This is not the entire list, there are many other methods you can crochet with one hand. But this is a very good starting point.
In this blog post, I've categorized some of the techniques into 7 ways.
Let’s go!
1. DIY crochet aid
My baby. My DIY adaptive crochet aid.
The first time I saw this was on a YouTube video. The crocheter had some sort of machinery that acted like her other hand. It was very fascinating, and I was so intrigued.
That video opened a world of possibilities for me, and I was determined to make it work.
I actually didn’t know how to crochet before my stroke, so all this was new to me. I was eager to learn and ready to start crocheting.
The video that changed my life
This is the video I watched that changed my perspective on crocheting, for the better!
The video does not show how to make the crochet aid, but it shows what materials you will need to create it.
There are three parts to this design. A screw and nut to hold the crochet hook in place. A wooden stick/rod to hold the piece together. A clamp, or in the case of this video, a clip to clasp it to a book.
In my design, we did not use the mini clip. My dad said that it wasn’t sturdy enough to hold the piece altogether and could easily tumble over. Books also have different weights, and yes you can buy a super duper-heavy book to hold your crochet aid in place, but there must be a better solution to this.
Another crochet aid
Here is another video of a similar crochet aid.
In this video, she has a huge base to support crochet aid. She is also able to hold the aid up with one hand. It's a really neat design that you should check out.
There are so many ways to build your crochet aid. So many bases you can choose from. Experiment and see what you have in hand.
Inspired by me
The third crochet aid I will show you is one that was inspired by me. The crocheter's name is Abby, and she made this beautiful crochet aid. Follow her on Instagram if you can! She creates such fantastic artwork.
This crochet aid uses a clamp as the base. Clean and sleek, I really like it.
Which one should I make?
If you have minimal space, I think clip one (the first one) may work for you. Just find a very heavy book.
If you have tons of space, you could build the second one.
All of them of so unique, so pick and choose to see which ones fit you the most.
Can everyone make one?
Of course, everyone can make one, but not everyone has the tools, resources, or people to create one.
2. Same technique, but without a crochet aid
Here is a video of an amputee crocheting with one hand.
You may not need a crochet aid like mine. In this video, she uses her arm to hold the crochet hook, and the other hand crochets. The technique is still there, except she uses her arm instead of an aid.
The crochet hook is tilted to the side, and she uses her left hand to move and wrap the yarn of the hook. Exactly the same technique.
For people who can’t use the other side at all (like me), a crochet aid might be suited for you.
It doesn’t really matter what holds your crochet hook, the technique matters. The action of tilting your hook to the side and only using one hand to wrap your yarn around is the trick to this technique.
3. Griffith Assist Device
This assistive device is a block of wood with a circular top attached to the side. And there are several holes for the crochet hook to feed into.
Watch this YouTube to learn more about the Griffith Assist Device.
I first heard of this in one of my TikTok comments. Someone suggested this video of someone who has a different crochet than mine.
It was honestly so cool to see other people thinking of different ways to tackle this challenge of crocheting with one hand or arm. It opens the door to adaptive fiber arts and for people like myself, to be able to experience something like crocheting.
She also made a blog post where she made a similar design to what she has.
It’s the same technique, where you tilt the crochet hook sideways and crochet with one of your hands. All four of these techniques listed above, are the same technique. They all require the tilt of the hook to be able to crochet.
This Griffith Assist Device was a custom creation by Jerry Griffith from “A Family Affair”. Here is their Facebook page. Her device is specifically made for her. But you can check them out if you want to!
4. Under the armpit!
I’ve never tried this method before because I can’t hold my crochet hook between my armpit and my body. But there is someone who uses this technique, and it does work for her.
Here’s the video:
She grips the crochet in between her armpit and the side of her body. She uses her other hand to crochet.
If you are able to move your arm, you may want to try this out.
If you don't have a Tunisian crochet hook, but have a knitting needle, you could attach your crochet hook to your knitting need with some tape.
5. Holding the crochet piece with your arm
As you may know by now, there isn’t just one way to hold your crochet piece. Even with two-handed crocheting, there isn’t just the traditional way.
Hold your crochet piece with one arm and crochet with the other hand.
6. Place it vertically and use your thigh
A month ago, I think, I found this new technique of holding your crochet hook. The hook is clasped vertically to one thigh. It’s amazing! If I knew there was this way of crocheting with one hand, I would’ve gone into this with confidence.
Follow this amazing crocheter! Her name is Asya Koşal. She makes beautiful clothing pieces. You should definitely check her out. The way that she crochets is so amazing and there's so much to learn from her technique.
7. Arm and knee method
Using your arm and knee to hold the yarn while you use your other hand to hold the crochet hook.
I’ll leave a video of someone doing this technique and should definitely check it out.
I personally cannot use this method because my whole right side is paralyzed, so it just won’t work.
Again, another amazing way to crochet.
I want to start now with the adaptive crochet aid!
No problem! To immediately get started, let's grab a crochet hook of your choice, get some tape, and stick your hook onto a table. Be sure that the crochet hook is sturdy, and using your yarn, you are ready to crochet just like that.
And if you really enjoy that way of crocheting, then you may invest in building a DIY one by yourself!
Conclusion
There is the traditional way of crocheting. And I thought that was the only way for a little while.
But no. Even people who crochet with two hands have so many approaches to this craft.
Never limit yourselves.
These are not the only ways you can crochet with one hand. I know there are many other ways that I haven't gotten in contact with, but they're out there.
If you crochet with one hand, and you have a way of crocheting that is not listed above, DM me on Instagram and show me your way. I would love to learn from you.
If you would like to see how to build my specific crochet aid, check this article.
Have a nice day, and I’ll see you later.