Saw vs. Sew — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 29, 2024
Saw is a tool for cutting materials, using a toothed blade, while sew involves stitching fabrics together with a needle and thread.
Difference Between Saw and Sew
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Saw is primarily used in carpentry and construction for cutting wood, metal, or other materials, using various blade types such as handsaws or power saws. Sew, on the other hand, is a fundamental technique in tailoring and crafting, involving the use of thread and needle to join fabric pieces together.
Saws operate through a physical cutting process where the teeth of the blade remove material by abrasion or slicing. In contrast, sewing creates a join by interlocking thread through the fabric, which can be removed or adjusted relatively easily.
The types of saws vary widely, including hacksaws for metal, chainsaws for logging, and jigsaws for curved cuts in wood. Conversely, sewing methods differ primarily in stitch types, such as running stitch, backstitch, or overlock stitch, each offering different aesthetic and functional benefits.
Using a saw typically requires safety gear such as goggles and gloves due to the risk of sharp blades and flying debris. Sewing, whereas, poses less risk and often only requires basic tools like scissors, measuring tape, and sometimes a sewing machine.
Mastery of sawing skills can lead to professional careers in carpentry and construction, emphasizing precise cuts and strong physical materials. Sewing skills can lead to careers in fashion and upholstery, focusing on creativity, fabric properties, and delicate handiwork.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Cutting materials like wood and metal
Joining fabric pieces by stitching
Tool Type
Handheld or powered, with various blade types
Needle and thread, manually or with a machine
Process
Abrasive or slicing material removal
Interlocking thread through fabric
Safety
Requires protective gear like goggles and gloves
Generally safer, minimal protective gear needed
Skill Application
Carpentry, construction
Tailoring, fashion design
Compare with Definitions
Saw
To cut with a saw.
The carpenter sawed the logs into planks.
Sew
To be engaged in sewing.
She spends her evenings sewing.
Saw
A tool having a tough blade, wire, or chain with a hard toothed edge used to cut through material.
He used a circular saw to cut the board.
Sew
To join, fasten, or repair something by making stitches with a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
She sews her own dresses.
Saw
To make a motion back and forth or up and down with a saw.
She sawed the air with her hand to demonstrate the action.
Sew
To enclose or secure with stitches.
He sewed the badge onto his jacket.
Saw
To perceive by the senses or by the mind; to come to know.
I saw the danger and acted quickly.
Sew
To use a needle to pass thread through pieces of fabric.
He learned to sew as part of his fashion design course.
Saw
To operate a saw.
He saws better than he hammers.
Sew
Join, fasten, or repair (something) by making stitches with a needle and thread or a sewing machine
She sewed the seams and hemmed the border
I don't even sew very well
Saw
A saw is a tool consisting of a tough blade, wire, or chain with a hard toothed edge. It is used to cut through material, very often wood though sometimes metal or stone.
Sew
To make, repair, or fasten by stitching, as with a needle and thread or a sewing machine
Sew a dress.
Sew on a button.
Saw
Any of various tools, either hand-operated or power-driven, having a thin metal blade or disk with a sharp, usually toothed edge, used for cutting wood, metal, or other hard materials.
Sew
To furnish with stitches for the purpose of closing, fastening, or attaching
Sew an incision closed.
Saw
A familiar saying, especially one that has become trite through repetition.
Sew
To work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
Saw
To cut or divide with a saw.
Sew
(transitive) To use a needle to pass thread repeatedly through (pieces of fabric) in order to join them together.
Balls were first made of grass or leaves held together by strings, and later of pieces of animal skin sewn together and stuffed with feathers or hay.
Saw
To produce or shape with a saw
Sawed a hole in the board.
Sew
(intransitive) To use a needle to pass thread repeatedly through pieces of fabric in order to join them together.
Saw
To make back-and-forth motions through or on
A speaker who saws the air with his arms.
Sew
(transitive) Followed by into: to enclose by sewing.
To sew money into a bag
Saw
To use a saw
Sawing along the chalk line.
Sew
To drain the water from.
Saw
To undergo cutting with a saw
Pine wood saws easily.
Sew
(nautical) Of a ship, to be grounded.
Saw
Past tense of see1.
