crewel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist/Technical (Textiles, Craft, Historical)
Quick answer
What does “crewel” mean?
A thin, loosely twisted, worsted yarn used for embroidery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, loosely twisted, worsted yarn used for embroidery.
A style of embroidery (crewelwork) that uses this yarn, typically creating free-flowing, often floral, designs on fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both refer to the same yarn and craft.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of traditional handcraft, historical textiles (e.g., Jacobean embroidery), and domestic arts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “crewel” in a Sentence
[uncountable noun] (the yarn)[attributive noun] + noun (crewel work)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crewel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She learned to crewel at the Women's Institute.
American English
- She enjoys creweling in the evenings.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The antique crewel curtains were beautifully preserved.
American English
- She bought a kit for a crewel pillow cover.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in niche textile/craft supply retail.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, and decorative arts studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in general conversation.
Technical
Standard term in embroidery, needlework, and textile crafts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crewel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crewel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crewel”
- Misspelling as 'cruel'.
- Using as a countable noun (*a crewel*).
- Confusing with 'cross-stitch' or 'needlepoint'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Crewel is a specific type: a 2-ply, loosely twisted woolen yarn, thicker than most cotton embroidery floss.
Yes. A crewel needle has a sharp point and a long eye, making it versatile for many surface embroidery techniques, not just crewelwork.
Crewel is surface embroidery on fabric (e.g., linen) using wool. Needlepoint (or canvas work) is worked on an open-weave canvas, completely covering it with stitches.
The etymology is uncertain but may derive from an old word for a ball of yarn or from the Welsh 'criu' (to knit).
A thin, loosely twisted, worsted yarn used for embroidery.
Crewel is usually specialist/technical (textiles, craft, historical) in register.
Crewel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruːəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkruːəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CREW' works with thread (EL) on a ship's flag, but it's for embroidery.
Conceptual Metaphor
YARN IS A TOOL FOR DECORATION (a specific tool for a specific decorative art).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'crewel' primarily?