How to Crochet Left-Handed: Everything Mirrored, Step by Step
Left-handed crochet is the same stitches mirrored: the hook in your left hand, the yarn in your right, working from left to right. How to read right-handed patterns and charts, and what changes (and what doesn't).
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 20 minutes
You'll need
- Any crochet hook — hooks aren't left- or right-handed
- Smooth light-coloured worsted yarn
In this post
To crochet left-handed, hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right, and work every row from left to right. The stitches themselves are exactly the same — chains, single crochet, double crochet — just mirrored. Hooks aren't handed, and you can follow any right-handed written pattern without changes. Only charts and photos need to be read in mirror image.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
What changes and what doesn't
| Same | Mirrored |
|---|---|
| Stitch names and abbreviations | Direction: rows go left to right |
| Hooks and yarn | Rounds go clockwise |
| Written patterns, stitch counts | Charts and photos — read as a mirror image |
| Front loop / back loop | Crab stitch goes right to left for lefties |
Getting started left-handed
- Slip knot on the hook, held in your left hand like a pencil or a knife (grips explained).
- Yarn in your right hand: wrap it around your right little finger and over your right index finger.
- Chain: Yarn over (from back to front, over the hook) and pull through. The chain grows to the left.
- First row: Work into the chains moving from left to right.
- Turn and keep working left to right. Every row starts on the left.
- Learning from videos: Prop a phone up against a mirror, or search for left-handed tutorials, so the hands match yours.
Patterns with a "right side"
A few designs look different when worked mirrored — text and letters in tapestry crochet come out backwards, and some asymmetrical shapes (like a left/right mitten) swap. Flip the chart before starting, or make the opposite piece. Symmetrical patterns — blankets, hats, amigurumi, granny squares — come out the same.
Start with the basics: slip knot, single crochet and crochet for beginners. Reading charts mirrored: how to read crochet charts.
Common questions
Is there a left-handed crochet hook?
No. Crochet hooks are symmetrical and work in either hand.
Can left-handed people crochet right-handed?
Some do, because the yarn hand does a lot of the fine work. Try both for a few rows and keep whichever feels natural.
Do left-handers need special patterns?
No. Written patterns work as they are; only charts and photos need to be read as a mirror image.
Fellow lefties, what tips would you add? 🖐️
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
Did you make this?
Tap a star to rate this pattern — it helps other makers find it.
Be the first to rate it!
YarnBloom
Crochet patterns & tutorials
YarnBloom shares cozy, beginner-friendly crochet patterns written in clear US terms, with a stitch count on every round and tips for the tricky bits. Grab your hook — let’s make something lovely.
You might also love
How to Hold a Crochet Hook and Yarn: Pencil vs Knife Grip
There are two ways to hold a crochet hook — like a pencil or like a knife — and both are correct. How each works, how to wrap the yarn in your other hand for steady tension, and how to choose the grip that won't tire your hand.
Is Crochet Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer (and a 7-Day Plan)
Crochet is easier to learn than most people think: one hook, one live loop, and a handful of stitches. How long it really takes, what's hard at first and why, and a 7-day plan from first chain to first finished project.
How to Crochet the Second Row: Turning, Turning Chains and the First Stitch
The second row is where most beginners get stuck: which way to turn, how many chains, and which stitch to go into first. Step by step for single, half double and double crochet, with pictures of where to put the hook.
How to Read Crochet Charts and Symbols (With a Symbol Key)
Crochet charts draw each stitch as a symbol, so you can follow a pattern in any language. The standard symbols, how to read rows (right to left, then left to right) and rounds (from the centre, counter-clockwise), with practice tips.
How to Fasten Off in Crochet (and Finish Neatly)
Fastening off locks the last stitch so your work can't unravel. How to fasten off in rows and rounds, the invisible finish for a seamless edge, how long a tail to leave, and how to hide it.
Crochet vs Knitting: Differences, Which Is Easier and Which to Learn
Crochet uses one hook and one live loop; knitting uses two needles and a row of live stitches. How they differ in speed, look, yarn use and what each is best for — and an honest answer on which to learn first.
How to Crochet a Magic Ring (and Stop It Unravelling)
The adjustable ring that starts almost every amigurumi, in six clear steps — plus the knot that stops it ever working loose, and what to do instead if you hate it.
How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet (2 Easy Ways)
The slip knot is the first step of almost every crochet project. Two easy methods — around your fingers and the "pretzel" — which end to pull, how tight it should be, and what to do next.
Leave a comment