Sew
(obsolete) Broth, gravy.
Saw
A tool with a toothed blade used for cutting hard substances, in particular wood or metal.
Sew
Juice; gravy; a seasoned dish; a delicacy.
I will not tell of their strange sewes.
Saw
Such a tool with an abrasive coating instead of teeth.
Sew
To follow; to pursue; to sue.
Saw
A musical saw.
Sew
To unite or fasten together by stitches, as with a needle and thread.
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment.
Saw
A sawtooth wave.
Sew
To close or stop by ssewing; - often with up; as, to sew up a rip.
Saw
(obsolete) Something spoken; speech, discourse.
Sew
To inclose by sewing; - sometimes with up; as, to sew money in a bag.
Saw
(archaic) A saying or proverb.
Old saw
Sew
To practice sewing; to work with needle and thread.
Saw
(obsolete) Opinion, idea, belief.
Sew
To drain, as a pond, for taking the fish.
Saw
(obsolete) Proposal, suggestion; possibility.
Sew
Fasten by sewing; do needlework
Saw
(obsolete) Dictate; command; decree.
Sew
Create (clothes) with cloth;
Can the seamstress sew me a suit by next week?
Saw
(transitive) To cut (something) with a saw.
Saw
(intransitive) To make a motion back and forth similar to cutting something with a saw.
Saw
(intransitive) To be cut with a saw.
The timber saws smoothly.
Saw
(transitive) To form or produce (something) by cutting with a saw.
To saw boards or planks (i.e. to saw logs or timber into boards or planks)
To saw shingles
To saw out a panel
Saw
Something said; speech; discourse.
Saw
A saying; a proverb; a maxim.
His champions are the prophets and apostles,His weapons holy saws of sacred writ.
Saw
Dictate; command; decree.
[Love] rules the creatures by his powerful saw.
Saw
An instrument for cutting or dividing substances, as wood, iron, etc., consisting of a thin blade, or plate, of steel, with a series of sharp teeth on the edge, which remove successive portions of the material by cutting and tearing.
Saw
To cut with a saw; to separate with a saw; as, to saw timber or marble.
Saw
To form by cutting with a saw; as, to saw boards or planks, that is, to saw logs or timber into boards or planks; to saw shingles; to saw out a panel.
Saw
Also used figuratively; as, to saw the air.
Saw
To use a saw; to practice sawing; as, a man saws well.
Saw
To cut, as a saw; as, the saw or mill saws fast.
Saw
To be cut with a saw; as, the timber saws smoothly.
Saw
A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
Saw
Hand tool having a toothed blade for cutting
Saw
A power tool for cutting wood
Saw
Cut with a saw;
Saw wood for the fireplace
Common Curiosities
What is a saw used for?
A saw is used for cutting materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.
How can I improve my sewing skills?
Practice regularly, learn different stitching techniques, and work on a variety of fabrics.
What safety gear should I wear when using a saw?
Wear safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection when using power saws.
Can sawing be dangerous?
Yes, sawing can be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken.
How do I choose the right saw for a job?
Choose based on the material to be cut and the type of cut required.
What are common stitches used in sewing?
Common stitches include the straight stitch, backstitch, and running stitch.
How long does it take to learn to sew?
Basic sewing skills can be learned in a few hours, but mastering all techniques takes much longer.
What are the main types of saws?
Main types include handsaw, chainsaw, and jigsaw.
Is sewing an expensive hobby?
It can be, depending on the materials and tools used, but basic sewing is relatively inexpensive.
What is sewing primarily used for?
Sewing is used for joining fabric pieces together to make garments or textiles.
What tools are essential for sewing?
Essential tools include needles, threads, scissors, and a sewing machine, if available.
What materials can a saw cut through?
A saw can cut through wood, metal, plastic, and more, depending on the blade.
What is the difference between sewing by hand and using a sewing machine?
Sewing by hand offers more control for delicate work, while machines are faster for longer seams and repeated patterns.
How do I maintain a saw?
Keep it clean, sharp, and properly lubricated. Store it in a dry place.
Can sewing be a professional career?
Yes, it can lead to careers in fashion design, tailoring, and costume making.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
