Gantsilyo: Crochet in the Philippines and Trey Ajusto

Crochet is a craft that people practice all around the world. However, we hear about it more from some places than others.

The Philippines has plenty of crocheters but it’s not a place we hear a lot about. That’s why I was happy to get a message from Trey Ajusto, a crocheter in the Philippines who shared her work with me and helped me learn a little bit more about crochet in the Philippines.

Trey’s Philippine Crochet Message

Here’s what Trey had to say:

“I’m a crocheter in the Philippines. Although crochet is a known tradition here, it hasn’t really reached a “popular” status. I can say now, though, that it’s catching up with the world. There’s a newfound love for it, especially among the young (because there’s still a (mis)perception back here that only grandmas crochet).”

I love my grandmother as much as anyone, but I think that the work Trey is doing is anything but antiquated! For example, take a look at the crocheted bouquet below. 

Trey also said something about her own interest in sharing Filippino crochet that I loved and wanted to share:

“It is my goal to put crochet in the limelight because there’s talent out there in our country that doesn’t get much exposure, especially among those who crochet in the provinces.”

Trey Ajusto (Gantsilyo Guru)

Trey Ajusto has a blog called Gantsilyo Guru. She explains: The word “gantsilyo” is the Filipino term for crochet derived from the Spanish crochet word “ganchillo.” Learn how to say crochet in 25 languages here.)

Trey learned to crochet during high school. She explains:

“My very first crochet project was in home economics class. It was a 3-D Christmas tree. Our teacher didn’t want to accept my project because she couldn’t believe I made it. Since then, I’ve been hooked!”

Big props to Trey for having her crochet earrings included in the Philippines edition of Cosmopolitan magazine this past December.

She also had her work featured in the 2012 planner for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf company; you can see the free crochet pattern for that coffee cup cozy here.

Trey also teaches crochet/amigurumi workshops. Below is a photo from her Instagram that shows her sharing her knowledge in a workshop. 

Trey also launched her own “Gantsilyo Guru” line of yarns, which are just gorgeous. She began with pop-up shops and opened her own physical location (with online sales too!) for yarn, hooks and needles, accessories, and patterns. 

More Thoughts on Crochet in the Philippines

Trey’s blog offered some helpful insight into crochet in the Philippines. 

Of course, Filipino crocheters make scarves. Trey says: “Even though it’s practically unwearable in the Philippines (except maybe in the Benguet province or when it gets windy and cold during the “ber” months), a scarf can be your legit claim to crocheting prowess.”

In fact, you can see below a lovely lightweight pink scarf that Trey made. 

The yarn store that Trey recommends in Manila is Dreams Yarnshoppe. She has reviewed and mentioned other Philippines yarn stores on the blog as well, though.

Men aren’t visibly crocheting in the Philippines. Trey says: “I haven’t met a man (yet) in the Philippines who crochets. I’m sure they’re out there somewhere crocheting.” She also says: “In my opinion, if a man is confident enough to hold a yarn and a hook and have the desire to create, then he is a real man!”

That’s why we celebrate male crocheters right? I will add, though, that the one main Philippines-based crocheter that I know of is actually a man: Pablo Cabahug.

Trey also helps support the online presence of Philippines crocheters by sharing links to those folks who are on places like Ravelry.

Other Crocheters in the Philippines

Some of the other crocheters in the Philippines that I’ve found through online research include:

  • Millicent Melissa, who offers free crochet patterns on her blog
  • Teri Caermare Tan, who was featured in a crochet news article for earning an income through crochet
  • The blogger at The Unnatural Mother who mentioned the same Dreams Yarnshoppe that Trey mentioned
  • Ginantsilyo, another crocheter who sells her work and blogs about crochet

It’s safe to say that crochet is thriving in the Philippines! For further inspiration, check out this video interview with Trey. 

Kelsey
Kelsey Mlnarik

Kelsey has been a crafter since childhood and enjoys crochet, sewing, and any craft she can make with her children. She loves learning new techniques and sharing what she learns along the way. Kelsey someday hopes to be someone's crafty grandmother, crocheting afghans and drinking entire pots of coffee.

11 thoughts on “Gantsilyo: Crochet in the Philippines and Trey Ajusto”

    • @BelleMondeHandmade If you think to ping me when you see something crochet-related in the Philippines it’s something I’d totally love to know more about. I’m keeping my own eyes out for it too. I’ve been slacking a little on my profiles of crochet in other countries but doing this post really motivated me to want to get back on that research.

  1. I am not a loner but i love staying inside the house for comfort and crochets until i ran out of daylight. I have been crocheting more than a year now, it started out as gifts for my relatives, friends, and neighbors for special occasions until i got a lot of projects and nothing can stop me even if i ran out of yarn. now, i’m still crocheting and addicted and loving it. I already made my facebook account for my crochet projects, welcome to see it at LOOPS.

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