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How To Slip Knot: A Complete Photo Guide For Crochet Beginners

Embarking on the journey of crafting with yarn or rope often begins with a seemingly simple yet crucial step: mastering the slip knot. This foundational knot is the gateway to a myriad of creative projects, from knitting and crochet to macramé and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan looking to refine your technique or a complete beginner eager to dive into the world of knots, this comprehensive guide is tailored just for you.

crochet slip knot

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a perfect slip knot, breaking it down step by step. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right material to troubleshooting common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently create slip knots that serve as the foundation for your next crochet masterpiece. Let’s dive in!

Slip Knot Cheat Sheet

Materials

  • Crochet hook
  • Yarn

Abbreviation

Instructions

  1. Form a loop
  2. Insert the hook
  3. Yarn over
  4. Pull through

What Do You Need To Make a Slip Knot?

To create a slip knot, all you need is yarn. However, if you’re aiming for more than just a basic chain stitch, ensure you have a suitable crochet hook at hand.

How To Make A Slip Knot Crochet?

Creating a slip knot is a breeze, especially when you’re armed with a bit of crochet know-how. Before we jump into the simple steps, let’s acquaint ourselves with some essential crochet terminology:

  • Working Yarn: This refers to the yarn flowing directly from the spool
  • Yarn’s Tail: This is the end of the yarn
Crochet yarn structure
A – working yarn
B – yarn’s tail

Now that we’re fluent in crochet speak, let’s get started on crafting that flawless slip knot!

How To Do a Slip Knot By Hand?

Hold The Yarn

To start, gather your yarn. Position your right hand approximately 8 inches (around 20 cm) from the end of the yarn, and your left hand about 4 inches (around 10 cm) away from your right hand.

Holding green yarn with both hands on white background

Form a Loop

Still holding the yarn, gently bring your right hand towards the left. This action will cause the yarn to cross over in front of you, forming a generously-sized loop.

Forming a loop

Next, use your left hand to secure the yarn at the point where it crosses, maintaining the loop’s shape. Release your right hand.

Loop with green yarn

Insert Your Right Hand’s Fingers Through The Loop

Insert your right hand’s thumb and index fingers through the loop from behind. Your finger tips should be facing you. If necessary, adjust the loop size to make this step more comfortable.

Insert fingers through the loop

Pull Through

Using your right hand’s fingers still inside the loop, grab the working yarn and gently pull it through. This action forms a fresh loop, often known as the “working loop” or ” working stitch.”

Grab working yarn with fingers
pull yarn through the loop

Tighten The Slip Knot

Hold the working stitch with your right hand and gently pull the yarn’s tail with your left. This action tightens and finalizes your slip knot.

Tighten slip knot
The loop in the left hand is called “working loop” or “working stitch”

How To Do a Slip Knot Using Crochet Hook?

Brief Instructions

1. Form a Loop

2. Insert Hook

3. Yarn Over

4. Pull Through

Form A Loop

Leave a tail of about 5 inches. Now, cross the yarn’s tail over the working yarn to make a loop. Using your left hand’s thumb and index finger, hold the crossover in place. Allow the working yarn to fall between your middle and index fingers, and let the yarn’s tail rest between your thumb and index finger.

how to hold yarn for crochet
how to hold yarn for slip knot crochet

Insert The Hook

Insert the crochet hook into the center of the loop from the back.

crochet hook inside a loop for slip knot

Yarn Over

Slide the crochet hook under the working yarn. This action positions the yarn over your hook.

prepare to put crochet hook under yarn
yarn over

Pull Through

Gently pull the yarn on the hook through the loop. If you find it a bit tricky, try rotating the hook’s head towards yourself for a smoother pull.

yarn over crochet hook for slip knot
pull through crochet hook

Tighten The Slip Knot

You should see a loose slip knot on your crochet hook. Using your left hand, gently pull the yarn’s tail to tighten the knot. Then, give a gentle tug on the working yarn to wrap it snugly around your hook. You’re now set to start your crochet project!

tighten slip knot
A – pull working yarn to tighten working stitch
B- pull on tail to tighten the slip knot

Commonly Asked Questions


What Is a Slip Knot?

A slip knot is a versatile knot used in both crochet and knitting to kickstart a project. It’s important to note that it doesn’t get counted when you’re following a pattern!

holding slip knot with crochet hook

Is The Slip Knot The Same For Crochet And Knitting?

Absolutely! If you’re already familiar with making a slip knot in knitting, you can easily transfer it to a crochet hook to begin your project.

Why is knowing how to make a slip knot important?

Understanding how to create a slip knot is crucial because it’s the initial step for all crochet projects worked in rows. If you find a “magic circle” too challenging, the slip knot is a great alternative.

Slip Knot vs Slip Stitch

  • Knot:
    • Used at the project’s start
    • Useful when you need to continue without a working stitch
    • Not counted in the stitch pattern
  • Stitch:
    • Requires a working stitch
    • Ideal for finishing and securing the yarn end
    • Included in the stitch count of a pattern
slip knot on white background
Slip knot
slip stitch on white background
Slip stitch

Where Can You Use The Slip Knot?

The slip knot finds its application in various crochet scenarios:

  • Initiating a foundation chain
  • Starting a standing stitch (or “join with sc” for beginners)
  • Commencing a circular project for beginners

What Yarn Should You Use?

For beginners, opt for cotton or acrylic yarn that’s smooth but not too slippery. Aim for a double knit (DK) or Aran weight. However, feel free to use whatever yarn or rope you have available, though it may be a bit more challenging to work with.

What Hook Should You Use?

  • Double knit yarn (DK):
    • UK Size: 4.5mm – 5.5mm
    • US Size: 7 – I/9
  • Aran weight:
    • UK Size: 5.5mm – 6.5mm
    • US Size: I/9 – K/10
holding salad green slip knot

What Is Next?

Now that you’ve learned the basics of crochet, why not try your hand at making a customizable bracelet? Alternatively, if you’re eager to keep learning, dive into the next crochet lesson on “how to make a chain stitch.” Happy crafting!

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