How I Hold My Yarn When Crocheting 😃

[@kristenduarte4661]

Anybody else too distracted by the absolute beauty of her hands to even hear the lesson?! Just the prettiest hands I’ve ever seen.

[@jen71ski]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@becjane1281]

Totally agree...!! Beautiful skin and nails

[@priscillamengyan6883]

Yes! Her hands and her nails! Her nails are gorgeous!

[@Steph_Said]

Yes!

[@annruiz1615]

Hoping it will help my lefty friend.❤️

[@chrisarlington1792]

I have osteo arthritis and was considering quitting crochet. Old school pencil hold and yarn finger up. I tried your method . It took a few minutes to find my rhythm and I am happy to say NO PAIN. THANKYOU😘

[@louisehill2892]

that is why I am so fascinated by this method.. my fingers, especially my thumbs hurt so much. I've crocheting for so long I just can't change my habit.. Having a hard time finding the rhythm to get any thread pressure... any suggestions? thanks.

[@corinnametters5051]

I have osteparthritis too. My fingers are lumpy and my thumbs are stiff, so this works best for me too.

[@evelyngibson7939]

Robin!!! You are the 1st person that holds the yarn like me!! I am self taught crocheter and I have never been able to hold the yarn with the index finger sticking out... it is just awkward to me! 😉🤗

[@corinnametters5051]

I work this way too.

[@maryb6872]

Me too! I watched the video while holding my own crocheting and it's the same way! I thought I was doing something wrong. Glad to know that whatever works for the crocheter is perfectly correct.

[@KJ-fo3pb]

Oh wow its not just me that can't hold the yarn like everyone else.

[@kathleenjmalmquist3015]

I’m also a self taught, from a booklet, (way back in the 1960’s) and I’ve always held my yarn this way…and I think this is the way we all learned back in the day. Since watching KZbin videos, for crocheting patterns, I was surprised to see so many fingers being held up in the air. Thank you for a video showing how to crochet with your finger down, and in case any of my grandchildren decide to learn, I will direct them to your video 🙂

[@amandasmedley10]

Same

[@marynapoleone4748]

My mother taught me how to crochet when I was very young. I hold my yarn the same way you do. That's why I subscribed. Your crochet work on s beautiful

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you so much Mary!🥰🧶

[@ruthdaisy1036]

Yes, finally someone else who holds the yarn like I do. I've tried all the fancy fandangled methods I've seen on KZbin and just don't get it. Have so much trouble holding my work without it flapping around any other way and this is the way I've just naturally worked without even thinking about it. Thanks for making me feel "normal", haha.

[@erikalafrance7227]

I just got into crochet and found your channel. I have not been able to hold my yarn right until I watched this video. I am now able to crochet using smaller yarn! I have carpel tunnel and holding the yarn the way you do does not hurt my hand. I want to thank you for making this video and the teaching you do. Your techniques have help me a lot.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You're so welcome Erika, I get really painful hands too which is why I hold it this way. I am glad the video helped.😀

[@jenn2136]

Thank you so much! I suffered nerve damage to my ulnar nerve 18months ago and I struggle to hold my yarn now when crocheting, I am so looking forward to trying to hold the yarn like this and hopefully I will be able to start crocheting again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@pujaharikumar]

Okay. I'm not kidding. I was LOST trying to figure out an efficient way to hold my yarn and I think you just saved my sanity.

[@disturbed7821]

I've only been crocheting for a little over a year. I'm right handed & have never been able to do the "normal" method. This is how I've been doing it the whole time! I'm sooooo excited to find someone else who holds their yarn the same way! I don't feel like so much of a "crochet outcast" anymore. Thank you so much!

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are 100% definitely not a crochet outcast! 😃 There is no right or wrong way with crochet but unfortunately a lot of people teach that there is. You are doing amazing! 🤗🧶

[@starsweptt]

Thank you! Please know that this four year old video is still helping people. I'm disabled and a newbie crocheter and have been really struggling with the "traditional" index finger up technique for holding yarn, it causes so much pain and I have limited mobility anyway. Holding my yarn as you do has made all the difference!

[@HookedbyRobin]

You're welcome and I am so glad it helps. I get such painful hands, so I definitely find this way the the most comfy.🥰🤗

[@chopshopstitch]

Omg thank you!!!! This is exactly how I hold my yarn and ive always felt like a loser bc I couldn't do all the windey wrapey stuff with my fingers and the yarn! Now I feel like I belong 🥰😚

[@HookedbyRobin]

Welcome to the We Hold Our Yarn Like Rebels Tribe! 🖐😀🧶

[@jennyclark495]

I have been crocheting for 40+ years...learned from my grandmother when I was a child. I hold my yarn exactly like you do and I'm right handed. This is how I was taught and how I've always felt comfortable crocheting! I watch other videos and tutorials and this is the first one I've found where you hold your yarn and hook just like me. I guess my left hand likes to get involved in the process as well! Thanks for the great videos!

