needletrade

English

Etymology

From needle +‎ trade.

Noun

needletrade (plural needletrades)

1. Any line of work involving the use of a needle with textiles, such as embroidery or the making of clothes.
   • 1989, Peter J. Allen, Lewis Miles, Computers in Textiles, page 84:

     Styleware is Hugh David and Christopher Gibson; Christopher was born and bred in the needletrade and spent ten years as a garment manufacturer.

   • 2013, Robert E. Weir, Workers in America: A Historical Encyclopedia, page 19:

     The annual production of miles of cotton, woolen, and synthetic textiles led to a corresponding explosion in needletrades such as embroidery, garment making, and assorted apparel.

See also

• Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees