If you’re starting your crochet journey, the very first thing you’ll need to learn is the slip knot.
It’s a small step—but an important one. Every chain, every stitch, every project begins right here—with a single loop on your hook.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through one simple, beginner-friendly way to make a slip knot, so you can start crocheting with confidence.
And if you’d like to explore more methods later, I’ll link a full video tutorial with additional options you can try.
What Is a Slip Knot in Crochet?
A slip knot is the adjustable loop you place on your crochet hook before you begin stitching.
It tightens when you pull the yarn…
and loosens when you need to adjust it.
That flexibility is what makes it perfect for starting your foundation chain.
Is a slip knot the first step in crochet?
Yes—in most cases, it is the very first step before making your chain stitches.
It creates the loop that sits on your hook and allows you to begin building your stitches from there.
It may feel like a small beginning, but most projects start here.
What You’ll Need
- Yarn (a light colour works best for learning)
- A crochet hook (5mm–6mm is a great starting size)
The Easiest Slip Knot Method for Beginners (Classic Wrap Method)
If you’re new to crochet, this is one of the simplest and most reliable methods to start with.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Hold your yarn
Let the yarn rest with the tail end on your left side and the working yarn end on your right.
2. Create a loop
Leaving a 6-7 inch tail, loop your yarn as shown below with the working yarn on top of the tail end.
3. Pull up a strand
Insert your fingers into the loop and gently pull a strand of yarn through.
4. Tighten gently
Pull the working yarn (the strand connected to your yarn ball) to secure the knot.
5. Place it on your hook
Slide the loop onto your crochet hook. Tighten the loop if it is still a bit loose.
✔️ You should now have a loop that sits comfortably on your hook
✔️ It should move easily—not too tight, not too loose
How tight should a slip knot be?
It should be snug—but not tight.
If it’s too tight:
- Your hook won’t move smoothly
- Your stitches will feel difficult right from the start
If it’s too loose:
- Your first stitches may look uneven
If it’s too tight, your hook won’t move easily.
If it’s too loose, your stitches may look uneven.
💡 A simple check: your hook should glide smoothly inside the loop.
Common Beginner Slip Knot Mistakes
- Tightening the wrong end. So, which yarn end should you pull to tighten a slip knot?
- Make sure you’re pulling the working yarn, not the tail.
- Over-tightening the loop. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my slip knot keep tightening too much?” This usually happens when you pull too firmly on the working yarn. Try tightening gently and adjusting the loop before you begin your chain stitches.
- Remember—you’re not locking it in place, just securing it.
- Leaving the tail too short. I hear you wondering how much yarn you should leave for the tail; what is “too short” anyway?
- Leave about 6 inches of yarn. This makes weaving in ends much easier later.
Helpful trick:
The distance from your wrist to the tip of your middle finger is roughly 6–7 inches—no measuring needed.
Want to Learn More Slip Knot Methods?
This is just one way to make a slip knot. There are a few other methods—some faster, some more minimal, some using only the hook.
In this video, I walk you through 4 easy slip knot methods (plus tips and mistakes to avoid):
If this method doesn’t feel natural to you, try another one from the video—you’ll quickly find your favourite.
Can you crochet without a slip knot?
Yes—you can.
Some methods, like the magic ring or chainless foundations, don’t require a slip knot. However, if you’re just starting out, the it’s the simplest and most beginner-friendly place to begin.
What Comes Next?
Once your slip knot is on your hook, you’re ready for the next step:
The Chain Stitch
This is where your crochet journey really begins.
Start here:
Save This for Later
If you’re learning crochet step by step, save this post so you can come back to it anytime.
Related Posts
- How to Chain Stitch for Beginners
- Crochet Basics: Start Here Guide
- Beginner Crochet Projects to Try First