How do you crochet with one hand? Is it even possible? I’m happy to report that it is definitely possible for those who are seeking a solution to a disability or are trying to up their multitasking game by learning to crochet one-handed.
In this guide, I’m going to teach you how to crochet one handed, so you can actualize your multitasking dreams or get started with crochet despite your limitations.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick guide:
To crochet one handed, tape a hook to a long object and clamp it under your arm against your side. Face the hook toward your opposite shoulder. Push the hook through the stitch, wrap your yarn around the hook, and pull the work over the hook to make a loop.
If that’s as difficult to visualize as I’m guessing it might be, the rest of this article will be giving detailed instructions on the methods you can use to crochet with one hand. I will also include the different tools and adaptations you can buy, make, or use to make this process easier. If you’re interested in a step-by-step lesson on getting started with this technique, keep reading.
How To Make A Slip Knot With One Hand
To make a slip knot with one hand, lay a foot of yarn onto a flat surface. Take the end and make a fish shape. Flip the loop so that it’s lying on the working yarn. Grab the loop with your index finger and pull upward to secure it.
Now let’s break it down a bit more. To make this easier, get a good strand of yarn, at least a foot in length, and lay it in a straight line onto a table. Grab the end and make a fish shape by laying the end over the working yarn.
Lay the loop on top of the strand connected to your yarn ball. This should put your tail on the right side, your working yarn on the left.
Pinch the strand in the middle of the circle with your index finger and thumb and drape it over the index. Hold it upward so the working yarn and the strand are hanging down, then grab these two strands with your thumb and middle finger. Pull your index finger and the other fingers in opposite directions to tighten the loop.
Continue pulling up on the loop while holding down the working yarn to make the loop smaller.
How To Make A Chain With One Hand
To make a chain one handed, keep your slipknot an inch away from the hook that’s under your arm. Wrap the yarn around the hook, grab the slipknot and pull it over the hook. Repeat to make your chain.
If you need help figuring out how to hold everything, stay with me. As it is, you should have a slip knot on the hook. The hook is facing your opposite shoulder. Now, grab the tail of the yarn with your pinky and ring finger. Using your thumb and forefinger, wrap the yarn around the back of the hook toward the front. Now, pull the slip knot over the hook to make the chain.
As you proceed with the chain, you will grip the chain nearest to the hook with your pinky and ring finger and pull this over the strand of yarn and the head of the hook.
Working Into The Chain With One Hand
To work a single crochet into the chain with one hand, grab the chain between your index and thumb where the new stitch will go and place it over the hook. Wrap the yarn over and pull the work over the hook. Yarn over, then pull both loops over the hook.
The trickiest part with this technique is figuring out how to hold the yarn and the work simultaneously. It might help, in this scenario, to have a basic understanding of how to hold the yarn first.
To hold the yarn, wrap it around the pinky so the yarn farthest away is on your palm-side and the yarn closest to the work stretches over the back of your ring, middle, and index fingers. Pinch your pinky and ring finger together to get a tighter tension and drape the yarn closest to the work over the top of the index finger. Having the yarn positioned like this will enable you to wrap the yarn around the hook with your index finger easily without having to drop the yarn often.
For this technique, grab the chain loop where you want to put your new stitch. Pull it over the top of the hook. Using the yarn draped over your index finger, wrap it from back to front over the hook. The working yarn should essentially be pinched close to the piece by the rest of your hand, so you can use your whole hand to pull the stitch over the yarn and hook to make a loop. Yarn over again and pull the work over both loops to make your single crochet.
How To Crochet One Handed With No Hook
Using bulky yarn, make a loose slip knot. Pinch the working yarn through the slip knot and pull up a loop. Repeat to make a chain. Go into the stitches with your index finger and pull up new loops to continue making rows with just your fingers.
To start with this method, make sure you have chunky yarn. This won’t be much fun if you’re battling a lightweight yarn that keeps dodging to the sides of your fingers while you work.
Make a slip knot and lay it down. Pull the working yarn through the loop to create a chain. Do this repeatedly until you have the length of the chain you desire.
Next, with the loop over your index finger, reach through the second chain from your finger and pull a loop through from the other side. You will have two loops on your finger. Carefully remove your finger from the loops and pull the working yarn through both. Repeat down the line to make a row of single crochet.
Other Tools To Help Crochet One Handed
Try a long Tunisian crochet hook if you want to make your life easier with the armpit method. Duct tape a pool noodle around it to make it more comfortable and secure.
Many crocheters make their own one handed crochet tools at home to help them continue the practice. If you’re looking for other ways to secure the hook, you can also try these methods:
- If you’re an amputee, try a velcro wrist brace. Secure the hook inside the brace to have use of your arm.
- Make a desk clamp by either using rubber bands or tape to secure the hook in a position parallel to your desk or table. Secure the hook to a desk leg or make-shift stand.
- Some specialty stores sell tools to accommodate one-handed crocheters and knitters, so you may be able to buy a more permanent solution.
Whether you’re working around a disability or hoping to bring multitasking to a new level, I hope these tips and steps helped you learn how to crochet one handed.
And when you’re ready to advance your crochet skills to another level, you can even learn how to crochet without looking.
Originally posted 2022-07-06 11:19:42.