How to Crochet Left Handed

Left handed crocheters will find a few quirks when crocheting, as you are being asked to hold the crochet hook in your left hand instead of your right hand. This means that patterns are back-to-front unless they've provided left-handed instructions. This article will give you a hands-up on sorting through this minor challenge and enjoying crochet in no time.

1. Know that if you crochet left handed, you will need to reverse the pattern since most crochet patterns are written for right handed crocheters.
   
   
2. Start with a chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet and others for most square items, afghans, pot holders, etc. Even granny squares are started with a chain stitch.
   
   
3. Place a loop large enough to place the hook through, insert hook into loop with preferred hand. Use the opposite hand to hold the yarn you will be adding to the project.
   
   
4. Place piece of yarn over the hook after you inserted it into the beginning loop. The needle hook should be facing up when you start and then place the yarn over the needle. Turn the hook down without dropping the added on piece of yarn and pull through the beginning loop.
   
   
5. Practice this for about 10 to 15 minutes a day until you are able not to hold the yarn too loose or too tight. If you continue to make the chain stitch and do nothing else, you will be able to make a necklace, belt, key holder, shoe lace, hair ribbon, etc.
   
   
6. Learn to read patterns, change colors, etc. Remember, starter is the true beginning of learning to crochet, then beginner where you learn to read patterns, then light intermediate where you learn to make potholders, granny squares, etc.
   
   
7. Give yourself some time; your potholders will evolve into the same size and length (gauge), the step will be to learn how to piece them together to make an afghan, blanket, etc.
   
   

• Don't try to make complicated patterns or patterns requiring different colors until you have mastered handling the yarn and needle correctly. Pay attention at the beginning to watch for dropped stitches which are to be expected when starting to crochet, knit or other hand needle art projects.

• Wooden needle hooks are safer for travel than steel ones.
• Plastic needle hooks are okay for teaching children.
• Folding travel scissors usually cost less in the camping department than specialty yarn stores.

• At least 3 skeins (balls, standard crochet hook set and carrier, yarn needles, travel folding scissors or camping scissors, weather proof tote for carrying yarn supplies, old fashioned shoe bags for yarn storage. Two set of instructions, one to keep in safe place and one laminated for travel. It is a good idea to photocopy it and place in plastic sheet protectors in notebooks along with project name, date, outcome, a copy of yarn dye lot in case you run out of something.