[DSouthard01]

I am left-handed (in my right mind!) and I knit left-handed. It really is not a problem. Yes, it can be a slight challenge at times, but so what! When I read instructions I automatically say in my head, right instead of left and left instead of right. I have never had anyone look at my knitting and say, "Oh, you knit left-handed." It is entirely up to you. I rather enjoy the challenge if one comes up; which is not often. Enjoy your knitting whichever way you decide. Don't let someone make you feel that you are a less capable knitter because you knit left-handed.
Donna K

 

[Hazel Blumberg - McKee]

There are so many styles of knitting. Keep going the way you're going! You fit in fine with the world o' knittin'!

Hazel

 

[Cheryl_K]

I'm left handed, and have only been knitting for about six years. My husband got me a book for my birthday that had left handed instructions in it, and that's what I learned from. I don't knit continental. You're right, there are a few minor adjustments you need to make, such as switching left front and right front when making a garment. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same. Absolutely don't give up!! I was taught crochet right handed as a child, and my work looked horrible. I got so frustrated that I gave up for several years. After I learned to knit left handed, I re-taught myself crochet left handed too. I figure that God made me a leftie for a reason, as He doesn't make mistakes. Happy knitting!

 

[DSouthard01]

I'm left handed, and have only been knitting for about six years. My husband got me a book for my birthday that had left handed instructions in it, and that's what I learned from. I don't knit continental. You're right, there are a few minor adjustments you need to make, such as switching left front and right front when making a garment. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same. Absolutely don't give up!! I was taught crochet right handed as a child, and my work looked horrible. I got so frustrated that I gave up for several years. After I learned to knit left handed, I re-taught myself crochet left handed too. I figure that God made me a leftie for a reason, as He doesn't make mistakes. Happy knitting!

Totally agree!
Donna K

 

[Redkimba]

My question is I watched a video on youtube saying that if your left handed to either learn to do it right handed or give it up. So is this true? I mean I can see that some of the patterns would need adjusting but is it really that serious? Thank you to anyone that answers =)

Oh, my word - that youtube poster is a confirmed idiot. I'm left-handed, taught by my right-handed grandmother. I don't have any problem being or knitting left-handed. (and I have a very rude response towards any right-hander who thinks I need to change so I can fit their universe...)

<rant now over>

Just give knitting left-handed a try. You may find that it works for you OR you may find that knitting the right-handed may work better for you.

PS - sorry, but it grossly annoys me that we still have right-handers who believe that all lefties are raised on a left-handed planet and therefore have no concept how to deal with anything right-handed.

 

[Barbaradey]

I am a left handed knitter and I have know problem at all . There are plenty of books and patterns out there that give instructions for left handed people. I just finished my third 5 hr. sweater for my granddaughter to be. Also, hats, pants, mittens and blankets soon to be. Knitting for me is relaxing and such a joy. Please, do not stop knitting if you love it. I've only been a member for a short while but everyone here is helpful, supportive and certainly a great team. So Enjoy!

 

[peachy51]

My question is I watched a video on youtube saying that if your left handed to either learn to do it right handed or give it up. So is this true? I mean I can see that some of the patterns would need adjusting but is it really that serious? Thank you to anyone that answers =)

Oh, my word - that youtube poster is a confirmed idiot. I'm left-handed, taught by my right-handed grandmother. I don't have any problem being or knitting left-handed. (and I have a very rude response towards any right-hander who thinks I need to change so I can fit their universe...)

<rant now over>

Just give knitting left-handed a try. You may find that it works for you OR you may find that knitting the right-handed may work better for you.

PS - sorry, but it grossly annoys me that we still have right-handers who believe that all lefties are raised on a left-handed planet and therefore have no concept how to deal with anything right-handed.

Actually, it's us left handers who are better adapted. We have had to adapt to a mostly right-handed world. My mother used to say that she might as well not have a left hand because it was useless to her. I think a lot of right-handed people feel that way.

Whereas, those of us who are lefties have had to learn to adapt.

And we are also discriminated against to a certain extent. When I went to buy a pair of sewing scissors, I had to pay twice as much for a left-handed pair. (I realize the concept behind this as they don't make as many of them, but it still chaps me.)

