5 Ways to Make a Slip Knot for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a beginner-friendly guide on how to make a slip knot in crochet! If you’re just starting out on your crochet journey, mastering the slip knot is the first step to creating beautiful projects.

Following up, I’ll walk you through 5 easy methods to make a slip knot, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle any crochet project with confidence.

Why it is important to learn how to make a slip knot in crochet

The slip knot is a loop made with your yarn that can be easily adjusted in size. It’s like a magic loop that can tighten or loosen with a gentle pull.

Why is it important? Well, think of it as the starting point for every crochet project. It’s the first thing you make before you even start any of your crochet items. The slip knot helps to anchor your yarn to the hook securely, so you can begin crocheting with confidence. Without it, your stitches might unravel or become messy.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why not just tie a regular knot?” Ah, good question! Well, unlike a regular knot, a slip knot can be adjusted to the perfect size, allowing you to control the tension of your stitches.

So, mastering how to make a slip knot is your first step towards becoming a crochet expert! It might seem a small detail, but it’s super important. Practice it until it feels natural, and you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful crochet creations in no time!

Should you count the slip knot as one of your stitches?

The answer is no. The slip knot is not considered a stitch in crochet patterns. It is more like the starting point or the anchor for your crochet work. It’s the very first thing you do before you start making actual stitches.

When you crochet, you’ll make different kinds of stitches like single crochet, double crochet, etc. These are the stitches that actually create the fabric or design of your project. But before you can make any of those stitches, you need to have a secure starting point, and that’s where the slip knot comes in.

So, while the slip knot is crucial for starting your crochet project, it’s not counted as one of the stitches in the pattern.

In fact, the slip knot is typically not even mentioned in crochet patterns, because it’s assumed that you’ll know how to start with one. Instead, patterns usually begin by instructing you to make a certain number of chains (or stitches into the Magic Ring).

Here’s a typical scenario:

The pattern might start with something like “Chain 20” or “Ch 20”. This means you start by making a series of chain stitches using your slip knot as the starting point.

After making the required number of chains, the pattern will then instruct you on what stitches to make into those chains to create the desired design or shape.

So, while the slip knot itself might not be mentioned in the pattern, knowing how to make one and use it to start your chains is essential for following crochet patterns accurately.

How to make a slip knot in crochet

In crochet, there are various techniques for making a slip knot, but they all serve the same purpose: to create a secure loop at the beginning of your yarn. You might find that some techniques work better for you and that is totally fine; everybody does it slightly differently so in the end, it is a matter of preference.

Here I am going to show you 5 different ways to make a slip knot.

Method 1: The X Method

This is the method I learned when I first started to crochet and it is still the technique I prefer to use. To make a slip knot with this method:

take the tail end of the yarn, pointing down and wrap it over your middle and index fingers
turn your fingers and continue wrapping your yarn, making a cross
take now your hook and insert it under the first loop on your right and over the second loop on your fingers
grab the second loop of your yarn and pull it through the first loop
finally release the yarn and pull the back tail to tight your slip knot

Step by step photo tutorial to make a slip knot in crochet with the x method

Method 2: The X Method (using your hands)

This second method is very similar to the previous one, as the process is pretty much the same, the only difference is that you will create your slip knot with your fingers, rather than with the help of your hook.

To make a slip knot with this method:

take the tail end of the yarn, pointing down, and wrap it over your middle and index fingers
turn your fingers and continue wrapping your yarn, making a cross
now, use your fingers to go underneath the first loop of yarn and grab the second loop on your left hand
pull the yarn through the first loop and release the rest by pulling in the opposite direction
take your hook and insert it into the created loop and tighten it up to make your slip knot

Step by step photo tutorial to make a slip knot with the X method by using hands

Method 3: The Pretzel Method

This technique is a great option for somebody who’s struggling with yarn tension, as it will be done by laying the yarn on a flat surface, without wrapping it around your hands and fingers.

To make a slip knot with this method:

lay the yarn on a surface, with its tail pointing on your right
create a loop with your yarn, with the end crossing over the back tail
now take the tail end and bring it behind the initial loop, creating a “pretzel” shape
insert your fingers in the loop you just created and grab the middle of the tail end
with your other hand grab both the tail end and body tail and pull in the opposite direction
you have now a loop, just insert your hook and tighten to create your slip knot

Step by step photo tutorial to make a slip knot with the pretzel method

Method 4: The 2 Loops Method

I have to be honest, this version is my least favourite. I find it a little gimmicky and it doesn’t come naturally to me, but I am sure that some of you might find it more comfortable than other techniques.

To make a slip knot with this method:

you want to take your tail end and wrap it around your finger from behind and towards you
create a knot by pinching the tail end with your finger and thumb and then bring the working end of yarn back around your finger and pinch it again
you’re now going to take the back loop and bring it over the front loop
there you have your loop and all you need to do now is insert your hook and pull on the working end of yarn to tighten your slip knot

step by step photo tutorial to make a slip knot with the 2 loops method

Method 5: The Hook Flip Method

This final method is probably the quickest way to make your slip knot, but probably the one which requires a higher level of dexterity.

To make a slip knot with this method:

hold your yarn tail vertically pinching it with index and middle finger at the top and with thumb and ring finger at the bottom
take you hook and hold it underneath the yarn
now point your hook down around your yarn and then up, by creating a knot around it (remember to keep the hook on the right side of your yarn)
you then yarn over your hook and pull through the loop just created
to finish your slip knot just pull the yarn ends to tighten it up

step by step photo tutorial to make a slip knot with the hook flip method

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now learned five different ways to make a slip knot in crochet. Mastering this essential skill is your ticket to creating beautiful crochet projects with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you. Whether you prefer the classic X method or the quick hook flip method, the important thing is to keep practicing until it feels natural.

As you continue your crochet journey, you’ll find that the slip knot is just the beginning. There are so many more exciting techniques and stitches to explore. So, keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with your crochet!