[ti:Sew and Knit]
[al:Ask a Teacher]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2025-03-15]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[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.