[@chekinger7]

Thank you so much for this. Your yarn holding technique is so much gentler on the tension hand. As a beginner, I was struggling with pain, ten mins into crocheting, because I was doing the whole magician winding of yarn from other tutorials... This helped me so much!

[@traceyjoyce383]

I also hold my yarn and hook exactly like you do. Glad I'm not alone with this I know lots of people hold their hook like that but I've only ever seen the fancy wrapping you describe when I've watched other people crochet. My mum taught me to crochet more years ago than I care to remember and although she used to do the fancy wrapping I could never do it no matter how hard she tried.

[@HookedbyRobin]

It would appear there are quite a few of us who don't do the fancy wrapping! We should start a club 😂

[@luzvbarratachea4165]

You are the cutest. I hold my yarn close to that . i was mersmerized by your beautiful accent and nails. Love that yarn what is it called and where did you purchased it.

[@lorishort3178]

Also a lefty when I write but actually do most other things right handed. I was getting frustrated about how to hold my yarn when I found this video. My left hand gets involved too! I hold my yarn almost exactly like you. Thanks for this.

[@rosiecragg9292]

Yes!! This is me!! I'm a lefty crocheting with my right hand - your explanation is perfect with your left hand wanting to get involved!! The only difference i do, is wind the wool around my little finger!! I knew i loved watching your tutorials for a reason - now i know why!!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Yessss, do whatever works best for you too Rosie!😃

[@jillywilly6512]

Just came across this as I was going thru your channel. So funny, I am a lefty also, and hold mine pretty much the same way! Sometimes a wrap around the little finger. It helps with tension letting my two fingers relax a little so they don’t cramp. But it depends entirely on the type and size of yarn. Usually the smaller DK. I was taught by a right handed friend. Couldn’t keep that index finger up etc. I kinda gave up crochet it was so fumbley. All these years later with KZbin and wonderful teachers like you, I have begun again and amaze myself at what I have done, and the amount I have learned. It has become a type of therapy and I feel accomplishment. Thank you for your guidance and fun.😊

[@tkgcreations3247]

I commented on another video that I liked how you hold the yarn. I place working end between ring and pinkie fingers, I then move yarn across my pinkie and bring it back around to ring finger, I pass the yarn between same fingers and cross over my ring finger and then between middle and ring finger, then passing my yarn over middle and pointer finger. I hold work with thumb and middle and use pointer to control tension .

[@galeharris6696]

Really fun listening to your accent, being a leftie crocheter who was bludgeoned into writing righthanded by the school system here in America, a million years ago. I learned to crochet on my own, way back before there were any videos, just magazines for righthanded crocheters, so I kind of did the best I could. It never even occured to me that the reason I couldn't follow instructions in books was because they were all going right to left, and I crocheted left to right! The first thing I made was a scarf that sort of reminds me of the moss stitch you show, a repeat of 2 rows forever. I think that scarf was about 9 ft long or something! A few years later, I started making granny squares, and made a granny square afghan that was one BIG granny square, in rainbow colors. I loved that blanket, and after that, I just made a whole bunch of different afghans. I still crochet, though my hands are pretty arthritic at 74, but I don't care. Thank you so much, so glad to know you're a leftie at heart!🌻

[@gladysperez8156]

I’m learning just to hold my yarn with my left hand. I place the yarn under my pinky, ring finger, middle finger, then I rolled the yarn on my index finger on the same direction. When I begin to make a knot I pull the yarn with my left middle finger to the adjacent yarn and place the needle that’s on my right hand underneath the yarn to form a slip knot and proceed. Ms. I have noticed that you are the only crotchet instructor that holds the yarn as I . ( I’m an absolute beginner of crocheting and I’m a very slow learner and I am beginning to feel comfortable after watching you in KZbin tutorial explained this. I aware that I have a longer road to learn. However, I’m not giving myself up. I am starting to see the steps and practice each steps until I get it. I’m learning with you to ride first the tricycle of crotchets before I could ride the bicycle, and be able to drive a car. What I mean is be able to know how to crochet. Thank you for being my pilot of crotchet. I feel less frustrated after watching this video. I’m developing confidence in crotchet although there is a long road ahead for me, due to my learning style.) thank you.

