Mitred vs. Mitered — What's the Difference?

When discussing angles in carpentry or framing, both "mitred" and "mitered" describe the technique of cutting each of two parts to an angle that fits together to form a corner, typically at 90 degrees. The main difference lies in regional spelling preferences: "mitred" is commonly used in British English, whereas "mitered" is preferred in American English.

In woodworking, a "mitred" or "mitered" joint involves cutting the ends of two pieces of wood so that they join together seamlessly, often used for aesthetic purposes as it hides the end grain, providing a clean and attractive finish. The terminology varies by region but the technique and purpose are identical.

"Mitred" corners are often seen in picture frames, door frames, and window trim, enhancing the decorative appeal by aligning patterns like stripes or different wood grain textures seamlessly. "Mitered" corners serve the same purpose in the United States, reflecting a simple difference in spelling across English-speaking countries.

The use of "mitred" versus "mitered" can also be seen in sewing and fabric work, where edges are angled and joined to create a neat corner, commonly used in the edges of tablecloths or the corners of quilts. Whether one uses "mitred" or "mitered" again depends largely on whether they are adhering to British or American English conventions.

Both terms are used interchangeably in global woodworking and crafting discussions, with the understanding that they refer to the same process. The choice of term may indicate the writer's or speaker's national origin or the intended audience's dialect.