How to Make a Slip Stitch in Your First Chain

A basic starter chain is the beginning of many crochet projects.

The slip stitch in crochet is like the period at the end of a sentence. It is a technique that ends a row, completes a circle or takes the place of a full stitch. The technique allows you to move the yarn across a row in a crocheted piece without adding to the bulk or height of the row. It is an essential stitch in nearly every crochet item you will make. Some patterns will direct you to make a slip stitch in the first chain of the piece. This will be slightly different than stitching into a full stitch.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook
• Fiber

Instructions

1. Make a chain of 10 crochet stitches. This is a practice chain.

2. Insert the hook into the first chain stitch that you made in the crocheted piece. This is the stitch furthest from the hook. The hook will pass through the center of the chain stitch with the loop encircling the tool on both sides. There will now be two loops on your hook.

3. Wrap the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.

4. Pull the yarn slowly through both loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch. You have now formed a ring or circle by joining the ends of the chain together.

References

• Dummies.com; How to Crochet the Slip Stitch; Susan Brittain, et al.; 2011
• Annie's Attic: Basic Stitches Slip Stitch
• Lion Brand Yarn: Learn to Crochet - Making a Slip Stitch