[@robinkelbaugh5644]

Thank you!! I've been learning from your videos, and I am also a lefty learning to crochet with my right hand (also didn't know there was another option). I've always struggled to learn crochet, but your videos are AMAZING, and clear, and perfectly paced. But now I know there is an extra reason why it's so much easier to learn from you. So thank you fellow lefty, for teaching us this way! ❤️

[@cynthias.5813]

I taught myself from pattern books, long before the internet, and of course KZbin. I can say that I don't hold my yarn and hook in a way that helps with speed. Here I am many years later, and realize that my "bad" habits cost me time. I do most everything with my right hand, then after a stitch, I have to drop the yarn to complete the stitch. I use my right hand to start the stitch, and wrap it, then drop the yarn to get the correct tension and finish the stitch. I am going to try your method. I really need to retrain myself to get my speed up. I am right handed. I am hoping to translate this to do your lefty way a righty way. Thank you!

[@Smirnoffali]

I am left handed and I crochet with my right, and hold my yarn exactly as you do. It seems to naturally work well as a simple hold :) So glad to find someone else who is a Leftie and crochets in the same way :) Makes us a little more unique.

[@Maria-x4r7r]

Wow! That is how I learned to hold the yarn as well over 50 years ago in Greece. Have never been able to do the fancy pointer wrapping. My granddaughter who is almost nine has been watching KZbin videos to learn a week before I could sit down with her to teach her. She of course is interested in making all the amigurumi plushies. Also pulling the yarn under to make the x stitch instead of v stitch which I never seen before. It took me a while to realize I was confusing her when we finally got together. I told her basically what I just watch you say that she needs to find her own way as far as holding the yarn it is the end result that counts and the satisfaction of the creation! Thank you feels good to be part of a this team!,

[@lorimeurett5243]

It’s helped me tremendously. My tension was all over the map and the other ways of holding the yarn were too frustrating. Your way is so simple and easy to control the tension now. Thank you for this tutorial.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You're very welcome Lori!😀

[@Steph_Said]

This is so funny. I used KZbin to learn a new hobby/skill. Watched many videos about how to hold the yarn. Oh my, the frustration I felt at the wrapping around finger method.🤣 I've settled on this method and it's worked for me 5 yrs now! It feels natural. Thanks for the video.

[@HookedbyRobin]

I am glad it has helped Steph! 😃🧶

[@kimnesbitt5288]

OMG! I thought I was the only odd one out there. This is how my Mum taught me, she was an extremely gifted crocheter and knitter. So glad I'm not alone. Thanks.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re definitely not alone in it Kim!😃🥰

[@cassidycarter8112]

I hold it the same way!! I’m not a lefty, but I taught myself how to crochet and always thought the way I held it was weird or different than most. I’m amazed that so many people hold their yarn like this. So happy to relate! I just found you on KZbin and I look forward to following along :)

[@cariewhittaker2372]

You are my favorite tutor! I had done some crocheting years ago but only since January, when I needed a baby shower theme, have I discovered KZbin! You're granny square video was perfect and I watched it until I got it right. (Yarn over. Pull through two!) I guess that's the reason I hold the yarn like you do. The wheatsheaf pattern is my best success. I'm very interested in more fingerweight/lace patterns. I like the idea of shawls, but I'm afraid of the little old lady look! You truly made crochet fun! Thank you too for putting the time stamps in your details. Absolutely the best idea that only you use!

[@marietamura4534]

I was so happy to see you crotchet. I'm naturally left handed but was forced to write with my right. I hold my yarn your way as well. It just felt more natural. I looked and tried the other ways I've seen and they just didn't work. Thanks for the affirmation 😋

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are very welcome! 😂

[@myndolin]

New to your channel and loving it. My grandmother put a crochet hook in my hand when I was maybe 10, but I didn't really catch the bug until about 10 years later. As I'm about to be 47, there was no KZbin then, my grandmother had passed, and no one else I knew was a crocheter, so I learned from pretty terrible illustrations. And guess what? I hold my yarn exactly as you do, even though I'm right-handed. It's just what works for me. Lovely to see someone else doing the same!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Yay! That is wonderful and it is lovely to have you here.😃🧶

[@lesta.artist]

I watched this one because, though I’ve been crocheting for a long time, I taught myself when I was a young teenager by reading the little booklets that Redheart put out back in the day. Your way of holding everything seems so much more fast and efficient than the way I’ve been doing it! Thanks!

[@sherrialdous1835]

Thanks for sharing! I learned to crochet from a leftie who crochets with her right hand, exactly how you do. I’m right handed and have tried without success to try different methods of holding the yarn. It is such a comfort to know that I’m not the only one! Love your willingness to share your talent!

