3 Ways To Make A Slip Knot - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Do a Slip Knot for Knitting or Crocheting PDF download Download Article Simple and beginner-friendly methods to tie a slip knot Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Suzi Quillen

Last Updated: September 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Pulling Yarn Through the Loop
    • |
  • Feeding a Loop Through a Loop
    • |
  • Flipping the Loop Over the Yarn
    • |
  • Video
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  • Q&A
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  • Tips
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This article was reviewed by Suzi Quillen and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Suzi Quillen is a Knitting and Crochet Expert based in Granite Falls, Washington. After honing a love of knitting and crochet and becoming a crochet pattern designer, Suzi founded Perfectly Knotty in 2014, an online hub for knitting and crochet learners and enthusiasts. Perfectly Knotty offers multiple avenues to inspire creativity in its customers, selling allergy-conscious yarns and fibers, offering crochet and knitting patterns, and providing stitching support via tips and resources. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,660,919 times.

Taking up knitting or crocheting opens up a world of fun crafts that only require a ball of yarn. Getting started just means making a slip knot, but how do you do that? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you 3 different ways to tie a slip knot. You might find one method easier than the other, so just choose the one that works best for you.

How to Tie a Slip Knot

To create a slip knot, make a loop in the yarn. Use 2 fingers to pull the working line of yarn through the loop, leaving a small tail. Then, pull the tail end and loop to secure the slip knot in place.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Pulling Yarn Through the Loop

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  1. Step 1 Pick up a piece of yarn about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) from the end. 1 Pick up a piece of yarn about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) from the end. Pinch the yarn with 2 fingers so it drops down into a U-shape as it falls under your fingers. You don't need to measure the yarn precisely; just give yourself enough extra yarn to work with.[1]
    • This U-shape is called a “bight” in knot tying.
    • Choose your yarn based on the project you’re working on. Consider the yarn’s weight, gauge, and drape.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 2 Twist your fingers counterclockwise to cross the yarn and form a loop. Make a half turn or so while pinching the yarn so the yarn naturally crosses over itself.[2] Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 3 Put your 2 fingers inside the loop to expand it. Use your other hand to hold onto the strands of yarn below your loop, keeping the shape intact.[3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 4 Grab the working yarn and pull it partially inside the loop. With your 2 fingers still inside the loop, pinch the working line of yarn. The working yarn is the line that leads back to your ball of yarn. The shorter side, leading to the end, is called the tail. Pulling the working line halfway through the loop forms another bight or U-shaped bend in the yarn.
    • You only need to pull a few inches or centimeters of yarn through.
    • Knitting and crochet expert Suzi Quillen explains that “you want to be able to pull on the strand [or tail] that is coming from the ball of yarn to get the size of the loop to adjust.”[4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 5 Pull the tail end of the yarn to tighten the knot about halfway. You don't want to cinch the knot all the way down yet. Just pull on the tail piece of yarn to bring the knot closer together and clean it up.[5]
    • You’ve made a slip knot! It should look a bit like a noose, with a knot on the bottom of a yarn loop.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 6 Slide a crochet hook into the loop and pull both ends of the yarn tight. A slip knot almost always goes around something, as the beauty of the knot is how easily it tightens and loosens. If you’re knitting or starting to crochet, just insert your needle or hook into the loop on top of the knot. Pull both the tail end and working yarn simultaneously to tighten your slip knot.[6]
    • To loosen the slip knot, simply pull up on the loop while gripping the knot.
    • When you’re ready to knit or crochet, start by casting on.
    EXPERT TIP Suzi Quillen

    Suzi Quillen

    Knitting and Crochet Expert Suzi Quillen is a Knitting and Crochet Expert based in Granite Falls, Washington. After honing a love of knitting and crochet and becoming a crochet pattern designer, Suzi founded Perfectly Knotty in 2014, an online hub for knitting and crochet learners and enthusiasts. Perfectly Knotty offers multiple avenues to inspire creativity in its customers, selling allergy-conscious yarns and fibers, offering crochet and knitting patterns, and providing stitching support via tips and resources. Suzi Quillen Suzi Quillen Knitting and Crochet Expert

    Why is a slip knot important? A slip knot is the start of almost every knitting and crochet project. There are two crucial parts of a slip knot: the loop’s ability to slide and the tail that, when pulled, can make the loop bigger or smaller.

