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How to Make a Slip Knot Crochet: 

Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to make a slip knot can take your crocheting experience to a whole new level. Many great patterns start with this knot, and when you learn how to tie it, you’ll be able to follow them, too. Despite how important it is for a wide array of crochet projects, a slip knot is actually pretty easy to tie. Here’s how.

What Is a Slip Knot?

A slip knot is a common way to get a crochet pattern started. Its main purpose is to make sure the yarn stays attached to the hook. Another common first step in many projects is the magic circle or the magic ring.


An important thing to remember is that, unless specified otherwise, the slip knot does not count as a stitch. As a foundational step, it holds an important spot in every crocheter’s catalog. Still, despite its importance, it is not nearly as challenging to tie as it might seem at first.


How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet: Step-by-Step Instructions


Step 1: Gather the Needed Materials

You don’t really need much in order to tie a slip knot – just a piece of yarn and a crochet hook. We recommend using an older, leftover piece of yarn that you have lying around to practice.


Step 2: Pull and Hold the Yarn

Pull the end of the yarn that you want to tie a slip knot on. For starters, let’s work around 6 inches away from the end of the yarn, so you have enough material to work with. As you get more proficient, you’ll be able to tie a slip knot closer to the tail.


Step 3: Create a Loop

Take the tail end of the yarn and fold it back to create a loop. Hold the intersection point down with your fingers to ensure it stays in place. 


Step 4: The the Knot

Take the outer end of the loop and fold it back, so that there is a piece of yarn under the loop going through its center. Pinch that piece of yarn with one hand. With the other hand, pull the tail of the yarn to fasten the slip knot.


Step 5: Insert the Hook and Adjust the Size

You should now have a large loop with a knot in front of you. Insert the hook into the loop and tighten the knot by pulling the yarn (not the tail end). The loop should end up being approximately the size of the tip of the hook.


Practice Makes Perfect

Written down, the steps to creating your first crochet slip knot might look complicated. But don’t worry, the more you practice, the better and more secure your knots will be. And once you have it down to a T, you’ll never struggle to start your crochet projects again.


How to Make a Slip Knot Crochet: Frequently Asked Questions


Does the slip knot count as a stitch in crochet?
No, the slip knot generally doesn’t count as a stitch in a crochet project. However, you should always stick to what the crochet pattern says. If the pattern specifies that you should count the slip knot as a stitch, do so.

Is single crochet the same as slip stitch?
No, a single crochet is not the same as a slip stitch. To make things even more confusing, a slip stitch and a slip knot aren’t the same thing, either. While a slip knot is used to secure the yarn to the hook, a slip stitch is an actual stitch used to join rounds, seam crochet pieces together, make edging, and so on.

What is the most secure slip knot?
A slip knot is as secure as well as it is tied. If your slip knot is flimsy and not tightened all the way, it will likely not be too secure. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t tie it too tightly either, as it can make pulling the hook out a hassle. 
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