Gehäkelt

Gehäkelt is the German term for something made by crochet, formed from the verb häkeln (to crochet). As an adjective and past participle, gehäkelt describes objects or textiles produced with crochet. Examples include eine gehäkelte Decke (a crocheted blanket) or gehäkelte Spitze (crocheted lace).

Crochet uses a hooked needle to draw yarn into interconnected loops. In German crochet terminology, common stitches include Luftmasche (chain stitch), feste Masche (single crochet), Stäbchen (double crochet), and Doppelstäbchen (treble crochet). Patterns combine these stitches to create motifs such as Granny-Squares or various lace designs. Work can proceed in rounds or in rows, producing flat fabrics or tubular pieces.

Applications and style. Gehäkelt items are used in clothing, accessories, home textiles, and decorative objects. The craft is represented in pattern books, magazines, online tutorials, and markets across German-speaking regions, reflecting both traditional motifs and contemporary designs. Amigurumi, or crocheted stuffed figures, is also common in modern gehäkelt work.

History and context. Crochet gained substantial popularity in Europe during the 19th century, and German-speaking communities developed their own patterns and conventions within this tradition. Today gehäkelt describes a broad range of crochet-oriented work, from practical textiles to artistic lace and intricate motifs, and it remains a common term in German craft culture.