[@patmartens4751]

I haven’t tried your way will do so tomorrow when the sun comes up!!! You have beautiful hands and nails and I was more fascinated by them, your blanket looks good too and your tension is so constant. Nice work!

[@coleenmasluk2185]

I just started to learn crochet and am also left handed but started out learning with my right hand bc that’s how i see it being done. So I was so happy that you are lefty and can understand how the left hand wants to get “involved” lol. I could not get comfortable with all the fancy ways and am now relieved and happy you showed your way as a lefty crocheting righty. I feel less stress that it doesn’t have to be so fancy and your way suits my left hand. Thank you!!!

[@micheleyuskiewicz1106]

You’ve helped me understand why I hold my yarn the SAME way as you!!! That was the first thing that got me “hooked” on watching your videos. I taught myself from a book when I was about 11 (long before internet!). I could NEVER wrap the yarn around my left forefinger and hold it aloft as they explained in the book. I’m somewhat ambidextrous and like you, my left hand needs to get involved. I belong to a club that crochets for charity and I feel too awkward to bring my WIPs to meetings. Thank you for helping me understand myself and not feel so weird.

[@yanumnaidoo560]

I'm so glad I'm doing something right like you do ,lovely hands and your voice so happy, I have been hooked by your crochet patterns, thank you, south Africa

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you so much Yanum! 🥰🧶

[@gloriastevens9827]

I literally was searching KZbin to improve my yarn hold, tension and speed when I came across your video. What a relief to find a kindred spirit; this is exactly how I hold my yarn. I will not be changing a thing and you have a new fan and subscriber!

[@jenniferbirchard1508]

I just learned how to crochet and I'm so happy to find your channel. I hold my yarn this way for same reasons to have more control of work and it just came to me naturally to let yarn hang there and keep tension close to piece.

[@jeanetjones674]

I hold my hands and yarn like you do. I used to play violin and all fingering is done with the left hand. The bowing is done with the right hand. _Maybe, _there’s a connection in my brain that’s connected with crochet hand and hook holding😄 Your channel is GREAT! Love your tutorials.!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Sounds like a solid theory! I'm impressed you can play the violin! Do you no longer play?

[@carol29carnegie]

I didn’t learn to crochet till I was in my late sixties and self taught myself from KZbin and I hold the yarn exactly the way you do, very comfortable and no hand ache, just discovered your channel and I love the way you teach, Carol from Scotland xx

[@HookedbyRobin]

Hello Carol, lovely to have you here!😃 I am miles away in Devon.😅 I hope you’re enjoying crochet so far?x

[@lennieblue]

Fascinating! I never really thought about I was holding the yarn until I watched your loop stitch video (you directed me here and thank you 😊). I hold the yarn similar to you except I use my ring finger and pinky to hold the finished part. The index and middle have the yarn between and float above. And i grab the yarn with needle from bottom of middle finger, which is different. Interesting, this subject. Grateful from the West Coast California USA.

[@HookedbyRobin]

🥰🤗

[@PhoebeG-h6i]

Thank you so much ! I'm also usually a leftie but l crochet like a right-handed person and your way of holding the yarn is the only one I am comfortable with. I tried all the fancy methods and always ended up using my left hand to actually put the yarn around the hook instead of "hooking" the yarn.. yours is the only way that allows me to use my left and right hands like other crocheters.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re welcome, I’m glad it is helpful and do whatever is comfiest too.😃🧶

[@erinkay218]

I do it similarly to you! I am glad to see you haven’t had any issues. I have tried to do all the wrap methods and all it does is catch my yarn up and slow me down. Lol. I watched my grandma crochet growing up. I never learned from her before she passed but I was holding my yarn the way it looked like she probably was. And no matter how I tried any of the other methods, my hand would naturally go back to the way I was doing it and it was the only comfortable way for me. I sort of drape it over my pointer finger on my left hand, kind of clasp the yarn in my hand, and hold my work with my middle, ring, little fingers, and thumb. This sounds complicated but it’s basically just draping it over my hand and clasping it lightly in my palm. I control tension without thinking about it that way. My hand just kinda loosens grip or tightens grip as needed and sometimes I pull the yarn with the pointer finger it’s resting on too. Whatever my brain is apparently deciding needs to be done. Lol. I do tend to crochet a little loose but it’s not a huge problem. I make sure to adjust for gauge when needed.

[@elizabethanstuff4430]

I'm so glad you made this video. I was attracted to the way you hold your yarn because it is how I hold yarn when I knit. The idea of being able to use the same hold is really appealing. I suspect you have some ergonomic advantages as well.

