needlework

Refers to works done with one or more needles and thread, yarn or cord. The term generally refers to work done by hand. Needlework includes sewing, embroidery, knitting, and other works. Until the 20th century "plain sewing" was the most widely practiced form of needlework in Western cultures. Most females learned basic sewing and knitting, which was used in the construction of clothing and the finishing of household textiles. With the introduction of machine sewing, needlework done by hand was often limited to decorative work.