How do I teach a lefthander to use sewing machine

[sewlucky]

I was taught to knit right handed in brownies when I was 9 or 10. When I decided to start again at 20 I tried for a week to re-learn the steps using the left-handed directions in a book and couldn't do it. I finally tried the right-handed instructions and it came back to me in just a few minutes, lol. I can't crochet right handed though and some patterns really don't work as I'm working the opposite direction, lol.

I use my right hand for the mouse on the computer too.

One frustrating right vs left hand item are small, inexpensive paring knives!

How's the placemat for Mom coming?

Terri

[Rhealene]

Another south-paw here .... never had a problem learning to sew on a sewing machine or hand sewing for that matter...she will adapt but like others have mentioned..use a rotary cutter that can be used left or right handed...other than that, everything else should be fine. Having grown up in a right-handed world, I did learn to do many things right-handed but almost everything, I can do with either hand. It's amazing how many south-paws hang out here!

[VickiJ]

Seriously - we have to have a club. Yet another lefty here and honestly, I can say the sewing machine was never a problem for me. Not sewing and not threading the machine. Using the rotary cutter was and sometimes still is - but I think that is just nerves. Whenever I am about to cut into some really pretty fabric, I always get a little nervous about messing it up.

I wouldn't worry too much. Just show her what to do, and let her do it whatever way is comfortable. How nice that she will have this wonderful craft passed down to her from you.

[Kgrammiecaz]

I was taught to knit right handed in brownies when I was 9 or 10. When I decided to start again at 20 I tried for a week to re-learn the steps using the left-handed directions in a book and couldn't do it. I finally tried the right-handed instructions and it came back to me in just a few minutes, lol. I can't crochet right handed though and some patterns really don't work as I'm working the opposite direction, lol.

I use my right hand for the mouse on the computer too.

One frustrating right vs left hand item are small, inexpensive paring knives!

How's the placemat for Mom coming?

Terri

She got all the first cutting of the size squares I had her cut. Tomorrow night I will have her use the design wall to put her squares how she wants them and we will do a bit more cutting if needed. Then we will start on the machine on Friday since we are home for the holiday - thank you for asking.

To everyone - you are all amazing - all of this helps me be a bit more at ease. I just did not want to mess her up with right and left handed use.

I will post some pics on Friday

[tamsterg7]

As a lefty, I would agree with all the above comments. I use right foot on the pedal, probably because I drive and that feels 'normal'. As far as cutting, let her get the tool in her hand and figure out what is right for her (no pun intended). I have a left handed Gingher rotary cutter, but also use a Fiskar - which feels ok too.

[Iris Girl]

I can't look at my machines right now, they are all packed away for remodeling, but don't we thread the needle from the left side?

front to back on later machines. early machines I believe went left to right, been a long time since I had one of those.

[bubba]

I can't look at my machines right now, they are all packed away for remodeling, but don't we thread the needle from the left side?

Mine thread front to back...

[BellasQuilts]

Lefty here too. Don't worry about it. Leftys are used to adapting to a right-handed world. It is more important that you are teaching her.

[BellasQuilts]

I use my left hand!

I would think threading the machine would be the only time it would be a concern. I wonder what our lefties here on the Forum do when it comes to threading? Do they use their right hand or left? I'm so right-handed that it's really hard for me to use my left hand for much of anything.

[Mchelem]

I'm tempted to get one for the classroom, just in case I have a left handed student.