Slip Stitch Crochet: How to Crochet Slip Stitch for Beginners
February 1, 2025
Slip stitch crochet (abbreviated as slst) is one of the most fundamental and versatile techniques in crochet. While it may be the shortest stitch, its applications are vast, ranging from joining rounds and creating decorative edges to serving as a method for seaming pieces together. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the slip stitch in depth, providing step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and insights into its various uses.
Understanding Slip Stitch Crochet
The slip stitch is unique in that it doesn't add height to your work, making it ideal for creating seamless joins and subtle textures. It's often employed to move the working yarn across a row without adding extra stitches or height, allowing for smooth transitions in patterns.
Characteristics of the Slip Stitch
Height: The shortest of all crochet stitches, adding no height to the fabric.
Texture: Produces a flat and smooth surface, often used for decorative purposes or finishing touches.
Functionality: Serves as a utility stitch for joining, edging, and moving the yarn without affecting the stitch count.
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.
How to Slip Stitch Crochet: 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 Mastering Slip Stitch Crochet
Maintain Loose Tension: Keeping your tension relaxed makes it easier to insert the hook and ensures even stitches.
Practice Consistently: Regular practice helps in achieving uniformity and comfort with the stitch.
Use Stitch Markers: Marking the first and last stitches of each row can help maintain straight edges.
Experiment with Different Yarns: Trying various yarn types can help you understand how the slip stitch behaves with different textures and weights.
Common Uses of Crochet Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:
Joining Rounds: Commonly used to join the end of a round to the beginning, creating a seamless circle.
Seaming Pieces Together: Provides a nearly invisible seam when joining two pieces of crochet fabric.
Creating Decorative Edges: Adds a neat and polished finish to the edges of projects like blankets and garments.
Moving Across Stitches: Allows the yarn to move across a row without adding height, useful in certain stitch patterns.
Variations of the Slip Stitch
Once comfortable with the basic slip stitch, you can explore these variations:
Back Loop Only (BLO) Slip Stitch: Inserting the hook into the back loop only creates a subtle ribbed texture.
Front Loop Only (FLO) Slip Stitch: Working into the front loop only produces a flatter, more delicate texture.
Twisted Slip Stitch: Twisting the stitch adds a unique decorative element to the fabric.
Troubleshooting the Slip Stitch
Even though the slip stitch is simple, a few issues can come up:
Difficulty Inserting the Hook: If your stitches are too tight, try loosening your tension or using a slightly larger hook.
Uneven Stitching: Maintain a consistent hand position and pace for even slip stitches.
Unintended Increases or Decreases: Always ensure you're inserting the hook into the correct part of the stitch—it's easy to accidentally skip or add stitches.
Twisting Rows: Keep your foundation row flat and consistent to prevent spiraling or uneven rows when working flat.
Final Thoughts
The slip stitch might not be the flashiest stitch in your crochet toolkit, but it’s a vital one. From clean seams and joined rounds to elegant edging and textured patterns, its understated strength lies in its subtlety. Whether you’re crafting a wearable accessory or finishing off a home décor project, mastering the slip stitch will elevate your work with polish and professionalism.
Take your time, practice consistently, and use this versatile stitch to add finesse to your projects.
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!
