothes.

[01:13.68]For example, people can sew many kinds of clothes, such as socks, shirts, dresses, hats, and gloves.

[01:26.06]People can also sew larger things, such as window coverings or tents.

[01:33.39]A person can sew using a sewing machine or simply by using their hands with a needle and thread.

[01:43.48]Knitting does not generally require use of a machine or a needle and thread.

[01:50.94]To knit, a person uses thicker strings called yarn, along with two thin sticks called knitting needles.

[02:02.22]Yarn is usually made of small, natural pieces, called fibers, such as wool or cotton.

[02:11.69]While sewing thread is often less than one millimeter thick, knitting yarn is generally two to five millimeters thick.

[02:23.57]Many people who knit make clothing for cold weather, such as wool sweaters, hats, and scarves.

[02:32.87]They may also knit blankets or other things that can be used in the home.

[02:40.09]More than 50 years ago, most Americans who earned money sewing clothes in a factory were women. They were called "seamstresses."

[02:53.09]Today, we sometimes call any person who sews a "sewist."

[02:59.66]Or we can simply say "a person who sews."

[03:05.01]And a person whose job is to sew or repair clothes to make them fit well is called a tailor.

[03:14.40]For our readers and listeners, what are your questions about American English?

[03:21.27]Do you like to knit or sew?

[03:25.08]We want to hear from you! Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.

[03:34.01]And please let us know where you are from, too.

[03:38.56]And that's Ask a Teacher.

[03:42.84]I'm Andrew Smith.

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Words in This Story

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