needlework vs sewing

needlework and sewing both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
needlework	Yes	No	No	No
sewing	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, sewing is a hyponym of needlework; that is, sewing is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than needlework:

Other hyponyms of needlework include crochet, crocheting, embroidery, fancywork, knit, knitting, knitwork, stitchery, tatting.

needlework (noun)	sewing (noun)
work (such as sewing or embroidery) that is done with a needle	joining or attaching by stitches
a creation created or assembled by needle and thread	needlework on which you are working with needle and thread