[@amyharding388]

You are a life saver! I am also left handed and I will hold my yarn like this from now on. I am just learning and the fact that we think the same makes so much sense. I always thought watching your videos before I stumbled on this one you use your left hand a lot. I will keep going! X

[@christinamckay4141]

I’m so pleased to see this and find that I hold my yarn the same way. I’m also a lefty, but hold my hook in the left hand and yarn in the right! I’ve tried so many times to do the 1st finger up hold and just can’t get it. I now feel ok continuing as I do when you do it the same way. Thank you 😊

[@bettygraham818]

That explains why you make what seems like more labour intensive movements with your left hand. !!! I don't use my forefinger to hold yarn aloft as I cut it years ago therefor losing some flexibility. Like you I hold the work with thumb and forefinger then yarn goes over that finger and middle under ring finger and backwards loop over little finger. I am quite a loose crocheter, self taught only 3 years ago and learning new things everyday thanks to your fantastic videos.

[@tpmc7983]

I am right handed and I hold my yarn exactly like you do. I am so happy I ran across this video and so glad to see I am not the only one.

[@evamalenica3369]

I am left handed as well and learned to crochet right handed. I always had trouble with my tension. After watching your video I tried your way and it's working! Thank you for that. Oh and bye the way if your weird then so am I. 🤣

[@SusiDavis-k9j]

Yes! I also and left handed but crochet right handed. Everything you said and did makes complete sense and makes me feel better about why I hold the yarn the way I do! Thank you 😅

[@HookedbyRobin]

Awh yay! You are definitely aren’t alone in it Susi.😃🧶

[@fallenangel3192]

This is exactly how I held my yarn when I first started to crochet but because nobody else did I thought it was wrong. Now I know there is no right or wrong way I feel so much better. And a massive thank u for ur clear and concise tutorials ❤

[@HookedbyRobin]

Definitely no right or wrong!😃 Whatever is comfiest for you. Thank you for your kind words too, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.🥰

[@sherryA9056]

Bless you! I am am darn close to throwing in the towel on this whole crochet thing. A cannot seem to grip my work without using my index finger. I watched the videos but it just seemed to get harder and harder and my fingers were in knots. You've given me hope that there is an alternative to pencil and knife grips.

[@HookedbyRobin]

Oh absolutely Sherry! It can take a little while but keep practicing and you will find a way that works for you.😃🤗

[@BeckiBoo1986]

Love this!!! I have just started to crochet and keep being told my tension is too tight, so I thought I need to learn how to hold my yarn better, watching this has just made me realise I’m just like you, I just let it hang there and my middle finger determines the tension!! Makes me feel better I don’t have a fandangled way of doing it!!! Thanks 😀

[@suemeakin4847]

I have met people crocheting from Northern Europe ( Norway/Sweden)and they all hold their yarn like that. Whereas middle Europe seem to crochet with the finger in the air. I agree with you all…such beautiful hands and nails. Love your videos….thanks

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you so much Sue!💅😃

[@ladyd54]

I belonged to a crochet group and not one of use held our yarn or hook the same way. Your correct in saying hold it what ever feels comfortable to you. I absolutely love your personality Robin!

[@HookedbyRobin]

lol thank you!

[@carolscrazycrochetmore5093]

This was a revelation for me!!!! I’ve been using this weird tension adjuster that I crocheted that around my finger. Helps a lot but I figured I really need to learn how to hold my yarn 🧶. This video has solved my problem!!! Thank you so much for explaining it so well. I’ve been following a lot of your tutorials and you are an amazing teacher!! Thanks 😊💚😊💚

[@janiceedmunds2674]

I am a lefty who also crochets right-handed, and your explanation of how you hold your yarn and your work, achieving tension, and how the left hand keeps getting involved in the process describes me, too. It was fantastic to see another person does the same as me, as my right-handed daughter holds her yarn more "normally" and wonders how my system "works" 😆.

[@HookedbyRobin]

😂 daughters ey? LOL!

[@janiceedmunds2674]

@@HookedbyRobin especially right-handed daughters lol

[@HookedbyRobin]

@@janiceedmunds2674 LOL yep! I've got one of those too haha!

[@janiceedmunds2674]

😀

[@lieskehuits6250]

I'm really happy to have found this video! Watching other people crochet I always felt like I must be doing it wrong, but I just couldn't figure out how to do the wrappy thing. Glad to see I'm not the only one. I am right-handed, but was thought by a left-handed mom, so that might explain it!

