Inklingo

How to Say "needlework" in Spanish

English → Spanish

costura

/kos-TOO-rah//kosˈtuɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'costura' for general sewing, whether it's repairing clothes, making them, or decorative stitching, and also for the act of sewing itself.
A wooden table with a ball of yarn, a silver needle, and a piece of fabric.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre tiene su costura en el sofá.

My grandmother always has her sewing on the sofa.

Quiero tomar una clase de costura para aprender a hacer mi propia ropa.

I want to take a sewing class to learn how to make my own clothes.

La costura requiere mucha paciencia y buena vista.

Sewing requires a lot of patience and good eyesight.

Using 'Costura' for the activity

When talking about 'sewing' as a general hobby, use 'la costura.' Just like 'cooking' is 'la cocina,' Spanish often uses the noun to describe the activity.

Mistaking 'costura' for the action

Mistake: “Estoy costura una camisa.”

Correction: Estoy cosiendo una camisa. Use the verb 'coser' for the action of sewing, and 'costura' for the name of the craft.

bordado

bor-DAH-doh/boɾˈðaðo/

nounA2general
Choose 'bordado' specifically when referring to decorative stitching or embroidery, focusing on the ornamental aspect of the needlework.
A wooden embroidery hoop holding a piece of white fabric with a colorful flower being stitched by a needle and red thread.

Examples

El bordado de este mantel es muy detallado.

The embroidery on this tablecloth is very detailed.

Ella vende sus bordados en el mercado local.

She sells her needlework at the local market.

Existen diferentes técnicas de bordado según la región.

There are different embroidery techniques depending on the region.

Using 'el' with Bordado

Since this word ends in '-o', it is a masculine naming word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el bordado' (the embroidery).

Bordado vs. Borde

Mistake: “No me gusta el borde de la camisa.”

Correction: No me gusta el bordado de la camisa.

labor

/lah-BOHR//laˈβoɾ/

nounC1general
Use 'labor' as a more encompassing term for needlework, often implying a craft project like knitting, crochet, or intricate embroidery that takes time and skill.
A pair of hands using needles to knit a colorful scarf.

Examples

Mi tía siempre tiene una labor de punto entre manos.

My aunt always has some knitting needlework in her hands.

Vendían labores de encaje muy finas en la plaza.

They were selling very fine lace needlework in the square.

Esta labor requiere mucha precisión.

This needlework requires a lot of precision.

Specific Meaning

In a domestic or craft context, 'las labores' often specifically refers to sewing or embroidery rather than general housework.

General Sewing vs. Decorative Stitching

Learners often confuse 'costura' and 'bordado'. Remember that 'costura' is the most general term, covering all types of sewing, while 'bordado' specifically refers to decorative embroidery.

Related Translations

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