Reading Crochet Patterns as a Left-Handed Crocheter

Left Handed Crochet Basics: Reading Patterns

As a left-handed crocheter, one of the most daunting tasks can be reading crochet patterns.

Is There a Difference?

A lot of left-handed crocheters think that crochet patterns written by right-handed designers won’t work for them or will be backwards when they make it. This is not the case.

I am a left-handed designer and I’ve had many right-handed crocheters make my patterns. Most people don’t even know that I’m a lefty. So the same applies for all the lefties out there with any pattern.

There is one exception to reading crochet patterns left-handed, however. When a pattern has specific left and right sides, it will be the opposite for a left-handed crocheter. So say there are panels in the project, and you start with the left panel.

For a lefty, that panel will be our right panel. Since we work right to left, it will be the opposite for us. This happens because we work left to right when crocheting.

Everything else is the same when it comes to reading crochet patterns. Right side and wrong or back side is the same. Stitch counts are the same. The steps it takes to make the stitches is the same.

The end result should look the same. Even if a right-handed designer wrote the pattern and didn’t specify any adjustments for left-handed crocheters.

Step by Step

Now I’m going to take you through each step of reading crochet patterns as a left-handed crocheter. This will help you know what to look for and how to be prepared if you need to make adjustments.

Please note, I am following the example of one of my own crochet patterns. Patterns by other designers will likely vary in order and wording.

First Page

The first page will give you the information you need to know to create the design. This includes materials, gauge, sizing, notes, and stitch abbreviations.

Materials

The materials will be the same for everyone. This section will list the supplies you need to crochet this pattern.

Difficulty

This section states the pattern difficulty. This can range from beginner to advanced.

Gauge

The gauge is a very important part to take note of when reading crochet patterns. You need to check gauge, especially for wearables where sizing really matters.

Gauge can vary greatly, even more so for left-handed crocheters, so be sure to check it before you begin your project.

Sizing

Sizing is an important part of the pattern because it will tell you the amount of sizes that are included in the pattern, as well as what the measurements are. Use this section to determine what size you will be making.

Pattern Notes

The pattern notes are a very important part of the crochet pattern to read. This section will give you information on the construction of the pattern and other details that are vital to the project.

This is where you will likely find out if there is a distinct left and ride side of the project that you will need to adjust as you crochet.

Stitches Needed and Abbreviations

Here you will find a list of the crochet stitches that are in the pattern and the abbreviations used for each stitch or instruction.

You may also find a stitch definition here, for special stitches, that instructs you on how to create the stitch.

A photo of a crochet project with someone's hands laid over it. The person is left-handed and holding the crochet hook in their left hand.

The Rest of the Pattern

Most crochet patterns will be written in the order you need to crochet the project in. So follow the pattern as written.

Making Adjustments

If there are panels or a specific right/left side to something, and there isn’t a note for left-handed crocheters, assume that it will be the opposite for you.

The best way to tell if you’ll need to adjust your left and right sides is to read through the pattern thoroughly and note the changes in the left and right side.

Remember that the RS, called the right side but meaning the front side, is not affected. Just right and left sides, panels, parts of the pattern.

That is literally all the adjustments you will need to make note of! How nice is that?!

So conquer all of those patterns you’ve been wanting to try! You can do it! Reading patterns doesn’t have to be scary or impossible because we are left-handed.

Extra Help

For a more detailed explanation and a walk through of one of my own patterns check out the next video for How to Crochet Left-Handed!

For more Left-Handed Crochet Basics check out my Stitch Tutorials page!

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6 Comments

  1. I’ve found the trickiest party of adapting patterns to the fact I’m left handed is to remember that if I’m making something with button holes I have to make sure they end up on the correct side. I have forgotten this a few times and been far enough along I’ve just left it, but for those that are picky it does make a difference.

    Thank you for doing this series. I hope it helps some of our fellow lefties less apprehensive about adapting patterns for success!

  2. I want to make the baby abc afghan by Caron. Do I have to make a mirror image of the design or is their a simple way to follow the pattern. I’m used to crocheting by this is the first time this lefty is trying letters. Thank

      1. I left handed Been crocheting for a long time
        Do you have a video on left handed on how to do the squiggly crochet? As want to make a driver of coaster seen this last week but everyone does only one round and arrows opposite which I understand it when comes to 2 nd row etc confusing thanks

        1. I’m sorry, I don’t have a tutorial for that. Do you have a link I could look at and see what you mean?

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