[@lovethelordjesuspraisethel3286]

Finally Someone who CROCHETS Like ME.. I'm right handed .I learned years ago by my Nanny..about 9 yrs old..And just have NEVER used my pointer finger up like so MANY DO..I dip my needle in between my pointer and middle finger .I KEEP trying and use my Finger staying Up..and ONLY Using it .But it's so awkward.. lol.. I made the Finger guards from a site using floral wire.. Works perfect .Yet I CAN'T Use it because the way I hold my yarn and use my needles .so IF I just can't..I'll give away my yarn guards I made..I Appreciate Your Video ALOT.. I Kept feeling weird watching other.. have a Wonderful evening& Thanks Again..😁🤟🙏❣

[@LizCrochet8]

I am so new to crochet I try all the magic ways too and cannot get comfortable with them. I am not left handed but I use it to move the yarn over the hook. Your way is so fluid and looks effortless which is wonderful! I live watching your videos and listening to your beautiful voice 👍🏻 I will continue trying to do better haha

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you Liza and there it will come with practice and time.🤗 Everyone when they start out has a similar thing but as long as you find comfort with it. You will.😃

[@MisterNorthernCanuck]

I have had dexterity issues from birth, and I was intimidated to try crochet because the techniques seemed so complex. I want to take the time to THANK YOU for posting this. I've tried this, went with the flow and adapted, now I can do a long chain really quickly. It's not perfect, I have to adjust as I go sometimes, but I'm out of the blocks. Thanks again!

[@Maria220759]

I have been crocheting for over 30 years and crochet and hold the yarn the same way as you do. I cannot hold my yarn with my index finger up in the air. I am glad that I am not alone. 😂😂😂🙋‍♀️👍👍

[@staciedillion590]

Oh My Goodness!!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I've been struggling for 2 years on holding the yarn. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@HookedbyRobin]

You're most welcome Stacie!😀🧶

[@sherelhallford2310]

So fascinating, I’ve never seen anyone explain this so well. I find I have to point. I do wrap the yarn, but I want some variety. I can get my hands to hold the yarn and the fabric like you do but I struggle to get the hook between the top finger and the yarn. There is no room between the finger and yarn, so my top finger will automatically start pointing. Lol. I am trying new positions and I like this. I figure varying my hand positions will help my carpal tunnel. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@HookedbyRobin]

🥰🤗

[@sharoncross5371]

I hold my yarn similar to you and can’t do it any other way. I have just finished your Fantail Shell Stitch Fingerless Gloves. I followed your KZbin video which was very easy to follow and can I just say what a lovely voice you have. It makes listening to your videos a pleasure. Thank you for sharing your patterns and expertise.

[@shenghanxia957]

How I wish I started crochet with your method of holding the yarn. I learned the most know way and since now I have problem with my fingers I'm trying to find a way to hold the yarn without feeling any pain. I'll try your method and crossed fingers it works. Thanks again for sharing your method on holding the yarn.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are welcome!😃

[@darla123]

I am a self taught crocheter, from a book, 55 years ago. I hold my my yarn over the index finger, under the middle and ring finger, and over the pinky. I control tension with the index and middle fingers. I also knife grip, and crochet very much like you do, picking the yarn off of my index finger. I do not turn my hook like you do, it is always at one angle. I love it when I see videos of people crocheting much like I do, as I was told I did not know what I was doing when I was young, because I held the hook " wrong". There is no wrong, as long as you are happy with your finished crochet, it does not matter what technique you used to get there!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Hi Darla, I so agree with you! 😃There is definitely no wrong, I’m sorry you were told that.🤗

[@pattallant2398]

I’m so with you! I admire the way others hold their yarn, mine also just hangs between my first 2 fingers across my palm. Your way is also very interesting. 😊

[@BeaN-xh3so]

Im a beginner and left handed and I hold the yarn exactly like you but in the right hand! Its so assuring that there is different styles of holding the yarn, thank you!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Oh definitely!🤗 And always do what is comfiest for you.x

[@elvonette]

You're telling my story! My mum taught me to crochet and she was left handed. I'm slightly different in that I somehow use the gap between the forefinger and middle finger to yarn over. It works.

[@aacaptainswife]

Never thought about it until I watched your video and as I watched this I realized I hold it as you do... I am also a lefty and learned crochet watching youtube videos. I crochet with my right hand only and just hold my yarn simply with my left.. No wrapping, no twisting,,, just like you do... Love your tutorials!

[@HookedbyRobin]

🙌😃

[@carriesurprenant2898]

Now I know why your tutorials resonate so much with me! I naturally hold my yarn the same way. Sometimes my pointer finger will lift up to adjust where the yarn is and it's all just automatic.

