How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet (2 Easy Ways)
The slip knot is the first step of almost every crochet project. Two easy methods — around your fingers and the "pretzel" — which end to pull, how tight it should be, and what to do next.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Any yarn — worsted (#4) is easiest to see
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 2 minutes
- Finished size
- One knot
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) yarn in a light colour
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
In this post
A slip knot is an adjustable loop that attaches the yarn to your hook. Make a loop, pull the working yarn (the end attached to the ball) through it, put the new loop on the hook, and tighten by pulling the working yarn. It should slide up and down the hook easily but not fall off. Almost every crochet project starts with one, followed by a chain.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Method 1: around your fingers
- Leave a 6-inch tail. Drape the yarn over the first two fingers of your non-dominant hand, with the tail hanging in front.
- Wrap the working yarn (ball end) around both fingers and cross it over the tail, making an X on the front of your fingers.
- Push the hook (or your finger) under the first strand, catch the working yarn behind it, and pull it through as a loop.
- Slide your fingers out, put the new loop on the hook and pull the working yarn to tighten.
Method 2: the pretzel
- Make a loop by crossing the working yarn over the tail.
- Fold the working yarn behind the loop so it shows through the middle — it looks like a pretzel.
- Insert the hook through the loop, under the strand in the middle, and lift it up.
- Pull both ends gently to form the knot, then pull the working yarn to snug it onto the hook.
Check your slip knot
| Check | Right | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Which end adjusts? | Pulling the working yarn tightens the loop | If the tail tightens it, the knot is reversed — it still works, but remake it so the tail stays still |
| Tightness | Slides on the hook, doesn't fall off | Loosen by pulling the loop up with the hook |
| Tail | About 6 in, enough to weave in | Leave more for amigurumi or seaming |
What comes next
- Chain: Yarn over and pull through the loop on the hook. That's one chain. The slip knot doesn't count as a stitch.
- First row: Learn single crochet, or skip the chain with foundation single crochet.
- In the round? Many amigurumi start with a magic ring instead of a slip knot.
The full beginner path is in how to crochet for beginners.
Common questions
Does the slip knot count as a stitch in crochet?
No. The loop on the hook never counts as a stitch, including the slip knot. Start counting from the first chain.
Which end of the yarn should I pull to tighten a slip knot?
The working yarn (attached to the ball). That way the tail stays put and the loop adjusts on the hook.
Can I start crochet without a slip knot?
Yes. A magic ring replaces it for work in the round, and some crocheters simply twist a loop onto the hook — but the slip knot is the most secure start.
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