LEARN TO CROCHET - LEFT
HANDED
The Basics
All crochet stitches are based on the action of a loop pulled
through another loop with a hook. When crocheting, left handed
people work from left to right.
When learning the basic steps, begin with 8ply yarn and a
3.50mm hook OR 4ply yarn and a 2.50mm hook, so that each stitch
is clearly visible. Practise the simple steps first before
attempting the finer threads.
In all crocheting, pick up the two top threads of each stitch
unless otherwise stated. The two top threads consist of a front
and a back loop.
Back to INDEX
STEP 1.
TO MAKE A LOOP
1. Grasp the thread near the end between the thumb and
the forefinger of the right hand.
2. With the left hand, make a loop by lapping the long
thread over the short thread.
3. Hold this loop in place between the thumb and the
forefinger of the right hand.
STEP 2.
1. With the left hand, take hold of the broad bar of
the hook as you would a pencil.
2. Insert the hook through the loop and under the long
thread. With the left hand, catch the long end of the thread.
Draw the loop through.
3. Do not remove the hook from the thread.
STEP 3.
1. Pull the short end and the ball thread in opposite
directions to bring the loop around the end of the hook, but not
too tight.
Back to INDEX
STEP 4.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE RIGHT HAND
1. Measure with your eye about 10cm along the ball
thread from the loop on the hook.
2. At about this point, insert the thread between the
ring finger and the little finger, having the palm of the hand
facing up.
STEP 5.
1. Bring the thread towards the back, under the little
finger and the ring finger, over the middle finger and under the
forefinger towards the thumb.
STEP 6.
1. Grasp the hook and the loop between the thumb and
the forefinger of the right hand.
2. Gently pull the ball thread so that it lies around
the fingers firmly, but not tightly.
3. Catch the knot of the loop between the thumb and the
forefinger.
Back to INDEX
STEP 7.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFT HAND
1. Take hold of the broad bar of the hook as you would
a pencil.
2. Bring the middle finger forward to rest near the tip
of the hook.
STEP 8.
1. Adjust the fingers of the right hand, the middle
finger is bent to regulate the tension, the ring and the little
fingers control the thread. The motion of the hook in the left
hand and the thread in the right hand should be free and even.
Ease comes with practice.
Back to INDEX
CHAIN (ch) is the basis of all
crocheting. Chain is used to begin crocheting, to obtain height
at the beginning of a row, and in patterns where an opening or a
hole is required. When crocheting the starting row (foundation
chain), work the chain stitches more loosely than the following
rows.
STEP 9.
CHAIN (ch)
1. Pass the hook under the thread and catch the thread
with the hook. This is called "thread over" or
yarn over hook.
2. Draw the thread through the loop on the hook. This
makes one chain (ch). The loop on the hook is not counted
as a stitch.
STEP 10.
1. Repeat Step 9 until you have as many chain (ch) as
you need - one loop always remains on the hook.
2. Always keep the thumb and the forefinger of the
right hand near the stitch on which you are working.
3. Practise making chain stitches until they are even
in size.
Back to INDEX
