How To Slip Stitch In Crochet (Sl St) - Beginner Guide

What Is a Slip Stitch?

A slip stitch crochet is a very short stitch that doesn't add height to your work.

It is mainly used for:

• Joining stitches
• Finishing edges
• Moving yarn across a project

If you're new to crochet, start with the basics like the slip knot tutorial and chain stitch tutorial before learning slip stitch.

How to Slip Stitch (Quick Steps)

• Insert hook into stitch
• Yarn over
• Pull through stitch AND loop on hook

That's it - your slip stitch is complete

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1 - Begin by inserting your hook into the next stitch or chain space.

2 - Yarn over your hook, which means wrapping the yarn around the hook from back to front.

3 - Pull the loop of yarn through both the stitch or chain space and the loop on your hook. This will create a slip stitch.

4 - Repeat steps 1-3 for each slip stitch you want to make.

5 - To finish your work, cut the yarn and pull the tail through the loop on your hook to secure it.

Watch Slip Stitch

Learn how to make a slip stitch in the video tutorial below

What Is a Slip Stitch Used For?

The slip stitch is one of the most useful techniques in crochet. Here are all the ways it is used:

Joining Rounds

Slip stitch is commonly used to join the end of a round to the beginning. Used in:

• hats
• granny squares
• circular projects

Try this in a project

This crochet rose drawstring pouch uses slip stitches to join each round.

• This creates a smooth, seamless finish with no visible joins.

Moving Across Stitches

Slip stitch lets you move your yarn across stitches without adding height. Useful when:

• repositioning your hook
• starting a new section

Try this in a project

This crochet bunny pouch pattern uses slip stitches to reposition the starting point.

• This ensures the first bunny foot is placed neatly and in the correct position.

Creating Clean Edges

Slip stitches create a neat, finished edge. Often used for:

• borders
• edging

Try this in a project

This simple basket weave crochet bag uses slip stitches to finish the edges.

• This gives the project a neat, polished look.

Joining Crochet Pieces

Use slip stitch to join separate pieces together. Examples:

• joining squares
• seaming panels

Try this in a project

This crochet cupcake bookmark uses a slip stitch to attach the strap to the top of the cupcake.

• This ensures a strong join with a clean, seamless finish.

Invisible Joins

Slip stitch creates a subtle, seamless finish. Ideal for:

• finishing rounds cleanly
• reducing visible joins

Try this in a project

This round crochet coaster uses slip stitches to join each round.

• This helps maintain a clean, continuous look.

Surface Crochet (Decorative Slip Stitch)

Slip stitch can be worked on the surface for decorative designs. Used for:

• outlines
• lettering
• embellishments

Try this in a project

This crochet witch hat uses surface slip stitch to create the hat band.

Creating Texture

Slip stitches can be used as a main stitch to create dense, textured fabric. Often seen in:

• modern crochet designs
• minimalist patterns

Ribbing (Back Loop Only)

Working slip stitch in the back loop creates a stretchy ribbed effect. Used in:

• cuffs
• hats
• waistbands

Fastening Off

Slip stitch helps secure your work before cutting yarn.

Try this in a project

This crochet bunny pouch uses a slip stitch to secure the final stitch before fastening off.

• This helps keep the edge neat and prevents unraveling.

Slip Stitch Chains

Slip stitches can create cord-like chains. Use for:

• straps
• ties

Try this in a project

This crochet flower bookmark uses slip stitches worked along the stitches to create the strap.

• This results in a flat, sturdy strap that holds its shape well.

Foundation for Other Techniques

Slip stitch is often used before moving into stitches like single crochet stitch or double crochet stitch.

Creating A Foundation Ring (Alterative to Magic Ring)

Slip stitch can be used to form a foundation ring by joining a chain into a loop.

This is a common alternative to the magic ring crochet, especially for beginners.

Try this in a project

This solid granny square pattern uses a slip stitch to join a chain into a ring.

• This creates a simple foundation loop to work into.

Common Slip Stitch Mistakes

• Pulling stitches too tight
• Confusing slip stitch with single crochet stitch
• Skipping stitches accidentally

Beginner Tips

• Keep your tension relaxed
• Move slowly when learning
• Practice on a small swatch

If you struggle with tension, learn how to hold yarn when crocheting.

What To Learn Next

Once you've mastered slip stitch, continue with:

• single crochet stitch
• half double crochet stitch
• double crochet stitch
• treble crochet stitch

Or explore:

• magic ring crochet
• crochet decreases

Slip Stitch FAQs

The slip stitch may be small, but it's one of the most powerful tools in crochet.

Mastering it will help you:

• Create cleaner finishes
• Improve shaping
• Build more advanced techniques

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