Basics of Left Handed Knitting Part 1
75Introduction
Left-handers who want to learn how to knit are often told they should just use the right-handed method. After all, you use both hands equally, right? This approach does work for a certain percentage of lefties, but for the rest of us our brains and hands just can't get the hang of the process.
I'm a self-taught knitter and so didn't have anyone trying to force me into a certain method. I found a few beginner books and web resources, resorted to holding up some of the pictures to the mirror, and finally figured out how to get those stitches to work. I was knitting socks and sweaters within a matter of months and am currently teaching myself Fair Isle style colorwork.
I taught myself to knit because I wanted a Harry Potter Ravenclaw scarf (book colors, please). Having a specific goal in mind can be a great motivator to learning!
It took me a while to realize I knit continental style. I think it came to me naturally because I also crochet. I've tried English - or throwing - style but find I can't work as fast. So most of what I'll show here is continental, although I will include some information on the throwing style. Try both and see what works best for you.
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Starting Supplies And Tools
Getting Started
Some of the terms used below might be unfamiliar. I'll do my best to explain them along the way, but don't hesitate to ask questions of the staff in the shop where you're buying your tools and supplies. Websites that sell knitting supplies almost always have information available - and sometimes even live customer support via chat.
Oh, and I will invariably refer to measurements in inches, yards, etceteras. I will do my best to also give the metric equivalent when critical, but I'm sure I will miss some. Please comment if anything is unclear in that quarter.
Supplies
The only thing you need for this first project is yarn. Get a worsted weight yarn. It's thick enough to be easy to handle without being overly bulky. Check the label for something called the gauge, although it might not be marked using that word. This tells you how many stitches per inch the yarn will make on the listed needle sizes. You're looking for something in the range of 4.5 to 5.0 stitches per inch on US6 to US9 (4.0mm to 5.5mm) needles.
Wool really is the best fiber to start with unless you have a true allergy or live in a tropical climate. Cotton and linen have very little spring and can be harder for the beginning knitter to work with. Wool is also more forgiving of mistakes.
Yarn is packaged for retail sale in two basic formats: as a ball or a skein. A ball is wound and ready for use, usually with a yarn end at the center to pull for your starting point. A skein is more like how embroidery thread is wrapped. It must be wound into a ball before you can use it, otherwise it's impossible to control and will tangle horribly. If you're buying your yarn at a general craft store, it will almost always be in a ball. If you're getting it from a yarn shop, it could be in either format, but they will be able to wind your yarn if you choose one in a skein.
Tools
You don't need many tools to start knitting.
- Knitting needles.
The options can be overwhelming. I recommend bamboo as it's easier on the hands than metal, but you might find you prefer the more slippery quality of the latter. You can get a pair of straight needles or you can get circular needles. If you get the latter, make sure the set is at least 24" (60cm) long.
For this first project get size US 8 (5mm). The size refers to how thick the needle is: the weight of the yarn and the size of the needle are directly related. In general, the heavier the yarn, the thicker the needle, and vice versa. - Yarn needle. This is a blunt-tipped needle with a large eye. You will need this to weave in your loose yarn ends.
- Ruler. To measure your personal gauge: how many stitches you get per inch with your needles and yarn. Special knitting gauges are available, but any ruler will work.
- Scissors.
- Row-counter. Optional for this project, but very helpful for larger, more complex designs.
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Thanks for the kind words, Rosie! I find knitting very relaxing, too. It's also quite satisfying to create something useful and beautiful out of nothing but yarn and a pair of sticks.
Hiya Silk, I learned how to knit from a friend last year and I love it! I find knitting very calming... even football players do it! I haven't tried bamboo knitting needles.. I'm ok with my steels ones. Great idea for a hub for left handed people who would want to try knitting. Good job! Voted up and useful.
Have a nice day,
Rosie
@wordscribe43: Our brains really do work differently, and sometimes we just can't adapt to the right-handed methods!
Lol... so THIS must be why I've had such a hard time learning to knit. I'm a leftie and have been trying to do it the right-handed method. From all the lefties of the world, thank you! I think I'll research how to learn the left-handed way. No wonder it's always felt so unnatural. I finally gave up! Great hub.
I think I could write left-handed if I would work on it. When I was in the German Border Patrol we had to shoot left- and right-handed and I did similarly well with both hands.
The fact that it was forced upon me borders me. I think it explains some of the issues I have/had with certain things; marching in formation or marching a formation, doing arts or things that required close coordination. I love creating things, but knitting was just an example of something I never got totally figured out.
My grandmother had that experience as a child and was forced to write right-handed.
When I was little we children were not allowed to write left-handed and I became (forced) right handed. On top of that I was never good at something that required me to sit still and be patient! grin
My Mom made some beautiful sweaters and scarfs mit 'Stricken' and 'Haeckeln' and I always admired her skills.
bloggering Level 1 Commenter 6 weeks ago
I used to knit and crochet years ago and it was great therapy when I quit smoking too - kept my hands busy! I'm not left handed but kudos to you for writing this article. This is the first one I've ever seen on this subject.