How to Tie a Slip Knot

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Need to learn how to tie a slip knot? Look no further! Simply follow our step-by-step photo and video tutorials to make this easy adjustable knot for crochet or knitting.

If you’re a total crochet beginner, no worries! This simple, yet essential, technique is SO EASY to do. You’ll have your yarn secure on your hook in no time, ready to create all kinds of beautiful stitches. Let’s get started!

A slip knot tied on a crochet hookA slip knot tied on a crochet hook

 

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How to Make a Slip Knot

Use our easy to follow step-by-step guide to make a simple slip knot, the first step in almost all crochet projects.
Author: Debbie Chapman

Materials:

  • Worsted weight yarn(or other yarn type)

Equipment:

  • Crochet hook

Check Out The Video Tutorial:

Looking for ways to use a slip knot? Here’s a few of our favourite crochet projects:Easy Crochet CoastersCrochet HatCrochet Dishcloth

Instructions:

  • Hold the end of your yarn. Twist the working yarn (the part attached to the ball) down over top of the tail (end of the yarn).This will create a loop with an “X” at the bottom.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Hold the “X” where the yarn crosses over with your left (or non-dominant) hand. Insert your thumb and pointer finger on your right hand into the loop from behind.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Then use your fingers in the loop to grab onto the yarn tail.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Shift your left hand so that you’re holding onto the end of the tail as well as the working yarn. Then use your right hand to pull the tail through the loop.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • As you pull the tail up through the loop the first loop will tighten around the tail and the working yarn.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Your slip knot is complete! If done correctly, you should be able to adjust the loop size.Pull on the tail to make the loop smaller, or up on the loop to make it bigger. You can also undo the knot by pulling on the tail and the working yarn at the same time.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • You can now insert the loop onto your crochet hook.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Hold the tail and pull on the working yarn to tighten the loop on your hook.
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot
  • Tighten the loop until it’s secure on the hook. You’re now ready to make your first chains and continue your pattern!
    How to Tie a Slip KnotHow to Tie a Slip Knot

Helpful Tips:

  1. The slip knot doesn’t count as your first stitch in crochet, but it does in knitting.
  2. There are a few “right” ways to make a slip knot. You can also place the tail on top of the working yarn and pull the working yarn through the loop to make the knot.

Learn how to make an easy slip knotLearn how to make an easy slip knot

What is a slip knot?

A slip knot is a simple adjustable, or sliding, knot. It’s the initial loop used to start most crochet projects. A slip knot anchors your yarn to your hook, allowing you to create a foundation chain and stitches.

Placing a slip knot on a crochet hookPlacing a slip knot on a crochet hook

What is a slip knot good for?

A slip knot is used in both knitting and crochet. It’s the first loop that goes on your crochet hook or knitting needle.

A slip knot is helpful because it creates a stable starting point for your yarn work, and it’s easy to adjust or undo, if necessary. In fact, slip knots ensure that your work begins with the right tension and stability.

How to make a slip knotHow to make a slip knot

Crochet techniques can seem overwhelming when you’re first getting started, but we promise that a slip knot is a very simple crochet basic that you’ll master in no time. Once you’ve completed this first easy step you can learn how to make a chain and continue your pattern from there!

Make an easy slip knot for crochet or knittingMake an easy slip knot for crochet or knitting

Here’s even more easy crochet ideas:

How to Crochet a Magic Circle

How to make a magic circleHow to make a magic circle

Crochet Lavender

Free pattern for crochet lavender flowerFree pattern for crochet lavender flower

Crochet Scrunchie

Crocheted scrunchiesCrocheted scrunchies

Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!

Low Mess Crafts for Kids BookLow Mess Crafts for Kids Book

Where to buy:

You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books-A-Million  |  Indiebound  |  Amazon Canada

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