Horgoló

Horgoló is the Hungarian term for a person who practices horgolás, the craft of crochet. A horgoló creates fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread with a crochet hook (horgolótű). The work ranges from delicate lace and doilies to practical items such as scarves, shawls, blankets, and garments, and from standalone pieces to motifs used in larger textile projects. Crocheted items are made by hand and may be produced for personal use, as gifts, or for sale.

Common materials include cotton or wool yarn and a selection of crochet hooks in different sizes. The craft emphasizes patterns and motifs, ranging from lace edges to floral and geometric designs. Horgolók may work as hobbyists or as professional artisans in small-scale textile production or crafts markets. In Hungarian craft culture, horgolás is a traditional pastime and a common form of decorative and functional textile art.

History: Crochet emerged in Europe in the 19th century and quickly spread across households. The Hungarian term horgoló reflects this craft's integration into the language of textile arts. Today, horgoló work remains widespread in Hungary and among Central and Eastern European communities, supported by schools, clubs, online communities, and traditional markets.