to crochet
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to crochet
A handicraft technique in which loops are formed from a thread with a special needle (a crochet hook) and joined into a fabric.
Meine Oma hat mir beigebracht, wie man Topflappen häkelt.
My grandma taught me how to crochet potholders.
The verb 'häkeln' (to crochet) is related to the noun 'der Haken' (hook). To crochet, you use a 'Häkelnadel' (crochet hook), which has a small hook at the tip to catch the thread.
Sie hat mit einer dünnen Häkelnadel ein feines Muster gefertigt.
She made a fine pattern with a thin crochet hook.
You can crochet many different things. Typical objects are items of clothing such as a hat or a scarf, but also blankets, small figures (amigurumi), or potholders.
Zum Winteranfang häkelt sie immer einen neuen Schal.
At the beginning of winter, she always crochets a new scarf.
The verb 'häkeln' (to crochet) can be used with an accusative object that says what is being made. But it can also stand without an object when the activity itself is the focus.
Sie häkelt eine Babydecke für ihre Freundin.
She is crocheting a baby blanket for her friend.
to seem / take effect
'wirken' and 'häkeln' can be confused because both have to do with threads and making a fabric. 'häkeln' is the normal everyday word for the technique using a crochet hook. For example, you crochet a hat, a blanket, or a bag. In this meaning, 'wirken' is much more specialized and describes a textile technique involving loops or fabric; it sounds more technical and is not very common in everyday language. If someone is working with a crochet hook as a hobby, you clearly say 'häkeln'. 'wirken' is more likely to fit in technical language or when describing a particular method of production.
Nach der Arbeit häkelt die Nachbarin eine kleine Decke für ihr Sofa.
After work, the neighbor crochets a small blanket for her sofa.
Frau Meier wirkt im Urlaub ein feines Muster aus dünnem Garn.
On vacation, Mrs. Meier warp-knits a fine pattern from thin yarn.