Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Crochet in Spanish
Ganchillo · noun · gan-CHEE-yo
In Spain, crochet is called ganchillo, named after the small hook (gancho) used in the craft. In Latin America, the French-derived word crochet or its adapted spelling croché is more commonly used.
gan-CHEE-yo
Mi tía me enseñó a hacer ganchillo cuando era niña.
My aunt taught me to crochet when I was a little girl.
Crochet in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for crochet, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ganchillo | crochet | gan-CHEE-yo | Default, widely understood |
| crochet | crochet | Latin America | |
| tejido a crochet | crochet | Latin America | |
| croché | crochet | General |
How Native Speakers Use Ganchillo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Hobby description
Aprendí a hacer ganchillo durante la cuarentena y ahora es mi pasatiempo favorito.
I learned to crochet during quarantine and now it is my favorite hobby.
Describing crochet as a personal hobby.
Gift making
Estoy tejiendo a crochet una manta para el bebé de mi hermana.
I am crocheting a blanket for my sister's baby.
Talking about making a handmade crochet gift.
Shopping for supplies
Necesito comprar hilo y una aguja de ganchillo en la tienda de manualidades.
I need to buy yarn and a crochet hook at the craft store.
Discussing the materials needed for crochet.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Ganchillo
Confusing ganchillo with gancho
Incorrect: Me gusta hacer gancho en mi tiempo libre.
Correct: Me gusta hacer ganchillo en mi tiempo libre.
Gancho means hook in general. The diminutive ganchillo specifically refers to the crochet craft and its small hook. Using gancho alone would mean you like making hooks.
Confusing crochet with knitting
Incorrect: Ella está tejiendo a ganchillo con dos agujas.
Correct: Ella está tejiendo con dos agujas. / Ella está haciendo ganchillo con un gancho.
Crochet (ganchillo) uses a single hooked needle, while knitting (tejer con agujas) uses two needles. Mixing the tools with the wrong craft creates confusion.
Lock in Crochet Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Ganchillo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using ganchillo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi tía me enseñó a hacer ganchillo cuando era niña. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Crochet in Spanish
- Should I say ganchillo or crochet in Spanish?
- In Spain, ganchillo is the standard term. In most Latin American countries, the word crochet (or its adapted form croché) is widely understood and commonly used.
- How do I say crochet hook in Spanish?
- A crochet hook is called an aguja de ganchillo in Spain or an aguja de crochet in Latin America. The word aguja means needle.
- What is the difference between ganchillo and tejido?
- Ganchillo specifically refers to crochet, a technique using a single hooked needle. Tejido is a broader term meaning knitting, weaving, or any textile craft. You can say tejido a crochet to specify crocheted fabric.