Fortunately for me, I don't do everything left handed. I eat, write, crochet left handed. But I bowl, knit, throw a ball right handed. And if I broke my left arm, I could still do all those things right handed (it would just be slower).

That video is the exact reason I don't go to youtube first for video instruction. They are my last resort if I can't find what I need on any of the knitting sites. Even tho I can't understand anyone learning from the beginning to knit left handed, I would never presume to tell anyone that they should change the way they are doing it. If they already knit left handed and have the ability to make pattern adjustments, they I say go for it!

 

[josiehof]

Hi,

My mother was left-handed. I tried to teach her and was unable to help her.

josiehof

 

[dotrob34]

My question is I watched a video on youtube saying that if your left handed to either learn to do it right handed or give it up. So is this true? I mean I can see that some of the patterns would need adjusting but is it really that serious? Thank you to anyone that answers =)

Oh, my word - that youtube poster is a confirmed idiot. I'm left-handed, taught by my right-handed grandmother. I don't have any problem being or knitting left-handed. (and I have a very rude response towards any right-hander who thinks I need to change so I can fit their universe...)

<rant now over>

Just give knitting left-handed a try. You may find that it works for you OR you may find that knitting the right-handed may work better for you.

PS - sorry, but it grossly annoys me that we still have right-handers who believe that all lefties are raised on a left-handed planet and therefore have no concept how to deal with anything right-handed.

Actually, it's us left handers who are better adapted. We have had to adapt to a mostly right-handed world. My mother used to say that she might as well not have a left hand because it was useless to her. I think a lot of right-handed people feel that way.

Whereas, those of us who are lefties have had to learn to adapt.

And we are also discriminated against to a certain extent. When I went to buy a pair of sewing scissors, I had to pay twice as much for a left-handed pair. (I realize the concept behind this as they don't make as many of them, but it still chaps me.)

Fortunately for me, I don't do everything left handed. I eat, write, crochet left handed. But I bowl, knit, throw a ball right handed. And if I broke my left arm, I could still do all those things right handed (it would just be slower).

That video is the exact reason I don't go to youtube first for video instruction. They are my last resort if I can't find what I need on any of the knitting sites. Even tho I can't understand anyone learning from the beginning to knit left handed, I would never presume to tell anyone that they should change the way they are doing it. If they already knit left handed and have the ability to make pattern adjustments, they I say go for it!

Thank you for your reply, I taught myself how to knit when my daughter found out she was pregnant with my new grandaughter. I learned from a beginners book and the videos I found on the internet so I did learn left handed. I have made lots of baby booties, hats, and baby mittens along with a couple of blankets. I knitted my first baby dress just a week or so ago and as I look at the clothing, toys, scarfs, etc. that I want to knit...I got worried about following the more detailed patterns. But I believe I will continue to knit the way I have taught myself lol at least until I feel I really need to change, but I am so new to knitting that I believe that as I get better at knitting and reading the patterns that I will be able to adapt. Like you I do a lot of things right handed so I'm sure if I had to I could knit right handed too.

 

[MawmawLinda]

I'm left handed, and I've been knitting left handed for years...some instructions need to be reversed on some patterns, but usually I have no problem.

 

[knitnsew]

I, too, am a self taught left handed knitter and have no problems with it. I do have to switch knit for purl and vice versa on some patterns but for the most part I have never had a major problem. Don't give up! Us lefties are in our right minds!! lol

 

[levsgirl]

Hi I have a question. I started knitting when my daughter became pregnant with my grand daughter =) Anyways I am left handed and I have made booties, hats, and blankets, so now I am hooked. My question is I watched a video on youtube saying that if your left handed to either learn to do it right handed or give it up. So is this true? I mean I can see that some of the patterns would need adjusting but is it really that serious? Thank you to anyone that answers =)

I am left-sided completely, but I use my right hand to swing my yarn when knitting. I crochet left-handed. DO NOT GIVE UP!! :shock: That would be a tragedy. The way I learned to crochet from right-handed patterns is that I sat knee to knee with a gal who crocheted. Perhaps you have a friend who knits and you can do that with her. I can't see the difference if you know your stitches. We are right brained and much much more intuitive than the right handers, so you should do well. Good luck and let us know! Michelle in Texas