[@HookedbyRobin]

😃🧶

[@mexicanabeibi]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I don’t have a thumb on my left hand and I’ve been struggling to crochet. This is the way I will learn. I was almost about to quit and go back to my knitting needles 😂

[@sandragoulart4721]

Hi Robin. I just came across this video because I’ve been trying to hold my yarn “the correct way”. I was so happy to see that I’m holding my yarn the same as you. Thank you so much for saying there isn’t a right way or a wrong way. I thought I was doing something wrong. I just can’t hold it with my index finger up. It’s much too awkward 😀😀❤️❤️

[@jpbijaczyk]

Oh my goodness!!! Finally someone who holds it the way I always have. I’ve struggled trying all the other ways to get better tension but this is just so much more natural for me. Thank you for this video. 🖤

[@Linderella9]

Just watched this and WOW. I am just starting out and was really struggling with 'the hold'. Finding your method a dream. Thank you

[@optimusa03gumiho38]

I grab the loops with my left hand and lift them just enough to get them over the hook which I hold in my right. I've tried using tension rings but the positioning makes my left hand cramp up. My way is very slow but my tension just magically keeps itself. I make sure to keep the hook close to the work. This was very informative, thank you! 😄

[@wendyfurze]

Yay, a fellow lefty! I actually taught myself to crochet left handed by watching right handed crochet videos 😂. Thank you for your wonderful videos, I love your clear instructions and your happy conversations!

[@HookedbyRobin]

LOL!!! Now that is some skill!! 😂

[@n2creativity-ccladee640]

I am ambidextrous and hold my yarn a bit as you do. My grandmother held her hook different from me as did my mother. Thank you for emphasizing that whatever works goes! Cannot wait to try the braid stitch!

[@HookedbyRobin]

I wish I was ambidextrous! I'm impressed! 😃

[@babsh45]

There a few of us that have said this is the way we crochet and are ambidextrous. Good to know we aren’t weird 🤗

[@blessednhm]

Omg! I'm new to crocheting and I naturally hold my yarn the same way you do! I clicked on your video because I thought you were gonna teach us the fancy way of holding yarn 😁. I guess I ve been doing fine all along lol. Thank you!

[@HookedbyRobin]

LOL!

[@EverythingBekka]

😂 I enjoyed this video! I bet so many lefties enjoyed what you said. I’m ambidextrous, so my left hand is a bit busier than the typical right hander too ❤ Love your spirit!! Wish I had found this video 4 years ago.

[@HookedbyRobin]

I think so many people are taught there is a right or a wrong way, so I had to make this video.😅😃

[@tschiniiiii1204]

Wow thank you very much! I now do hold the yarn like you do and it‘s much better, I‘m faster and my finger doesen‘t cramp anymore 🤩 it‘s wonderfull!!!!

[@delenewingrove6962]

Believe it or not... I hold my yarn in exactly the same way as you, I am a beginner at crochet and just can't do it the twisted way and I also never thought of how I was holding my yarn, it just felt right, then I found your video 😁 so glad I am not the only weird one 😂 thank you for your clear explanatory videos 🌻

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re definitely not alone in it Delene.😃x

[@alexandrahill9176]

I hold my yarn very similar to how you do it and like you, I cannot do the whole Wrap the Yarn Around Your Finger Thing! My left thumb likes to take control of feeding the yarn to my hook but unfortunately I've developed tendonidus from my previous job and it flares up if I crochet for too long. I think strategically wrapping the yarn in my hand just like you do keeps my thumb free from doing too much and just holds onto my project. Thank you so much for showing us, this will be a game changer for me!

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome Alexandra, I have trouble with my hands too so I have to have breaks and take every summer off to rest them. I really hope you find this way comfier for you.🤗🧶

[@dennys9506]

I’m right handed and learned to crochet from KZbin too. I hold my yarn exactly the same way as you do. Some times I will hold my pinky finger straight, sort of like a yarn guide. In the beginning since I was self taught I thought I was holding my yarn all wrong. I’d watched all these videos where the left index finger was all wrapped up in yarn and pointing skyward. I kept trying and trying but I just couldn’t get my other fingers to hold and glide my work along that was comfortable to me. I’m so glad when I see the few others that hold their yarn like me. I don’t feel so alone. 😄🧶

[@julieverona8560]

I hold my yarn and the crochet hook the same way you do, I’ve tried different ways but they slow me down a lot so I always go back to my way. I was glad to see you crocheting my way!!!! I’m just finishing the shawl I saw on your channel, I love the pattern, the open work is perfect for summer. Thank you 😍

[@HookedbyRobin]

Hi5 for a fellow oddball yarn holder! It's nice to know I'm not alone LOL 😂🙌

[@elenimizeraki609]

I agree absolutely with you. I am so glad than I am not alone.

