Crochet Slip Knot vs Slip Stitch Crochet

Now that we've answered "what is a slip knot?" you can learn how to slip knot crochet:

1. Hold the yarn in a U-shape, leaving 6-8" of yarn (your "tail") hanging from the end.
2. Twist your fingers to create a loop, making the yarn strands cross each other.
3. Insert your fingers into the loop and grab the yarn that leads back to your ball of yarn (not your tail), creating another little loop
4. Pull the tail the tighten the knot - you should now have a cinched knot with a loop coming out of one end, and two strands of yarn (one of which is your tail) coming out from the other.
5. Slip the loop onto your crochet hook and pull both ends of the yarn to make the loop tighter.

Because you can use the slip stitch anywhere in your crochet pattern, there are many variations. But, this is a basic tutorial for how to slip stitch crochet for a few different needs:

1. Insert hook into the stitch where change is desired. Yarn over and pull yarn through the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion.
2. To slip stitch into another row, yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch and the loop on the hook in one motion.
3. To slip stitch for joining, insert hook into first chain, then yarn over and pull yarn through the stitch and the loop on hook.

According to AllFreeCrochet reader Tamara Y.,

" A slip knot is the base of almost everything crochet. Without it, you would have nothing to pull your beginning stitches through. A slip stitch is used to travel to another stitch without having to break your yarn and without creating any height (like a single crochet for example). A slip stitch can also be used to thicken a chain stitch to make great baby bootie laces."

So, a slip knot is how you start any crochet project on your hook. A slip stitch can be used any time in your crochet project to make changes without disrupting the rest of your row.

As Dee L., another AllFreeCrochet reader says,

"A slip KNOT is what you use to START your project. A slip STITCH joins two stitches, can get you where you need to be next or can be used as a detailing stitch."

Here is what some of the other fabulous crocheters from our community said about the difference:

" A slip knot is used to create a loop in your fiber that then becomes the base of your first stitch. A slip stitch is the passing of an existing loop over the next loop to create a space in a lace pattern or to reinforce a stitch used in an edging or tie."  — Sue F.

" I look at a slip stitch as a place holder without creating height in ur project. It can be used as a finish off row in some cases. A slip knot is used to hold the beginning loop on your hook."  — Janet B.

" A slip knot attached your yarn to the hook a slip stitch is joining or ending your chain."  — Dianne F.

" A Slip stitch can also be used to to edge/border I do this when appliquéing letters or small items."  — Sheila E.

Wait, there's more! Check out these other tutorials to learn the nuances of slip knots and slip stitches. Reading these tutorials and explanations will help you understand these two crochet techniques.