Vetty Creations office partial closure: I have been unwell since mid November 2023. Orders are going out, though may be delayed when I'm having a really bad day/days. I respond to enquiries when I am able to. I apologise for this. It’s not what I want either.

Left-handed embroidery

More information about 'The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: a step-by-step stitch dictionary'

Turn-the-page preview of 'The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: a step-by-step stitch dictionary'

About 15% of people are left-handed. Therefore we can probably also say that about 15% of embroiderers and stitchers are also left-handed. If you're left-handed, you'll know that we stitch left-handed in a right-handed world. I don't need to tell you that most needlework books are written for right-handed people, and all their stitch instructions are right-handed, because you already know that.

I am left-handed and I teach embroidery. When teaching right-handers I demonstrate right-handed. When teaching left-handers I demonstrate left-handed. At the beginning of each class I always ask if there are any left-handers in the group. Usually one or two sheepishly puts up their hand, as if they expect to get a bad reaction (this is because some teachers find instructing left-handers very difficult). I happily tell them that for this class, they have a left-handed teacher. To see the looks on their faces is always priceless - they are so thrilled.

Because of that reaction from my students again and again, I decided that I needed to package myself and my left-handed teaching into a book so that many more embroiderers could also have a left-handed teacher - one that they could take with them everywhere! And so, The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion was born: left-handed stitch instructions, for left-handed embroiderers, written by a left-hander.

What's the difference between left-handed and right-handed embroidery?

When right-handers stitch, they generally insert their needle from the right to the left, as this is what is most comfortable. When left-handers stitch, we generally insert our needles from left to right, as this is what is most comfortable for us. As most needlework and embroidery books are written for right-handers, most of the time it means left-handers need to be able to flip the instructions or know which way and how much to turn them to be able to work it, so that it turns out right.

Occasionally the stitches can be worked in exactly the same way as for right-handers, because the needle is either inserted from top to bottom or vice versa. This means it can be comfortable for both left- and right-handers.

Now, with The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion you don't need to have to figure out all that tricky flipping and turning anymore. It is all done for you, with embroidery instructions written specifically for left-handed people.

Left-handed embroidery resources

We provide a number of resources for left-handed embroiderers.

The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: a step-by-step stitch dictionary is your very own left-handed teacher that should be your constant stitching companion. Have the book beside you in your favourite stitching spot. Always take it with you to classes.
You can try out the instructions from The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion with our online turn-the-page preview, featuring selected pages from the book.
Attend one of my classes, as I teach all left-handers in the left-handed way.
Ask a question on my blog, White Threads. If you ever get stuck on a stitch, please ask me about it on my blog. I am always happy to help out, where I can. Chances are, if you're having trouble with a stitch, someone else may be also, and in answering your question publicly, I can help someone else with the answer too.

Purchase 'The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion'

Order your copy of this wonderful left-handed stitch dictionary by Yvette Stanton, today. You will enjoy working with left-handed needlework instructions that are written just for you.

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The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: A step-by-step stitch dictionary is the must-have stitching companion. You will refer to it again and again.

This is the book that all left-handed embroiderers have been waiting for. Containing step-by-step stitch instructions, it has been written specially by a left-hander for left-handers. A stitch dictionary for left-handed embroiderers is long overdue – but this one was worth the wait.
Stitch with the Embroiderers' Guild

Purchase your copy today!