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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Feeding a Loop Through a Loop

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  1. Step 1 Pick up the yarn about 5 inches (12 cm) from the end. 1 Pick up the yarn about 5 inches (12 cm) from the end. Unravel a piece of yarn from the ball that’s about 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) long. Then, pinch the yarn about 5 inches (12 cm) from the tail end to create a U-shaped "bight" in the yarn.[7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 2 Create a loop by crossing the working yarn over the top of the tail end. Hold the point where the yarns cross tightly between your right thumb and forefinger.[8]
    • The working yarn is the long end of the yarn attached to the ball of yarn. The tail end is the shorter side of the yarn.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 3 Use your left hand to form another loop about 2 inches (5 cm) away. Pick up the working yarn about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the first loop using your left hand. Form another loop here, crossing the left side of the yarn over the right. Then, pinch the crossing point together with your fingers.
    • Remember, the working yarn is the part leading back to your yarn ball.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 4 Pull the second loop through the back of the first loop. With the second loop in your left hand, thread it through the back of the loop in your right hand. This creates a loop in a loop.
    • Feeding the second loop through the front or top of the first loop won’t create a loop in a loop.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 5 Pull on the yarn ends to tighten the first loop around the second. With your left hand still holding the second loop, use your right to grab the working yarn and the tail end of the yarn. Pull these pieces of yarn as you pull on the loop to tighten the first loop around the second. This creates the slip knot!
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 6 Set your hook inside the loop and pull the working end of the yarn. Hold your crochet hook or knitting needle and simply place the loop over it. Then, tighten the loop around your needle or hook by pulling on the working yarn. Your slip knot is complete, and you’re ready to get knitting or crocheting![9]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Flipping the Loop Over the Yarn

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  1. Step 1 Pull out about 10 inches (25 cm) of yarn from your yarn ball. 1 Pull out about 10 inches (25 cm) of yarn from your yarn ball. Set up your yarn so the tail end is on your right side and your working yarn connected to the yarn ball is on your left. The exact amount you use doesn't matter—take out as much or as little yarn as you need to work comfortably.[10]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 2 Cross the tail end of the yarn over the working yarn to make a loop. Grab the tail end of the yarn and wrap it clockwise across the working yarn. Then, bring the tail end back to your right side. This creates a loop in the yarn.[11]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 3 Flip the loop over so it lies on top of the working line of yarn. Grab the loop with your right hand and flip it over to the left side of the yarn. Make sure it rests on top of the working yarn and not the tail end of the yarn.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 4 Pick up the working yarn inside the loop and pull it through. Simply pinch the working line of yarn underneath the loop with your right hand. Then, pull it through the loop to form a loop inside a loop.[12]
    • To speed things up, use your knitting needle or crochet hook to pull the working yarn through the loop.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Slip Knot 5 Pull the tail end of the yarn to loosely tighten the knot. Grab the tail end of the yarn with your left hand and pull while still gripping the working yarn through the loop with your right hand. Tighten the knot enough to close the first loop you made, leaving the other loop open on top. This creates your slip knot, which looks a bit like a noose.[13]
  6. Step 6 Slip the loop on your hook and pull the working yarn to tighten the knot. 6 Slip the loop on your hook and pull the working yarn to tighten the knot. Put your knitting needle or crochet hook through the loop. Simply tighten the knot by pulling on the working end of the yarn. Make sure the knot is snug but not too tight around your needle or hook. Now you’re ready to go![14]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I join different color yarns neatly and securely? Community Answer Community Answer There has to be a hundred different ways to do this. I tend to use knots, though a lot of people don't do this because it either might show or you can feel the knot. Personally, I never have this issue. If you don't know where the knot is, you are not likely to find it unless you are looking for it. YouTube has hundreds of videos showing these different methods. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 16
  • Question How do I tie a knot in yarn projects? Michele Michele Top Answerer Yarn should rarely have a knot. It's easier to knit in new yarn than to join it with a knot. However, there are several ways to join yarn that has broken. The weaver's knot and the magic knot are two. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 14
  • Question Is it durable for usage on the neck? Community Answer Community Answer That is a very bad idea. Tying a slip or any other kind of knot around anyone's neck is a severe choking/strangling risk. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 48 Helpful 29
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Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • This knot is called a slip knot because you make it bigger and smaller by pulling on the loop and its ends. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
  • To undo a slip knot, just pull on either end. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.gswo.org/content/dam/gswo-redesign/documents/Annual+Documents/Program/traditions/Knots+Book.pdf
  2. ↑ https://usw-womensministries.org/august-2024-craft-prayer-hand-knit-blanket/
  3. ↑ https://usw-womensministries.org/august-2024-craft-prayer-hand-knit-blanket/
  4. ↑ Suzi Quillen. Knitting and Crochet Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://usw-womensministries.org/august-2024-craft-prayer-hand-knit-blanket/
  6. ↑ https://mamas2hands.com/2015/10/02/the-lovely-adjustable-slip-knot/
  7. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/colusa/files/322939.pdf
  8. ↑ https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/documents/3716/Inspire_care_squares_pattern.pdf
  9. ↑ https://mamas2hands.com/2015/10/02/the-lovely-adjustable-slip-knot/
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/fCNt7GqtixE?t=21
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/fCNt7GqtixE?t=30
  3. ↑ https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/documents/3716/Inspire_care_squares_pattern.pdf
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/fCNt7GqtixE?t=42
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/fCNt7GqtixE?t=42

