How To Crochet Left-Handed: 17 Free Tutorials

ByLouise Bollanos
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In this blog post, you’ll learn how to crochet left-handed with 17 free step-by-step tutorials for beginners.

Crochet is a relaxing, creative craft that anyone can enjoy, including left-handed makers. 

However, many crochet books, diagrams, and video tutorials are created for right-handed crocheters, which can make learning feel confusing at first.

The good news is that crocheting left-handed uses the same stitches, techniques, and patterns as right-handed crochet. 

The only real difference is that the movements are mirrored.

In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips for crocheting left-handed, along with 17 free tutorials covering the basic stitches and techniques.

Left handed crochet with hook and examples

17 Free Left-Handed Crochet Tutorials

If you’re ready to learn how to crochet left-handed, these free tutorials will guide you through each stage.

You’ll find help with holding your hook and yarn, making a slip knot, working the basic crochet stitches, reading patterns, and trying techniques such as C2C crochet and granny squares.

Choose a tutorial below and start practising. Happy crocheting!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful things to know before learning left-handed crochet:

  • Most crochet tutorials are designed for right-handed crocheters, so you may need to mirror some demonstrations.
  • Crochet stitches themselves are exactly the same, regardless of which hand you use.
  • Written crochet patterns work the same for both left- and right-handed crocheters.
  • Watching left-handed tutorials or mirrored videos can make learning much easier.

Tools/Materials Needed

You don’t need any special tools to crochet left-handed.

  • Crochet hook
  • Yarn: Smooth, medium-weight yarn in a light color, which makes the stitches easier to see.
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers (optional)

How To Crochet Left-Handed

Crocheting left-handed follows the same process as right-handed crochet, but the hand positions are reversed. 

Hold the hook in your left hand, and work stitches in the opposite direction.

Below is a simple step-by-step guide to get started.

1. Hold the hook in your left hand

Left-handed crocheters hold the crochet hook in their left hand.

There are two common ways to hold the hook:

  • Pencil grip – holding the hook like a pencil.
  • Knife grip – holding the hook like a knife.

Choose whichever grip feels most comfortable.

2. Control the yarn with your right hand

Use your right hand to guide the yarn and control the tension.

Many crocheters wrap the yarn around their fingers so the yarn flows smoothly while stitching.

3. Make a slip knot

Create a slip knot and place it on the crochet hook.

Tighten it gently so it sits comfortably on the hook without being too tight.

4. Make a foundation chain

To create a chain stitch:

  • Yarn over the hook.
  • Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook.
  • Repeat to create the foundation chain.

5. Work stitches across the row

Insert the hook into the stitches and complete each stitch as directed.

Left-handed crocheters will usually work stitches from left to right, which mirrors the direction used by right-handed crocheters.

Tip: If you’re following a right-handed tutorial, try mirroring the movements.

Tips For Left-Handed Crocheters

Learning to crochet left-handed can feel a little tricky at first, especially since most tutorials are designed for right-handed crocheters.

These tips can help make the learning process easier.

1. Look for left-handed tutorials

Many crochet teachers now offer left-handed video tutorials that show the stitches with the hook held in the left hand.

2. Mirror right-handed videos

If you can only find a right-handed tutorial, try mirroring it.

Some video players and browser extensions allow you to flip the video horizontally.

3. Focus on written instructions

Written crochet patterns usually work the same for both left- and right-handed crocheters.

Instead of copying hand movements, focus on the stitch instructions.

4. Start with basic stitches

Begin by practicing simple stitches such as:

These stitches form the foundation of many crochet projects.

5. Practice yarn tension

Controlling yarn tension helps keep stitches even.

Left-handed crocheters usually guide the yarn with their right hand, while the hook stays in the left hand.

Following Crochet Patterns As A Left-Handed Crocheter

Most crochet patterns work exactly the same for both left- and right-handed crocheters.

However, keep a few things in mind.

  • Stitch direction in pattern photos and tutorials: Right-handed crocheters usually work from right to left, while left-handed crocheters work from left to right. This doesn’t change the written instructions; it only mirrors the movement.
  • Stitch diagrams: Crochet charts use the same symbols for both left- and right-handed crocheters. However, left-handed crocheters often follow the chart in the opposite direction, mirroring the stitch movements.
  • Asymmetrical designs: Most crochet projects are symmetrical, but designs with shaping or directional texture may appear as a mirror image when crocheted left-handed.

Related post: How To Read Crochet Patterns For Beginners (A Guide)

FAQs & Extra Tips

 1. Is it harder for left-handed people to crochet?

Crochet itself isn’t harder for left-handed people, but learning may feel more challenging at first because most tutorials are designed for right-handed crocheters.

Once you learn the basic movements, crocheting left-handed is just as easy as crocheting right-handed.

2. Do left-handers crochet differently?

The stitches and techniques are exactly the same.

The main difference is that left-handed crocheters hold the hook in their left hand and usually work stitches from left to right.

3. Is there such a thing as a left-handed crochet hook?

No, crochet hooks are not handed, meaning they can be used comfortably by both left- and right-handed crocheters.

Some ergonomic hooks may feel slightly different depending on the hand used, but most hooks are designed to work for everyone.

4. How do you tell the right side of crochet?

The right side (RS) is the side of the fabric that faces outward on the finished project.

It usually looks neater or more defined than the wrong side. Many patterns also indicate which rows are the right side.

Want To Learn More?

Crochet Patterns To Try Out

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