10 Free Left Handed Knitting Tutorials

In this blog post, you will see 10 free left handed knitting tutorials.

Knitting can be a delightful and relaxing hobby, but it often comes with challenges for left-handed individuals, as most tutorials are designed with right-handed knitters in mind.

This collection of tutorials aims to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable for lefties by providing clear, step-by-step instructions tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re a beginner just picking up the needles or someone looking to expand your skills, these resources will help you create beautiful projects and build confidence in your knitting abilities.

Get ready to explore the wonderful world of knitting with tutorials that are made just for you!

10 Left Handed Knitting Tutorials

1. Knitted Cast-On Method – A Left-Handed Knitting Tutorial by Being Knitterly

In this knitting blog post, you will see how to cast on for left-handed crafters.

This is always the first step in knitting.

The tutorial includes step-by-step photos for each step, from the slip knot to the first stitches.

**Knitted Cast-On Method – A Left-Handed Knitting Tutorial by Being Knitterly**

2. Unveiling Judy’s Magic Cast On: My Journey Into Toe-Up Socks by The Knit In The Womb

In this tutorial, you will see how to make Judy’s cast-on.

This is the perfect cast-on for toe-up socks.

The post includes a left-handed and a right-handed tutorial.

**Unveiling Judy’s Magic Cast On: My Journey Into Toe-Up Socks by The Knit In The Womb**

3. How To Knit Left Handed – The Basics by Cyber Seams

In this blog post, you will see a video tutorial with all the basics of knitting.

This is the perfect guide for beginners who are struggling to knit left-handed.

With clear demonstrations, this tutorial makes learning to knit as a lefty much easier!

4. Left Handed Knitting Tutorial for Beginners + Video by Noble Knits

In this blog post, you will learn how to knit basic stitches and techniques.

Including the thumb cast-on method, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and how to cast off.

Also, how to knit with continental style knitting.

Left Handed Knitting Tutorial for Beginners + Video by Noble Knits

5. {Left-Handed} Learn This Stitch First! How to Knit the Garter Stitch for Beginners B.Hooked Crochet

In this video tutorial, you will see how to knit the garter stitch for left-handed knitters.

This is a simple stitch pattern that makers usually learn first, as you knit every row of the pattern.

Α great tutorial for all left-handed knitters.

6. How To Knit – Purl Stitch For Stockinette | Lesson 2 (Left Handed) by Good Knit Kisses

In this video tutorial, you will see how to knit the stockinette stitch.

This is the second stitch pattern knitters learn, which is a combination of the basic knit and purl.

Mastering this pattern is crucial for knitters, and this tutorial makes it easy for left-handed knitters to follow along!

7. Lefties: How To Do a Make One Knitting Increase by Noble Knits

In this tutorial, you will see how to knit an increase.

Specifically, the Make One knitting technique.

Knitting increases are tricky when knitting left-handed, but this tutorial makes it look easy!

8. How To Cast Off/Bind Off – Left Handed – Knitting For Beginners #14 by Crafty Creature

In this video tutorial, you will see how to cast off.

Casting off is essential to any project.

This step ensures your stitches are securely finished, giving your knitting a polished and professional look.

9. Left Handed Knitting In the Round Video by Noble Knits

In this tutorial, you will see how to knit in the round for left-handed knitters.

Knitting in the round allows you to create seamless projects like hats, socks, and sweaters, making it an essential skill for every left-handed knitter!

10. How To Knit – Ribbing 1×1 and 2×2 | Lesson 4 (Left Handed) by Good Knit Kisses

This tutorial teaches left-handed knitters how to create 1×1 and 2×2 ribbing with ease, helping you achieve a neat and professional texture while maintaining even tension.

Ribbing adds elasticity and a polished finish to projects, making it ideal for cuffs, collars, sweater edges, and even decorative details on scarves and hats.

Mastering this technique will elevate your knitting skills and give your projects a beautifully structured look!

Knitting For Lefties – FAQ

Do left-handed people struggle to knit, and why?

Left-handed people can face some challenges when learning to knit compared to right-handed people, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach!

Traditional knitting instructions are designed for right-handed knitters, which can make following explanations, tutorials, and patterns a bit tricky for lefties.

Since knitting requires the use of both hands, many left-handed people adapt by knitting in the same way as right-handers, using their right hand for the working needle.

However, some prefer mirror knitting, where the stitches are worked from right to left instead of left to right.

This can require adjustments when following patterns, especially for shaping and charts.

The biggest hurdle is often finding resources tailored to left-handed knitting, but with practice and the right techniques, left-handed knitters can be just as skilled as right-handed ones!

If you are struggling to do things with your non-dominant hand, mirror knitting will make a big difference in your projects.

Do left-handers knit differently?

Yes, left-handers often knit differently, but it depends on how they choose to adapt.

Since knitting requires both hands, many left-handed people knit in the same way as right-handers, using their right hand as the working hand.

However, some prefer mirror knitting, where they hold the working yarn in their left hand and work stitches from right to left (the opposite direction of standard knitting).

This can make following traditional knitting patterns more challenging; as stitch decreases, charts and shaping may need to be reversed.

What is the best knitting style for left-handed people?

For left-handed knitters, Continental knitting is often the better choice because the yarn is held in the left hand, making it feel more natural and efficient.

Since left-handers tend to have better dexterity in their left hand, picking (as done in the Continental method) can be easier and faster than throwing (used in English knitting).

It also makes transitioning between knit and purl stitches smoother, which is especially useful for ribbing and textured patterns.

However, some left-handed knitters still prefer English knitting, as knitting involves both hands and with practice, they can become just as proficient.

