Pronunciation: [sˈiːmstɹəs] (IPA) 
Seamstress (/ˈsiːmstrəs/) is a word used to describe a female tailor who specializes in sewing and making clothes. The word is spelled with the prefix "sea-" which comes from the word "seam" and refers to the line or stitching on a garment. The suffix "-stress" is added to indicate a female practitioner of the trade. The pronunciation of the word is marked by a long "e" sound followed by a short "a" sound and a final "s" sound.
A seamstress refers to a skilled female artisan or craftsperson who specializes in sewing and stitching clothing, often by hand. This unique occupation involves the creation, alteration, and repair of garments, offering a valuable service to the fashion industry and individuals seeking customized outfits. Seamstresses possess a comprehensive understanding of fabrics, patterns, and sewing techniques, enabling them to transform fabric into clothing that fits well and is aesthetically appealing.
The term "seamstress" developed from the combination of two words: "seam," which refers to the line where two pieces of fabric are joined together, and "stress," which signifies the application of pressure or strain. A seamstress meticulously sews or stitches these seams together using a variety of techniques and styles, ensuring durability and longevity in the finished product.
Utilizing their expertise, seamstresses can perform a myriad of tasks, from interpreting and altering patterns to precision-cutting fabrics and sewing complex designs or garments. They may also possess knowledge of garment construction and be proficient in using sewing machines, sergers, and various sewing tools. In addition to working in the fashion industry, seamstresses may operate privately-owned businesses, offering custom-made clothing services or alterations to meet individual needs.
Overall, a seamstress is a highly skilled artisan who possesses the technical expertise and artistic flair to create, alter, and repair garments, facilitating both the creative expression of fashion designers and the fulfillment of personal fashion preferences.
A woman whose occupation is sewing, but the common spelling is now sempstress, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "seamstress" is derived from the combination of the words "seam" and "-stress". "Seam" is derived from the Old English word "seam", which means "a seam, a joining together". "-stress" is a suffix added to nouns to indicate a female doer or occupation, derived from the Old French word "istre" or "estre", which means a "female practitioner" or "she who does". Therefore, "seamstress" refers to a woman who sews or repairs garments professionally.
