How to Crochet a Slip Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Are you ready to refine your crochet skills? The slip stitch (abbreviated as slst) is one of the most fundamental and versatile crochet techniques. It’s used for joining rounds, creating decorative edges, and even making an entire fabric. This tutorial will walk you through how to make a slip stitch step by step. Let’s get started!

What is a Slip Stitch?

The slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch. It is primarily used for connecting stitches, shaping projects, and adding a smooth finish. Unlike other stitches, it doesn’t add height, making it perfect for seamless joins and subtle textures.

Materials You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need the following:

  • A crochet hook (use the size recommended for your yarn) - I will be using a 3.75mm (F hook) for the tutorial 
  • Yarn of your choice - I am using hobbii friends cotton 8/8
  • A small crocheted square - I’ll be using mine from the How To Do a Double Crochet tutorial. Alternatively, you can use whatever project you may be working on. 

Uses of the Slip Stitch

  • Joining Rounds: The slip stitch is commonly used to join stitches in the round, such as in hats and granny squares.
  • Seaming Pieces Together: It creates a nearly invisible seam when joining crocheted pieces.
  • Adding Decorative Edges: The slip stitch can form a neat, polished border on blankets and garments.
  • Creating Slip Stitch Fabric: Repeated slip stitches can produce a dense, stretchy fabric, great for accessories like headbands and cuffs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a Slip Knot

Begin by creating a slip knot and placing it onto your crochet hook. Tighten it just enough so it slides easily along the hook.

2. Attach to your project 

Insert your hook into the corner stitch on your project or piece of crochet. 

3. Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over and pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. You have now completed a slip stitch. It’s that simple!

4. Repeat Process

Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through both stitches again. 

5. Continue Making Slip Stitches

Repeat steps 2 and 3 across the row or around the project, depending on your pattern. Keep your tension even to ensure a smooth, consistent finish.

Tips for Success

  • Keep your stitches loose to make inserting the hook easier.
  • Use the slip stitch strategically to maintain a clean, finished look.
  • Experiment with different yarns and hooks to find what works best for your projects.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a slip stitch, you’re ready to apply it to various crochet projects! Whether you're joining rounds, adding embellishments, or making slip stitch fabric, this technique is an invaluable tool in your crochet repertoire. Happy crocheting!

What’s next?

Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!

How to Crochet a Magic Circle

How to Do a Single Crochet

How to Do a Half Double Crochet

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