In this style, the yarn is controlled using the right hand needle, while the left needle holds the stitches.

If you’re new to knitting or want to switch styles, try both methods and see which feels more comfortable for you!

And remember to be kind and patient with yourself during the learning process.

What Else Do Left-Handed People Struggle To Do In Knitting?

Left-handed knitters may face several challenges when learning to knit, mainly because most knitting pattern instructions, tutorials, and patterns are designed for right-handed knitters.

Following knitting instructions

Most books, videos, and patterns assume right-handed knitting, making it harder for left-handed knitters to follow along.
Written instructions for shaping (e.g., decreases like K2tog and SSK) may need to be mirrored to achieve the same look.

Reading charts

Knitting charts are typically read from right to left on right-side rows and left to right on wrong-side rows.
Left-handed knitters who mirror knit may need to read charts in reverse, which can be confusing.

Reversing stitches

Some stitch patterns don’t look the same when knitted left-handed (e.g., cables, lace patterns, or colorwork).
Increases and decreases (such as M1L/M1R or SSK/K2tog) may slant in the wrong direction if not adjusted.

Learning from right-handed demonstrations

Video tutorials often show knitting in a right-handed way, which can be hard to copy.

Knitting in the round

Circular knitting, especially for items like socks or hats, can be tricky because patterns assume stitches move in a certain direction.

Fixing mistakes

Many troubleshooting guides show how to fix mistakes for right-handed knitters, so left-handers may need extra effort to figure out corrections.
Dropped stitches and twisted stitches can be harder to identify and correct when working in a mirrored direction.

Knitting Stitches That Need Adjustments In Mirror Image Knitting

When mirror knitting (true left-handed knitting, where stitches are worked from right to left instead of the standard left to right), some stitches need to be adjusted to maintain the correct shaping and appearance.

Here’s what you need to watch out for:

1. Decreases (slanting adjustments)

Decreases in standard knitting slant in one direction, but in mirror knitting, they slant the opposite way unless modified.

K2tog (Knit Two Together) slants right, use SSK instead to maintain the rightward slant.
SKK (Slip Slip Knit) slants left, use K2tog instead to maintain the leftward slant.
P2tog (Purl Two Together) slants right, use SSP (Slip Slip Purl) instead.
SSP (Slip Slip Purl) slants left, use P2tog instead.

Learn how to knit two stitches together here. – How To Knit Two Stitches Together (K2tog)

Learn how to SSK, SSP and other decreases here. – How To Decrease Knitting (6 Ways)

2. Increases (M1 adjustments)

Increases in mirror knitting may need to be swapped to keep the correct lean.

M1L (Make One Left), use M1R (Make One Right) instead.
M1R (Make One Right), use M1L (Make One Left) instead.

Learn how to M1L, M1R, and other increases here. – How To Increase Stitches In Knitting (Tutorial)

3. Cables

Cables twist in the opposite direction when mirror knitting. To correct them:

Right-Handed C4R (Cable 4 Right) → Work as C4L (Cable 4 Left)
Right-Handed C4L (Cable 4 Left) → Work as C4R (Cable 4 Right)

For more complex cables, always swap left and right twists to ensure the intended look!

Learn how to knit cables here. – 8 Cable Stitch Knitting Patterns

4. Lace & Eyelets

Some lace patterns rely on specific decrease orientations. If the pattern includes SSK + YO or K2tog + YO, you may need to swap the decrease to keep the lace pattern aligned correctly.

5. Knitting charts

Charts are written assuming a right-to-left stitch flow. When mirror knitting, you should:

Read charts in the opposite direction (right-to-left becomes left-to-right).
Swap any directional stitches accordingly (decreases, cables, increases).

Check out this post about knitting charts here. – How To Read A Knitting Chart

6 Colorwork & Fair Isle

Designs may appear flipped if not adjusted.
If following a written pattern, you may need to swap chart colors if they rely on slant direction.

If you’re mirror knitting, always test stitch patterns on a swatch first to see if any adjustments are needed!

Other Aspects A Left-Handed Knitter Might Struggle With?

Aside from knitting itself, left-handed knitters may struggle with several knitting-related tasks due to tools and techniques being designed for right-handed use.

1. Using Scissors

Many scissors are designed for right-handed use, making them uncomfortable or ineffective for left-handers.
Lefties often have to twist their wrist or use awkward angles to cut yarn or fabric.
Solution: Invest in a good pair of left-handed scissors to make cutting easier and more precise.

2. Sewing & Finishing

Weaving in ends can feel unnatural when using a tapestry needle in a right-handed way.
Sewing seams (e.g., mattress stitch, grafting) may be trickier if instructions are written assuming right-handed execution.
Solution: The best way is to use tutorials for left-handed sewing or experiment with holding the needle in your dominant hand for better control.

Which yarn craft is easier for a left-handed person, knitting or crocheting?

For left-handed crafters, crochet is generally easier than knitting, but both can be learned with some adjustments.

Crochet mainly uses one hook instead of two needles, so left-handed makers can simply hold the crochet hook in their left hand and follow the same motions as right-handed crocheters (but mirrored).

Many left-handed crochet tutorials exist, and some video platforms allow you to flip videos for easier learning.

Mistakes in crochet are easier to undo because you only deal with one active stitch at a time, unlike knitting, where stitches are held on the needles.

Knitting Lessons

If you are learning how to knit, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with fellow knitters, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.

If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns

You can also find us on social media: Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.

Free Knitting Patterns And Resources

Whether you are looking for more inspiration, a new stitch tutorial, or patterns for handmade gifts, check out the free patterns below.