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Sewing Needle
SOH-ing NEE-dl
Definitions
1
Objects · Crafts
Common
A thin, pointed metal tool with an eye for thread, used for sewing, embroidery, and other needlework. Represents crafting, mending, or tailoring activities.
Used to indicate sewing projects, crafting activities, or mending tasks. Also represents precision work or detailed attention.
Finally finished hemming all my pants today 🪡 My fingers are sore!
Personal message
Looking for someone who can do custom embroidery work 🪡 Willing to pay for quality!
Social media post
Symbolizes traditional crafts and DIY culture. Often associated with sustainable fashion and the revival of handmade goods.
2
Metaphorical · Precision
Uncommon
Metaphorically represents precision, attention to detail, or carefully threading together ideas or solutions.
Used figuratively to suggest careful work, precision, or threading through difficult situations.
This negotiation requires threading the 🪡 between competing interests.
Business communication
In digital communication, often represents meticulous work or finding precise solutions to complex problems.
Evolution Timeline
2020
Added to Unicode 13.0 as part of increased representation of crafting and domestic activities
Growing interest in home crafts and DIY during global lockdowns
2021
Gained popularity alongside crafting hashtags as part of sustainable fashion movement
Rise in visible mending and clothing repair as environmental statement
Cultural Context
Represents the resurgence of traditional crafts and DIY culture, particularly visible mending as an environmental statement against fast fashion.
Younger generations have embraced sewing and needlework as both sustainable practice and mindful activity, contrasting with previous generational decline in these skills.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often associated with traditional British sewing and needlework culture, particularly in reference to haberdashery shops.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Often used practically to indicate mending or alterations. Less likely to use in metaphorical contexts.
Gen_Z: Used in craft tutorial contexts, visible mending posts, and DIY fashion projects. Popular on Pinterest and TikTok craft communities.
Older: Used literally for sewing activities. May be used less frequently overall but with more technical precision when discussing needlework.
Millennials: Associated with sustainability movements and 'slow fashion.' Used in posts about learning traditional skills and handmade gifts.
Common Combinations
🪡🧵
Sewing, needlework, or tailoring activities
Most common pairing, represents complete sewing kit and DIY clothing projects
🪡👕
Clothing repair or tailoring
Often used in sustainable fashion contexts to show mending rather than discarding
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Sewing projects or crafting activities
Represents complete set of sewing tools, often in crafting tutorials