Are You Left Handed and Would You Like To Learn How To Knit

August 1, 2017 in DIY Projects / Handmade / Knitting tagged knitting / Left Handed Knitting by Karren Haller

Learning to knit if you are left handed

There are several health benefits to be had from knitting. These benefits include a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as a reduction in stress levels. Of course, these benefits often only start to apply once you have actually learned to knit. This is something that many left handed people believe is too difficult to do. The truth is that knitting is always a two-handed activity, and it’s not necessarily more difficult for a left-handed person to learn than it is for a right-handed person to do so.

The benefits of learning to knit far outweigh the potential issues involved with learning, so it’s worth having the patience and tenacity to succeed, even if you are left handed.

Mirror image knitting

Many left handed people use a system of knitting which is referred to as backward or mirror image. This is certainly an option for anyone who is left handed, and there are instruction videos available. The problem with this type of knitting is that it can be confusing trying to reverse traditional knitting patterns, and the number of mirror image patterns available is limited. This may mean that, if you are left handed, you do not have the range of knitting options which right handed people do.

Learning to knit in the continental style

If you want to learn to knit, and you are left handed, the easiest option is probably to learn to knit continental style. The reason why this type of knitting style is so beneficial to left handed people is that the wool is controlled in the left hand, rather than the right hand, which is traditional with the English style of knitting. The continental style of knitting is the most obvious place to start for a left handed rookie.

Practice makes perfect

Whether you are right handed or left handed, you cannot expect to simply pick up a knitting pattern, and choose your knitting wool, then produce a perfect piece of knitting straight away. You may be able to start forming a few stitches within hours, but it’s going to be at least a couple of weeks before you can create stitches which are even, and well formed. The same applies whichever hand you favour. You need to just stick with it; no matter how frustrated you get.

Remember that, once you get the hang of it, knitting can be a very relaxing pastime. If you become really adept, you can create some amazing designs, and really unleash your creativity. Take your time learning to knit; it’s not a race and you should not put pressure on yourself. Hopefully, we have shown that, even if you are left handed, you can learn to knit. You just need to take it slowly and be prepared for some failures along the way, until you get to where you want to be.