Lesson 1.7: The Slip Knot
The slip knot is usually the first step you'll make when beginning a crochet project. It creates an adjustable loop that goes onto your crochet hook.
Don't worry if it feels awkward at first once your hands learn the movement, you'll be able to make one quickly!
What You'll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll know:
- What a slip knot is.
- How to make one step by step.
- How to put it on your crochet hook.
- How tight the loop should be.
- Common beginner mistakes.
What Is a Slip Knot?
A slip knot is an adjustable loop that can tighten or loosen when you pull on the yarn.
For many crochet projects, it's the starting point before making your foundation chain.
Think of it as creating your first loop on the hook.
Step 1: Make a Loop
Take your yarn and make a loop, leaving a short yarn tail.
You don't need a huge tail about 4–6 inches is a comfortable amount for beginners.
Step 2: Cross the Yarn
Cross the working yarn over the yarn tail to create an X-shaped crossing.
You'll now have:
- The yarn tail
- The working yarn
- A loop
Step 3: Pull Yarn Through the Loop
Reach through the loop and pull a small section of the working yarn through it.
This creates a new adjustable loop.
Don't pull it completely tight yet.
Step 4: Place the Loop on Your Hook
Place your crochet hook through the new loop.
Gently pull the yarn tail to tighten the slip knot around the hook.
Important!
The knot should be snug but not tight.
Your hook should still be able to slide easily through the loop.
Step 5: Check Your Loop
Before continuing, make sure:
✔ The loop is on your hook.
✔ The knot isn't too tight.
✔ The hook can move freely.
✔ Your working yarn is coming from the ball or skein.
✔ Your yarn tail is hanging separately.
If your loop is squeezing the hook, loosen it a little.
A Common Beginner Mistake
❌ Making the slip knot too tight
This is extremely common!
If you pull the knot tightly against the hook, your first chain can become difficult to make.
Instead, think:
"Snug, not squeezed."
Your hook needs room to move.
Another Way to Think About It
Your slip knot should look something like this:
Yarn → adjustable loop → crochet hook
The loop should be able to slide along the hook without falling off.
Practice Exercise 🧶
Grab your #4 Medium yarn and your 5.0 mm or 5.5 mm crochet hook.
Practice making 5 slip knots.
Don't worry about making them quickly.
Focus on:
- Making the loop.
- Pulling the working yarn through.
- Placing the loop on your hook.
- Adjusting the tension.
Then try making five more.
You'll probably notice that your hands start remembering the movement.
What If I Can't Make One?
That's okay!
There are several ways to make a slip knot, and different crocheters prefer different techniques.
If one method feels awkward, try another.
The important thing is that you end up with an adjustable loop that sits comfortably on your hook.
Lesson Summary
Today you learned:
- What a slip knot is.
- How to create an adjustable loop.
- How to place the slip knot on your hook.
- How to adjust the tension.
- Why your slip knot shouldn't be too tight.
⭐ Remember:
Your slip knot doesn't need to be perfect.
The goal is simply to create a comfortable loop that allows you to begin crocheting.
Homework
Practice making slip knots until you can make one comfortably without having to think about every step.
Try making 10 slip knots and see how consistent you can make the loops.
Don't worry about speed yet. Accuracy and comfort come first!
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