A seamstress is a woman whose job involves sewing, especially making or altering clothes. The word comes from seam, the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together, plus -stress, an old suffix used in English to mark some words as referring to women.

Throughout history, seamstresses have been essential workers. Before the invention of sewing machines and mass-produced clothing, every piece of clothing had to be sewn by hand, stitch by careful stitch. A skilled seamstress might spend weeks creating a single elaborate dress. Even today, seamstresses work in theaters making costumes, in bridal shops adjusting wedding dresses, and in their own studios creating custom clothing.

The work requires patience, precision, and a good eye for detail. A seamstress must measure carefully, cut fabric without wasting material, and sew straight seams that won't come apart. Many seamstresses also do alterations, like hemming pants that are too long or taking in a jacket that's too loose.

Some people prefer the gender-neutral term sewist (pronounced SOH-ist).