How to Make a Slip Knot

For Crochet, Knitting, Jewelry Making, Crafts and More

There are many reasons you might need to make a slip knot. Knitting and crochet enthusiasts often begin their projects by making slip knots. Jewelry makers often use slip knots when creating new jewelry projects. A slip knot is one of many knots sailors use for keeping their lines and ropes shipshape. The following instructions are best suited for crafters, particularly knitting and crochet; however, the basic idea is the same, so anyone who needs slip knot instructions will probably find this slip knot tutorial helpful.

Step-By-Step Instructions for How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet or Knitting Using Yarn

How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet, Knitting or Jewelry Making: Free Instructions, How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet, Knitting or Jewelry Making:

How to make a slip knot: After winding your yarn into a ball, allow a long tail of about 6 inches. Grasp the yarn in your fingers as pictured here, looping it over itself.


Grab the yarn with your fingers and pull it through to make a loop.

Grab the yarn with your fingers and pull it through to make a loop.


Here's how the loop looks when you've pulled it through. If you're trying to make a slip knot for crochet or knitting, you'll have to adjust it before you can crochet or knit with it. The next step is to pull it tight so that it fits neatly onto your crochet hook or knitting needle with a little bit of wiggle room, but not too much.

Here’s how the loop looks when you’ve pulled it through. If you’re trying to make a slip knot for crochet or knitting, you’ll have to adjust it before you can crochet or knit with it. The next step is to pull it tight so that it fits neatly onto your crochet hook or knitting needle with a little bit of wiggle room, but not too much.


A Slip Knot on a Crochet Hook; This Is the First Step for Making Most Crochet Projects.

A Slip Knot on a Crochet Hook; This Is the First Step for Making Most Crochet Projects.


So that’s it! If you followed along to make your own slip knot, you’re now ready to get started with crocheting, knitting or moving on to the next stage of your craft project.

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By Amy Solovay


About the Author — Amy Solovay is a freelance writer with a background in textile design. She learned to crochet as a small child. After earning two degrees, one of which is in textile design, she launched a career in the textile industry. She has worked as a textile print colorist, knit designer and director of design for various Los Angeles based fabric manufacturers. Later she transitioned to writing about crochet, knitting, crafts and other topics for major media outlets. She enjoys designing crochet and other craft patterns, and she invites you to make use of them.

This page was last updated on 5-12-2024.