About This Article

Suzi Quillen Reviewed by: Suzi Quillen Knitting and Crochet Expert This article was reviewed by Suzi Quillen and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Suzi Quillen is a Knitting and Crochet Expert based in Granite Falls, Washington. After honing a love of knitting and crochet and becoming a crochet pattern designer, Suzi founded Perfectly Knotty in 2014, an online hub for knitting and crochet learners and enthusiasts. Perfectly Knotty offers multiple avenues to inspire creativity in its customers, selling allergy-conscious yarns and fibers, offering crochet and knitting patterns, and providing stitching support via tips and resources. This article has been viewed 1,660,919 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 48 Updated: September 24, 2025 Views: 1,660,919 Categories: Featured Articles | Knitting and Crochet Article SummaryX

To make a slip knot for knitting or crocheting, pinch the yarn 6-8 inches from the end. Then, twist your fingers clockwise to make the yarn cross over itself and form a loop. Put 2 fingers inside the loop and spread them apart to expand the loop. Next, grab the standing yarn and pull it through the loop. Pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the knot halfway. Finally, slide your needle or hook into the loop and pull both ends of the yarn to tighten the knot. To learn how to make a slip knot using other methods, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Jennifer Huffman

    Jennifer Huffman

    Mar 28, 2016

    "Don't know why I have had issues with slip knots. This is the simplest way that works for me. Thanks!"
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Suzi Quillen Reviewed by: Suzi Quillen Knitting and Crochet Expert Co-authors: 48 Updated: September 24, 2025 Views: 1,660,919 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Jennifer Huffman

Jennifer Huffman

Mar 28, 2016

"Don't know why I have had issues with slip knots. This is the simplest way that works for me. Thanks!" Robin Wells

Robin Wells

Apr 2, 2018

"I wanted to crochet, and literally knew nothing about it." Rated this article: Alex Harris

Alex Harris

Jan 14, 2017

"Never seen it done that way. The more I know, the better." Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 16, 2017

"I only used the first method, but it worked." Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 14, 2018

"Everything was great! Good job!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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Tag » How To Do A Slip Knot Crochet