How To Do A Crochet Slip Knot

Learning how to do a crochet slip knot is not as difficult as you might think.

This blog post will show you how to make a slip knot so you can take the first steps in learning crochet.

What Is A Slip Knot In Crochet

When learning how to crochet, one of the first things you will need to learn is how to do a crochet slip knot because it is the start of anything you crochet.

So what is a slip knot in crochet? 

A slip knot in crochet is an adjustable knot that you slip over the crochet hook at the start of a project, and when correctly formed, it secures the stitches at the beginning of the work to stop them from unraveling.  

Do You Count The Slip Knot As A Stitch?

No, you don't count the slip knot as a stitch. Instead, it serves as the foundation of the first row of stitches, and you should not make a stitch in the slip knot. 

What Do You Need To Make A Crochet Slip Knot

To make a slip knot in crochet, you will need just two crochet supplies, a yarn to make the slip knot and a crochet hook to slip the knot onto.

Yarn Ends

To help you follow the steps below you will need to know these terms the "tail end" and "working yarn".

The tail end is the piece of yarn you pick up at the start of a ball of yarn, and the working yarn is the yarn that is feeding from the yarn ball.

How To Make A Slip Knot

There are different methods of making a slip knot, and there is no right or wrong way, and you may already have a preferred way to make a slip knot, so use that. 

If you don't know how to make a slip knot use the one below it is quick and fast to do.

Step 1 - Unwind a length of yarn from the ball and hold the yarn in your right hand between your thumb and first finger about 10 inches (26 cm) from the start of the yarn, this will leave a tail hanging down.  

Step 2 - With your left hand pick up the yarn tail between your thumb and first finger about 4 inches (10 cm) down from the yarn in your right hand.

Next, bring the tail yarn in your left hand to meet the yarn in your right hand crossing the yarn at the top to form a circle. 

Step 3 - Pinch the crossover point between the fingers in your right hand and let the tail fall behind the formed circle.

Step 4 - Use your thumb and first finger on your left hand to pull the tail through the circle to form a loop (but don't pull it all the way through).

Step 5 - Gently pull the yarn (the length coming from the ball) in your right hand to tighten the yarn around the loop in your left hand.

Step 6 - Then slip the loop from your left hand onto the hook and gently pull on the tail to tighten the loop on the hook. 

How Tight Should The Slip Knot Be?

When tightening the loop on the hook, slide the slip stitch down the shaft of the hook to where it is thick and tighten the knot. 

If you tighten the knot where the hook tappers at the throat near the head, the knot will be too tight, and it could make it difficult to form the first chain stitch.

Next Steps For Learning Crochet

After you make a slip knot, you will be ready to learn how to make chain stitches these form the foundation of almost everything you will crochet.

Or read our guide on how to crochet for beginners, in it you will learn everything you need to get started: from yarns and hooks to making your very first crochet stitch and more.

Or you might like to go straight to our page on basic crochet stitches for beginners, it is a great place to learn about stitches like these:

• How to single crochet
• How to half double crochet
• How to make a slip stitch

Easy Beginner-Free Crochet Patterns

• Easy granny square patterns
• Sunflower coasters
• Daisy granny square blanket pattern
• Rectangle crochet summer shawl
• Reusable crochet face scrubbies
• Crochet lap blanket patterns
• Double crochet Coasters and basket
• Small crochet drawstring pouch
• Small Crochet basket pattern with handles
• Long fingerless gloves crochet pattern

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Printable Instructions

How To Do A Crochet Slip Knot

Learning how to do a crochet slip knot is not as difficult as you might think. This blog post will show you how to make a slip knot so you can take the first steps in learning crochet.

Print Pin Rate

Skill Level : Easy

Makes: 1

Author :Harriet Britto

What You Will Need

Yarn

• #4 medium yarn / worsted / 10 ply

Hook

• 6 mm hook

Notes

• The above yarn and hook size is what I used for this tutorial but you can use other weighted yarns with an appropriate sized hook.

Instructions

• 1. Unwind a length of yarn from the ball and hold the yarn in your right hand between your thumb and first finger about 10 inches (26 cm) from the start of the yarn, this will leave a tail hanging down.  
• 2. With your left hand pick up the yarn tail between your thumb and first finger about 4 inches (10 cm) down from the yarn in your right hand. Next, bring the tail yarn in your left hand to meet the yarn in your right hand crossing the yarn at the top to form a circle. 
• 3. Pinch the crossover point between the fingers in your right hand and let the tail fall behind the formed circle.
• 4. Use your thumb and first finger on your left hand to pull the tail through the circle to form a loop (but don't pull it all the way through).
• 5. Gently pull the yarn (the length coming from the ball) in your right hand to tighten the yarn around the loop in your left hand.
• 6. Then slip the loop from your left hand onto the hook and gently pull on the tail to tighten the loop on the hook. 

Notes

When tightening the loop on the hook, slide the slip stitch down the shaft (shank) of the hook to where it is thick and tighten the knot.

 

If you tighten the knot where the hook tappers at the throat near the head, the knot will be too tight, and it could make it difficult to form the first chain stitch.