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Make a Crochet Slip Knot

Lesson #4

A crochet slip knot is important to master because it is the first step taken when beginning any crocheted piece.

When you decide to crochet a simple dishcloth or an elaborate gown, a slip knot will be your starting point.

There are several variations a crocheter can use when making a slip knot, and in this lesson I am going to demonstrate three commonly used techniques because everyone's style is different.

Located below are the right and left hand video tutorials. If you prefer written instructions - they are located at the bottom of this page.


 Right Hand: Crochet Video Tutorial 


 Slip Knot Review 

Here are a few tips before getting started:

  • Start your slip knot by pulling 6 to 8 inches of yarn from the skein (ball of yarn).
  • The working end of yarn comes from the skein, and the tail end of yarn is the yarn being used or worked. (illustration below)
  • If you get stuck or dislike any technique being shown, move on to the next technique and find something that works for you!
  • The names used for these techniques are names that I have made up for teaching purposes and not considered to be a part of crochet terminology.



1. The Pretzel Technique 

I call this the pretzel technique because you shape the yarn into a pretzel before making your crochet slip knot.

Left Hand Slip Knot Demonstration

Right Hand Slip Knot Demonstration

Step 1: Take the tail end of yarn and loop it over the working end of yarn.

Step 2: Pull and fold the tail end of the yarn toward the back of the loop making a pretzel shape.

Step 3: Insert your hook through the first loop of the pretzel.

Step 4: Pull the loop through the pretzel making your crochet slip knot.



2. The "X" Technique 

I call this the X technique because you shape the yarn into an X shape before making your slip knot.

Step 1: Take the tail end of your yarn and wrap it around your index and middle fingers.

Step 2: Continue to cross the tail end of your yarn over the top of your fingers once more making the letter X.

Step 3: Push the yarn through the first loop being careful not to push too far causing the entire tail end to come through.

Step 4: Pull your middle and index finger out of the X loop and grab the working and tail end of yarn. Tighten to create you crochet slip knot.



3. The Flip Technique 

Step 1: Take the tail end of the yarn and loop it over the working end of the yarn. Do this by holding the yarn or lying it on a flat surface.

Step 2: Pull the loop and flip it over the working end of the yarn.

Step 3: Place hook in dominant hand and slid it under the working strand of the yarn that is under the loop.

Step 4: Pull the working end of the yarn through the loop with your crochet hook and this will create your slip knot.


Here are some helpful tips if you are still having trouble

  • When you are finished making your crochet slip knot make sure it is not too tight or too loose. This will make the following steps difficult to accomplish later on.
  • If your slip knot is too tight use a larger hook, or pull on the working end of the yarn while your slip knot is still on your hook. By pulling on the working end of the yarn your slip knot will loosen up.
  • If your slip knot is too loose pull on the tail end of the yarn while your slip knot is still on your hook and this will tighten it up.
  • If you find the working end of the yarn tightening instead of loosening, and the tail end loosening instead of tightening your slip knot don't worry about it!