[@Manali28]

I am a avid knitter and have never quite liked crocheting as it cramped up my hands quite badly. I watched a lot of youtube videos on how to hold the yarn and as you, I could never make any sense. I hold the yarn exactly like you and it doesn't camp up my hands that badly. Thank you.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re very welcome! I’m glad it helped.😃

[@ElocinLuna]

Im not lefthanded but my left hand is JUST as involved with the crocheting as my right hand. Whenever i yarn over i dont move the hook to do that, i physically take the yarn with my left hand and wrap it around the hook lol ive tried holding my yarn in the typical ways but i was making super tight stitches whenever i tried. I even tried using one of those rings that help you hold the yarn but that was just terrible for me. So i decided to stick with what ive been doing. Ive been crocheting for almost 2 months and still have trouble with tension especially in my chaining. But im slowly improving. Your channel is my favorite for learning by the way. You basically taught me how to crochet :) so thank you

[@1043dawn]

Oh dear, dear Robin, thank you, thank you. My story is word for word the same as yours except that I learned the stitches long before KZbin or even computers! It was from my right handed neighbour! I wanted to know how you held your yarn because I do the same thing at the front end but didn’t know how to wind around my other fingers and it seems this is important for tension issues which I have. I will follow your example. Also love scarf and the V stitch thanks 😊 🙏 love 💕

[@HookedbyRobin]

Ah, I am so glad this video helped Dawna and thank you so much for your feedback.🥰🧶

[@northernchique]

Omg you just made me feel so much better. Wrap once around pinky and then hold like you for stitching. I worry it makes my stitches a bit tight but it seems mostly consistent. Been trying a tension ring but it’s not comfy to stick my finger out. I was a knitter first so maybe that’s the issue lol

[@HookedbyRobin]

Yes definitely Laura! Most knitters I used to teach in face to face workshops, their tension was always too tight!😅 With practice, you will get the right tension so don’t worry too much.x

[@northernchique]

@@HookedbyRobin thank you thank you!

[@HookedbyRobin]

No problem.🤗

[@priscillaunterzuber7170]

THANK YOU! I have been having so much pain trying to keep yarn tension with my index finger. As it is now I can't crochet much due to the pain holding the yarn creates. Thanks again for making this video

[@HookedbyRobin]

Ah no!🤗 I am glad this helps Priscilla, it is so important to have comfort when doing crochet.😃

[@lindabunclark7277]

Yours is the easiest I've seen - I can't keep my forefinger outstretched for too long before it wants to cramp and also there is too much yarn to control. This way there is enough yarn for each stitch with the next amount slipping through the fingers easily. Thanks Robin!

[@mariekeruijzenaars9130]

I hold my yarn kind of like you do Robin! When I started I tried with my index finger in the air but that didn't work and I think it creates an unpleasant tension in this finger. With 'our' method it seems the hands are in the most natural position 👌

[@barbarabrown992]

I can't do fancy ways holding yarn while crocheting I just hope it over one finger but I have just watched your video and I found it very helpful thank you for sharing ❤️

[@HookedbyRobin]

Hi Barbara, I’m glad it helps. I always say do whatever is comfiest for you too.😃

[@mollyoxy]

i finally found someone who crochets like me!!! ive always done it like this. everyone else seems to stick their pointer finger up the air to hold the yarn which look uncomfortable to do for a long time. the only difference is i no longer use my pinky and ring finger to "clench" the yarn like you do, i learned from knitting that i prefer to loop the yarn around my pinky once, that way my pinky and ring are relaxed and not in that clenched position.

[@HookedbyRobin]

🥰🤗

[@eddie4988]

i’m also a lefty who learned to crochet right handed! this video is so so helpful with tips to improve my speed thank you so much!!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you Katie!😃🧶

[@adriannebailey7930]

I finally found someone who shows you don't have to hold yarn traditionally. As someone with arthritis, this WORKS beautifully. THANKS

[@HookedbyRobin]

As a fellow arthritis sufferer, I'm definitely a "do what works for you" kinda girl! X

[@dawnpatterson9257]

OMG, I finally found someone who holds the yarn and crochet the way I do!!!! I just can't pull my fingers away from my piece and grabbing the yarn in the air. The only problem I am finding is the top of my index finger gets a bit sore from the rubbing but I can't do it any other way. I do find it makes tighter stitches and I have use to larger hooks to match the gauge in patterns.

[@HookedbyRobin]

I get that too sometimes, depending on the yarn I'm using - I wonder if you could buy a finger guard (if such a thing even exists! 😅)

[@mariamp742]

This video was such a great help. I've been crocheting for decades and have never been able to hold my hook in the traditional way. I hold my hook and hands the exact same way you do. I was left handed as a child (made to be right handed).