Learning how to crochet left handed can be a bit tricky, but it's not an impossible task. With patience and persistence, left-handed crafters can learn to crochet just as well as their right handed counterparts.
Left Handed Difficulties
The reason that learning how to crochet left handed is tricky is that patterns and tutorials are generally written for right-handed people. Many right-handed people crochet by holding the hook in their right hand and working the yarn with their left hand. If you're left-handed, however, you're probably going to want to hold the hook in your left hand and work the yarn with your right hand. This will make all the instructions seem "backwards" until you get the hang of things.
On a brighter note, there is one area in which left-handed people actually have an advantage in learning how to crochet. To crochet correctly, you need to work with both hands. As your project grows, it can be large and rather heavy to hold with your non-dominant hand. Since most left-handed people tend to be slightly ambidextrous, however, they often have less difficulty performing tasks with their non-dominant hand than their right handed counterparts.
Learn How to Crochet Left Handed
Did you know that only 10% of the population is left handed? Left handedness is also much more common in men than women. Since women are the main audience for learning how to crochet, it's not surprising that it can be difficult to find good information on the topic of learning how to crochet with your left hand.
As you might expect, the best way to learn how to crochet left handed is to have another left-handed person give you lessons. Being able to watch the stitches come together and ask questions when you're having trouble is invaluable in developing your crochet skills. However, if you don't know any left handed crafters, a video can be the next best way to learn.
LoveToKnow Crafts also recommends checking out the following helpful online resources:
- Crochet Spot has a helpful article explaining some basic differences between crocheting left handed and crocheting with your right hand.
- Inner Child Crochet offers tips and encouragement for left handed crafters who want to learn to crochet.
- Tamie Snow has photos demonstrating various positions used for left handed crochet.
- The Crochet Guild of America has a section of its Web site devoted to lessons for left handed crafters who want to learn to crochet. Topics covered include:
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- Chain stitch
- Slip stitch
- Single crochet
- Half double crochet
- Double crochet
- Triple crochet
Tips for Learning Left Handed Crochet
Here are a few general tips for learning left handed crochet that you may wish to keep in mind:
- Thicker yarn is usually easier to work with when you're learning to crochet.
- You can either hold your crochet hook like a pencil or like a knife. Experiment to find which way is most comfortable for you.
- If you're watching a right-handed person crochet, sit in front of them. This will give you a better understanding of the technique as opposed to sitting side by side for your lessons.
- When searching for patterns for your first crochet project, look for patterns that are symmetrical from left to right. No changes ever need to be made in these types of patterns for left handed crochet.
Crocheting for Lefties
Even though there's a bit of a learning curve for anyone who's just learning to crochet, lefties do face slightly more of a challenge if they're trying to get started with right-handed directions. With resources like the ones listed here, however, any left-handed person can learn to crochet quickly and easily, so don't wait any longer to give this very rewarding hobby a try.
