Slip Knot Crochet 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the First Step in Any Project
If you’re learning to crochet (or knit!), one of the first things you’ll need to master is the slip knot. This simple knot is the foundation for starting a crochet chain stitch or casting on in knot knitting. In this slip knot crochet tutorial, I’ll show you an easy method for how to make a slip knot — no matter your style or skill level.
Whether you’re searching for how to make a slip knot crochet, slip knot for knitting, or just trying to understand why your yarn keeps slipping off the hook 😅 — this is the post for you! These techniques are ideal for learning to crochet, and they’ll help you get started with all kinds of basic crochet stitches. Let’s dive into this slipknot crochet tutorial together!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Post
✅ Easy to follow with clear step-by-step images
✅ Perfect for beginner crochet or knitting
✅ Uses only your hands — no tools needed to start
✅ Learn the foundation for every crochet chain stitch
✅ This slip knot technique tightens from the tail end, giving you great control
🧶 Skill Level
Absolute Beginner
🎨 Inspiration Behind the Design
I learned how to crochet when I was just 4 years old — so I honestly don’t remember if learning the slip knot felt hard or easy at the time. But over the years, I’ve seen how this very first step can feel confusing to beginners, especially if you’re just starting your crochet journey.
That’s why I created this detailed, step-by-step tutorial. I want everyone — from my Crochet Club members to anyone searching online — to feel confident from the very beginning. This post is here to show you that with a little guidance, the slip knot doesn’t have to be intimidating. You’ll get it — one loop at a time! 🧶💕
🧾 Pattern Terms & License
🇺🇸 Terms: US Crochet Terminology
📜 License: Free for personal use — please don’t repost or resell my tutorials or photos. Feel free to share the blog link with fellow beginners or club members!
📸 Step-by-Step: How to Make a Slip Knot (Tail Pull Method)
This method uses just your hands and yarn. It creates a loop that tightens from the tail (the loose end), which gives you great control when placing the knot onto your hook or knitting needle.
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🧶 What You’ll Need:
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Yarn of your choice
– Ideal for practicing your first slip knot.
(Optional) Crochet hook or knitting needle
– Helps you position your loop just right!
Let’s Begin!
Let’s Begin! Step 1: Set the Yarn
Step 1: Set the YarnLay your yarn flat on the surface with the tail end on the right side (as seen in the photo) and the working yarn on the left. This is the starting position for making a slip knot in crochet or knitting.
Grab the working yarn and twist it left to right to form a loop. The working yarn should cross over and rest on top of the tail end.
🔹 Step 2: Twist into a Loop
Grab the working yarn and twist it left to right to form a loop. The working yarn should rest on top of the tail end (as shown in the photo).
This loop creates the foundation of your slip knot and sets you up for the next step.
🔹 Step 3: Pinch & Pull the Tail
Insert your fingers through the loop from the front and grab the working yarn underneath.
This is the motion that pulls the yarn through to start forming your slip knot loop.
🔹 Step 4: Form the Loop
As you pull the working yarn through, a new loop forms.
Hold this loop gently between your fingers — this is your slip knot!
🔹 Step 5: Tighten the Knot
Pull both the working yarn and the tail end in opposite directions.
This tightens the base of the slip knot while keeping the loop adjustable.
🔹 Step 6: Adjust the Loop
Pinch the knot and gently pull the working yarn to make your loop smaller or larger.
The loop should be big enough to slide onto your crochet hook or knitting needle comfortably.
💬 Comments & Questions
Did this slip knot method work for you? Let me know in the comments below — and if you have a different way that works for you, I’d love to hear it! 👇