How to Tie a Slip Knot for Stitching

Creating a slip knot out of yarn is the first step in a knitting or crochet project.

Whether your needlework pattern calls for knitting or crochet, the first step is usually the same: making a slip knot. Slip knots are made by folding the end of the yarn, making a loop and pulling the working yarn through that loop. To cast on the first stitches for your knitting or crochet project, you hang a slip knot on your knitting needles or crochet hook to form an anchor. You can then create the rest of the stitches in the first row.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles or crochet hook

Instructions

1. Locate the end of your yarn. Fold the yarn over at least 4 inches from the end.

2. Using the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand, pinch the tail of the yarn and the working yarn together. The working yarn is the yarn that will feed off the ball as you knit or crochet. Pinch the yarn approximately 2 inches below the fold, creating a loop above the fold.

3. Insert the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand through the loop. Move your dominant hand clockwise, or to the right, so that the loop is twisted 1/2 turn.

4. Grasp the working yarn in the fingers that are sticking through the loop. Pull the working yarn through the loop and let go. The first loop will now form the neck of your slip knot.

5. Insert your knitting needle or crochet hook through the new loop. Pull on the tail to tighten your slip knot against your needle or hook.

References

• Craft Stylish: Crochet Lesson: Crocheting in the Round
• Stitch Diva Studios: Knit Tutorial: Slip Knot
• Sir Galahad: Slip Knot

Resources

• Cyber Seams: How to Make a Basic Slip Knot