Knowing how to make a slip knot is a basic technique for many yarn arts, including both crochet and knitting. When learning how to slip knot crochet, it is the best way to start off your crochet work to get that original loop securely onto your hook. There are actually three methods for how to tie a slip knot, and I will guide you through with easy steps and photos. You should choose the one which is the easiest for you to do.

How to Make a Slip Knot Tutorial

What is a Slip Knot and How to Tie 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 slip 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.

3 Ways to Make a Slip Knot - Step by Step Instructions

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, but try all 3 and see which you like the best.

Flat on a Table
With your finger
With a Crochet Hook

How to Tie a Slip Knot - Video Tutorial

Learn how to slip knot crochet with this easy step-by-step video that will show you the 3 methods. See my youtube channel for more tutorials.

Slip Knots Video Tutorials - Crochet Slip Knot, Knitting Slip Knot

How to Make a Slip Knot Step by Step Instructions

Here is the photo tutorial for making a slip knot.

#1 - How to Make a Slip Knot Flat (Basic Slip Knot)

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.

#2 - How to Make a Slip Knot with Your Finger

Here are the instructions how to tie a slip knot over one finger. Once you have learned how to slip knot crochet once you will find that it really is quick and easy.

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.

How to tie a slip knot with your fingers — How to Make a Slip Knot - With Your Fingers

Using your right hand, now pull the back loop over the front loop.

How to Make a Slip Knot - With Your Fingers

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 slip knot on your needle. The long end of the yarn will be used to weave in the finished crochet pattern.

#3 - How to Make a Slip Knot with a Hook

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 slip 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.

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.

Popular Crochet Patterns

Here are some crochet projects you can use a slip knot to start:

Slip Knot

Learn how to create a slip knot for knitting and crochet

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Difficulty: Easy Beginner

Keyword: Crochet, Knitting

Total Time: 2

Tools

Optional - Crochet Hook

Materials

Yarn

Instructions

Slip Knot Flat on Table

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

Slip Knot with Your Finger

Wrap the yarn around your left pointer finger twice from front to back. Hold the tails with your left thumb and middle finger.
Use your right hand and put the back loop over the front loop.
Pull the back loop over the front again continuing so it slips off the end of your finger.
Pull tight and insert hook or knitting needle.

Slip Knot with a Hook

Make a loop with the yarn (ball end of yarn on top). Insert the crochet hook (down and then up).
Wrap the yarn around the hook (back to front).
Pull through.
Tighten.

Notes

See the Full Tutorial at https://blog.treasurie.com/how-to-make-a-slip-knot