Learn to tie the knot that starts off most knitting and crochet projects!

To tie a slip knot is the very first step in most knitting and crochet projects. The slip knot is used for attaching the yarn to your needle or hook before casting on or crocheting a chain.

All you need to make a slip knot is a bit of yarn and your fingers, so let’s fetch a yarn strand and figure this one out!

How to make a slip knot

Video tutorial: How to make a slip knot on your finger

I show you how to do this in the video. If you like this kind of quick knitting tutorial-videos please subscribe to my youtube channel (by clicking the button below), that way you won’t miss when a new video is published!

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Photo tutorial: Tie a slip knot step-by-step by instructions

Not everyone loves video, so I try to break down the steps for tying a slip knot in this photo tutorial as well. If you get stuck on one of the steps, please refer to the video as you can see exactly how I do it there!

Tie a slip knot step-by-step instructions

  1. Form a loop

    Start by forming a loop with your yarn. How to make a slip knot

  2. Pull the yarn tail through the yarn loop

    Pull the tail through the loop you did so it forms a new loop. (The tail is the short end of your yarn, that’s not attached to the yarn ball)

  3. Tighten the knot

    Tighten the slip knot by pulling it so that it holds it shape.

  4. Test it

    Make sure your knot really is a slip knot. If you pull the loop it should grow and if you pull the tail the loop should get smaller.

  5. Use it!

    Use the slip knot for the craft you intended. That may, for example, be to put it on a crochet hook to start chaining your foundation row or on a knitting needle to cast on stitches.

Different methods

There are actually a few different methods for tying a slip knot, I have shown my go-to slip knot in the tutorial but if you like to learn more ways to tie a slip knot you may appreciate this article on wiki-how: 3 ways to make a slip knot

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What is a slip knot?

A slip knot is an adjustable knot that can be tightened or loosened up.

What is a slip knot used for?

A slip knot can be used for various things, but in knitting and crochet, it’s used when starting a new project.

How is it used for knitting cast on?

The slip knot is used as the first stitch when casting on for knitting. It’s the slip knot that anchors the yarn on the needle making it easier to add the rest of the stitches.

Knitting: Does the initial knot count as a stitch?

In knitting the initial slip knot counts as the first stitch of the cast on.

How to start when knitting in the round?

Casting on for knitting in the round on a circular needle or double-pointed needles is done the same way as for knitting on straight needles. That means you can use the same type of slip knot for all kinds of cast ons.

How to make an adjustable slip knot for crochet?

The slip knot is an adjustable knot used for crochet. This knot is used to start a crochet project. It’s commonly followed by a crochet chain that is used as a foundation for other crochet stitches. This chain corresponds to the cast on in knitting.

Does the slip knot count as a chain stitch in crochet?

The slip knot is never counted as a stitch in crochet, neither does the loop on you hook.

How to make a slip knot on the hook?

Make a loop of yarn, insert your hook into the loop and pick up the yarn tail. Pull the tail up through the loop with your hook while holding the working yarn (the end attached to your yarn ball) slightly tensioned to close the loop around your slip stitch.

Ready to cast on? Here’s some reading suggestions for your next step!

How to make a slip knot for knitting and crochet

Basic long tail cast on for adding stitches on a knitting needle with photo tutorial and video instructions. Perfect for beginners!

slip knot

Provisional Cast On is great if you want to add an edge or be able to knit in both directions!

slip knot

Knit a scalloped cast on edge to spice up your next project!

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tie a slip knot
tie a slip knot
tie a slip knot

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