How to Slip Stitch in Crochet

The slip stitch is used a lot in patterns. Seriously, a lot. It is used to join work, fasten off stitches, reinforce an edge, and carry yarn to a different spot in the pattern without adding height to the work. A slip stitch can also be used as decoration – similar to embroidery. And it is essential to crocheting “in the round”. Lucky for us, this multi-purpose stitch is also the easiest one to learn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Crochet Hook (Size G, H, or I)
• Worsted Weight Yarn

1. Start practicing the slip stitch with a foundation chain of about 15 stitches. To begin practicing a slip stitch, you will need a foundation chain made. Begin with a chain of about 15 stitches, remembering to start counting the chains beginning with the one below your hook. Never count the loop that is on your hook.
2. Insert your hook in the 2nd chain from your hook, draw up a loop, and pull it through both loops on your hook. One slip stitch made, one loop remains on your hook. The first way a slip stitch might be used is within a row.
   
   This is simple – start out your slip stitch the same way that you would a single crochet (insert your hook in the next stitch, or in the 2nd chain from your hook) and yarn over.
   
   Draw your yarn through the stitch and the loop on your hook (basically, draw your yarn through both loops on the hook instead of just one, like you would with a single crochet stitch) – one slip stitch is made, one loop remains on your hook.
3. Slip stitching to make a circle? Insert your hook in the very last chain and draw up a loop. The second way a slip stitch might be used is to form a ring. When this is the case, it is always done from your foundation chain. Practice this by making a foundation chain of 12 stitches – work loosely, though. Now, insert your hook in the last chain of your foundation chain and snag some yarn to draw up a loop (or "yarn over").
4. Grab a loop and pull it through both the loops on your hook. One slip stitch made, forming a circle, and one loop remains on your hook. Yarn over, and draw your yarn through both loops on the hook. Your chain is now joined into a circle, and one loop remains on the hook.