How to Make a Slip Knot (3 Easy Methods)
Knowing how to make a slip knot is a basic technique for many yarn arts, including both crochet and knitting. You will need to tie slip knots in order to get your yarn on the hook or needle. There are actually three methods for how to tie a slip knot, and I will guide you through with easy steps and photos.
How to Make a Slip Knot (Quick Guide)
Here is how to make a slip knot:
- Hold the yarn in your hand, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Make a loop by crossing the the working yarn (the yarn attached to the ball) over the tail to form a small loop.
- Take the working yarn and bring it behind the loop.
- Grab the yarn at the center of your loop with your fingers.
- Gently pull up to tighten the knot.
- Adjust the size of the loop by pulling on the yarn.
What is a Slip Knot?
A slip knot is an adjustable knot used to start knitting and crochet. It can easily be tightened or loosened to make it the perfect size for your hook or knitting needles. Once you have a starting knot, you are ready to start casting on for knitting or doing a foundation chain for crochet. In knitting, the slip stitch is considered the first stitch whereas in crochet, it is not counted. A slipknot can also be used in jewelry making and macrame as a useful sliding knot.
Why Use a Slip Knot?
A slip knot creates an adjustable starting loop that can be tightened around a crochet hook or knitting needle. It is one of the most common ways to begin crochet and knitting projects because it is quick to make, secure, and easy to adjust. Most crochet patterns begin with a slip knot followed by a foundation chain, while knitting patterns use a slip knot as the first stitch when casting on.
How to Make a Slip Knot Video Tutorial
How to Make a Slip Knot (Step by Step)
In this slip knot tutorial, I will show you how to tie a slip knot with 3 different methods. I think the easiest way is flat on a table, which is shown below, but try all 3 and see which you like the best.
- Create a loop flat on the table. The ball end of the yarn should be on top. The yarn tail is underneath. It is usually best to leave a long tail.
- Move the loop over on top of the ball end of the yarn.
- Grab the center to bring that loop through your original loop. Pull it securely, but again, not too tight.
- Now your simple slip knot is formed. Insert your crochet hook or knitting needle into the loop and begin your chain stitch or casting on.
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Alternative Ways to Make Slip Knots
With Your Finger
Here are the instructions how to tie a slip knot over one finger.
- The first step is to take a length of yarn and wrap it around your left hand’s pointer or index finger, away from you, creating a loop. Hold the tail end of the yarn between your finger and thumb.
- Now take the working yarn (ie. the part that is coming out of the yarn ball) and wrap it around your finger again. Hold both bits of yarn in between your middle finger and thumb.
- Using your right hand, now pull the back loop over the front loop.
- Pull the back loop over the front loop AGAIN and off the end of your finger. Now pull it tight, but not too tight! It should still be able to ‘slip’ looser and tighter.
- Insert your crochet hook into the loop, tighten it a little around the hook, and you can start your first chain stitch. If you are knitting, you can put the perfect knot on your needle. The long end of the yarn will be used to weave in the finished crochet pattern.
With a Hook
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Learning how to slip knot crochet is essential and perfect for crocheting beginners.
- Take the tail end of your yarn and make a loop.
- Hold both sides of the loop between finger and thumb.
- Insert your crochet hook into the loop and give it a twist, causing the yarn to cross over.
- Hold the yarn in the method you prefer to keep the tension stable.
- Swap hands so that your non-dominant hand is holding the crossed-over yarn, as well as keeping the tension steady.
- Wrap your yarn over the crochet hook and pull this loop through the original loop. Your knot will form.
- Pull it fairly tight so that the loop is not too big and loose. Start your crochet chain stitch from here or casting on if you are doing a knitting project.
Slip Knot FAQs
A slip knot is used to create an adjustable starting loop for crochet, knitting, macrame, and other yarn crafts.
No. In crochet, the slip knot is used to place the yarn on the hook but is not usually counted as a stitch.
Yes. In knitting, the slip knot is generally counted as the first stitch when casting on.
Yes. Some crocheters start with a magic ring or chainless techniques, but a slip knot is the most common method.
A slip knot will only tighten correctly if the working yarn and tail are positioned properly before the knot is formed.
How to Make a Slip Knot – In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning how to slip knot crochet. You can see that this is a useful technique to know, as a slip knot has many other functions, besides just starting off your crochet. It is used in knitting, ribbon work, and macrame as well, and can be used for anything which requires a movable knot. Once you have made your slip knot, it is time to move on with the next step, which is chain stitch. This will form the foundation for your crochet work.
More Crochet Articles
- How to Crochet for Beginners
- How To Finish Off Crochet – Easiest Ways
- Basic Crochet Stitches – Best Beginners Guide
- Crochet Hearts – Best 3 Ways to Make Hearts
- Crochet Magic Ring – Easy Beginner Tutorial
Tools
- Optional – Crochet Hook
Materials
- Yarn
Instructions
- Make a loop with the yarn. (Ball end of yarn on top). It will look like the letter e.
- Move the loop over (to the left) on top of the ball end of the yarn. You will see th underneath yarn through the center.
- Grab the center.
- Pull the center up to form a loop.
- Pull tight and insert hook or knitting needle
Notes
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
