Let’s start at the very beginning

If you’re brand new to crochet or knitting, welcome! You’ve come to exactly the right place — because before you can chain, cast on, or make a single stitch, there’s one tiny skill you need first.

The slip knot.

It sounds fancier than it is. A slip knot takes about 10 seconds to make, you only need to learn it once, and you’ll use it every single time you start a new project for the rest of your crafting life. It truly is the very first stitch of every crochet and knitting project ever made.

The best news? It’s exactly the same for both crochet and knitting — so learn it once and you’re set for both crafts!

What Is a Slip Knot?

A slip knot is a special adjustable loop that goes onto your crochet hook or knitting needle to begin your project. It’s the very first thing on your hook or needle before you make any chains or cast on any stitches.

What makes it special is the word “slip” — the knot is designed to slide and adjust. Pull one strand and it tightens. Pull the other and it loosens. This adjustability is what makes it perfect for starting crochet and knitting, because you need the loop to sit snugly on your hook or needle without being so tight it won’t budge.

A slip knot is not a permanent knot — it’s meant to be adjustable while you work, and it can be completely undone later if needed.

Why Does Every Project Start With a Slip Knot?

Your hook or needle needs something to hold onto before you can make any stitches. A slip knot gives you that first anchor point — a stable, adjustable loop that sits on the hook or needle while you build everything else on top of it.

• In crochet: the slip knot is your first loop, and you immediately begin chaining from it
• In knitting: the slip knot counts as your first cast-on stitch (on most cast-on methods), and you build the rest of your stitches from there

What You’ll Need

• Your yarn
• Your crochet hook or knitting needle
• Your two hands

How Much Tail to Leave

For crochet: leave a tail of about 6 inches.

For knitting with a long-tail cast on: roughly 1 inch per stitch you plan to cast on, plus a few extra inches.

When in doubt: leave more tail than you think you need. A tail that’s too long can be trimmed; a tail that’s too short is frustrating to work with.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Slip Knot

Step 1: Hold Your Yarn in a Loose Arch

Hold your yarn in both hands and create a loose arch shape — like a wide U or rainbow. The tail end hangs on one side, the working yarn (connected to your ball) hangs on the other.

Which end is which? The tail is the short cut end. The working yarn is the long end that leads back to your ball.

Step 2: Twist the Top of the Arch Clockwise

Take the top of the arch and twist it clockwise so the two strands cross over each other. You’ll end up with a small circular loop with an X where the yarn crosses.

Step 3: Open the Loop With Your Fingers

Use your thumb and index finger to gently open the loop so you can clearly see the space inside. The loop should be open and relaxed, not collapsed or twisted closed.

Step 4: Reach Through the Loop

Reach your fingers through the loop from front to back — like reaching through a small window. Your thumb and index finger go through the opening, ready to grab the yarn on the other side.

Step 5: Grab the Working Yarn

With your fingers through the loop, reach forward and grab the working yarn — the strand that leads to your yarn ball, not the tail.

Important: Make sure you grab the working yarn, not the tail. Pulling the tail through creates a knot that won’t tighten correctly.

Step 6: Pull the Working Yarn Through — A New Loop Forms

Pull the working yarn back through the loop toward you. You’ll see a new loop forming — this is your slip knot taking shape! Don’t tighten anything yet.

Step 7: Place It on Your Hook or Needle

Slide the new loop onto your crochet hook or knitting needle. The loop should sit on the shaft of the hook — not crammed near the tip, and not sliding down to the handle.

Pull both strands — tail and working yarn — gently to snug the knot up.

Step 8: Tighten gently

Pull both strands — tail and working yarn — gently to snug the knot up.

The goal: snug but not strangling! Test it by sliding the loop along the hook — it should glide smoothly with just a tiny bit of resistance.

Step 9: You’re ready to go

Crochet: start chaining!

Knitting: continue with your cast on

The Most Important Tip — Don’t Make It Too Tight!

A slip knot that’s too tight makes everything harder. If your first chains are stiff and difficult to pull through, your slip knot is the culprit. Keep it relaxed — the loop should glide freely on the hook.

Slip Knot for Crochet vs. Knitting

For crochet:

• The slip knot does NOT count as a chain stitch
• Start counting chains from the first chain you make after the slip knot

For knitting:

• The slip knot typically counts as your first cast-on stitch
• Some cast-on methods don’t use a slip knot at all — always check your pattern!

Troubleshooting

My loop keeps falling off the hook → too loose, snug it up slightly

I can barely slide the loop — it’s too tight → pull the working yarn end to loosen it

The knot looks twisted or weird → wrong twist direction or grabbed the wrong strand — undo and start fresh

I pulled the tail instead of the working yarn → happens to everyone! Undo and try again

My tail is too short → start over with the slip knot placed further from the yarn end

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the slip knot count as a stitch? In crochet, no — you start counting from your first chain. In knitting, usually yes — it typically counts as the first cast-on stitch. Always follow your pattern’s instructions.

Can I use a slip knot for both crochet and knitting? Yes! Identical technique for both crafts.

What if I make my slip knot in the wrong spot? Pull the tail end to release it entirely and start over. Slip knots are completely removable!

How tight should it be on my hook? Snug enough it won’t fall off, loose enough to slide smoothly. If it slides freely without dropping, you’ve got it right.

Do I ever need more than one slip knot? Almost never — one per project, everything else builds from it.

Is the slip knot permanent in the finished project? No — it gets locked in by the stitches on top of it and becomes invisible in the finished fabric.

This is one of those small skills that truly unlocks everything else. Once you’ve got your slip knot down, you’re officially on your way to creating something beautiful!

~Angie

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