How to Make a Slip Knot

Crochet Beginner's Guide 3

Every crochet project starts with getting the yarn on the hook. A slip knot (introduced in this post) and a magic circle/magic ring (slightly more challenging and introduced in a later post) are common ways to do this. 

1. Start:

Hold the yarn on your hand as previously detailed. Leave at least four inches of starting end yarn below where you are pinching it with your thumb.

2. Make a circle:

The step numbers (2a, 2b, 2c) correspond to the numbers in the images above.

2a. While continuing to hold the yarn, use your other hand to grab the yarn in the work zone.

2b. Twist the yarn you have grabbed down toward your thumb so the yarn coming from your index finger overlaps the yarn that is closer to the starting end. A circle is formed.

2c. Use your yarn-holding hand’s thumb and middle finger to hold the circle in place.

3. Insert the hook:

While holding the circle, make sure your index finger is angled upward. Take the hook and insert it, from front to back, into the circle.

4. Yarn over the hook:

Bring your hook over the yarn that’s in the work zone. Then, while pushing your hook against the work zone yarn, bring the tip of the hook behind the work zone yarn while angling the tip toward the tip of your yarn-holding hand’s index finger. Let the work zone yarn settle into the nook of the hook head.

• Wrapping the yarn over the hook in this way is often abbreviated as “yarn over” or “yo.”

5. Pull the work zone yarn through the circle.

• Make sure your thumb and middle finger are holding the circle in position while you are pulling the yarn through it.

6. Tighten the knot:

6a. Once the yarn is pulled through the circle, adjust the hook so it’s pointing at the tip of your index finger.

6b. Slide your thumb and middle finger down, off the circle, while continuing to hold the starting end. Pull the starting end down; a knot will start to take shape near the hook head. Pull it tight on the hook head.

7. A slip knot is made.

Below is a video tutorial about making a slip knot.

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Next: How to Make a Chain Stitch →