The Slip Knot is the start of almost every crochet project, the only exception being the magic circle. It’s how we make that very first loop that goes on the hook. Most people think of chaining as the first step, but truly, the slip knot is where it all begins. Here’s how it’s done:
How to Crochet the Slip Knot: Right Handed Version
How to Crochet the Slip Knot: Left Handed Version
The slip knot is adjustable, easy to pull out when you’ve made a mistake, and a great thing to know. Showing how to make a slip knot is harder than it looks though – when I actually make them for myself I do it “inside” my hand, where even I can’t see it. I had to really practice and think about it to bring it “outside!”
Before I learned how to make a slip knot (and WAY before I learned about the magic circle), I spent the first couple of years making tiny double knotted loops around the hook and just hoping for the best. Ahhh, the olden days before youtube! Luckily I happened across a book that explained it somewhere in there and my crochet projects got way faster and better after that. So I do know from experience that you can crochet without the slip knot… but I also know from experience that once you have it down, the slip knot is the best way; now it’s second nature.
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What video tutorials would you like to see on moogly? Are there any questions, techniques, stitches, or ideas in crochet that have you flummoxed? There are no bad questions – every time someone asks, someone else is grateful because they were wondering the same thing! Let me know what you want to know in the comments!
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Angel Calcote
I have watched most of your tutorials. You make the directions very clear. Thank you. This slip knot one caught my eye.
Have you ever seen anyone make a slip knot by just making 2 chains and pulling the tail?
That is how I learned to make the slip knot for crocheting. I don’t even know who taught me that.
I hold the thread just as I would when I am crocheting with a small loop held between my thumb and middle finger. Then I insert my hook into the loop and chain twice. Then just pull the tail.
moogly
Wow, I’ve never seen it done like that before – I’ll have to try it! Thanks!!
Celia
You made the ‘slip knot’ so easy to understand. Thanks for the tutorial.
Tamara Kelly
Thank you so much Celia!
Kathleen
Does it matter if the loose end (as opposed to the skein end) is forward, or to the back? And if so, what is the difference?
Tamara Kelly
When you’re making the first loop you’ll want in front so that the tail can move behind. If you loop it the other way, you’d have to pull from underneath. Or am I misunderstanding the question? (Entirely possible, heh!)
Kathleen
I mean after the slip knot is made and on the hook. Does it matter if the loose end is to the back? For example, with the loop on the hook, if the skein end is to the front, snugging the yarn moves it on the front side of the hook (facing you). If the skein end is to the back, the loop would move over the back of the hook. Does it matter which way the loop is on the hook when you consider which way the yarn will tighten?
I may just be waaay over analyzing this!
Tamara Kelly
Ah, I went back and forth on which you meant, thank you for clarifying. I like to keep the tail end in front of the hook (skein end in back), and I do think that this gives a better result. Exactly why…? I’m sure it’s the physics of the thing, but it just seems to work better.
Kathleen Lee
Thank you! I couldn’t find the answer anywhere!