How To Tie A Slip Knot In 5 Steps - Studio Knit

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Learn How to Make a SLIP KNOT in the Absolute Beginner Knitting Series by Studio Knit Jump to Printable Pattern

Learn how to tie a Slip Knot in just 5 easy steps. This knot variation allows you to quickly loosen the finished loop or tighten it back up when pulling on one strand.

My written instructions include close-up photos and video tutorials to demonstrate exactly how to tie one strand of rope, string, or yarn.

White yarn demonstrating the Slip Knot technique atop a green background.

5 Easy Steps to Tie a Slip Knot

Step 1: Unravel your yarn ball a bit and select a place on your yarn strand where you will begin.

Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 1

Step 2: With your working yarn that is attached to the yarn ball in your right hand, make a loop by placing the yarn from the right side sit atop the yarn tail on your left side.

Making a Slip Knot for with hands and yarn.

Step 3: Hold this loop with between your left thumb and index finger.

Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 3

Step 4: Take your working yarn (the strand that’s attached to the ball) and make another loop by pulling it through. Begin from the bottom of your first loop and bring it up through the top.

Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 4

Step 5: Hold onto the knot base with your left hand then lightly pull up the loop with your right hand until it cinches.

Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 5

Using Your Completed Slip Knot: You may now easily tighten your knot by pulling on the working yarn, or loosen it by pulling up from the loop.

Hands holding a slip knot with white yarn on a green background

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a slip knot in knitting?

In knitting, the Slip Knot is often your first step as you begin to knit. Every knitting project begins by placing stitches onto our knitting needle. It slides, or slips, to easily make the correct size to fit securely and snuggly onto our knitting needle

Why is a slip knot the best way to begin knitting?

It is an easy way to take your working yarn and create a loop that slips to fit your knitting needle. Once you have your Slip Knot on your needle, you are ready to begin Casting On your stitches.

How is a slip knot different than a regular knot?

This knot variation allows you to quickly loosen the finished loop or tighten it back up when pulling on one strand.

Do you actually knit the Slip Knot?

Yes, after you have Cast On, it’s your choice if you knit the slip knot at the end of your first row of knitting. You may knit through it as your first stitch in knitting. Alternatively, you may cast on without the use of Slip Knot.Learn How to Make a SLIP KNOT in the Absolute Beginner Knitting Series by Studio Knit

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Printable Knitting Instructions

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • No tools required... just your hands!

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Unravel your yarn ball a bit and select a place on your yarn strand where you will begin.Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 1
  2. Step 2: With your working yarn that is attached to the yarn ball in your right hand, make a loop by placing the yarn from the right side sit atop the yarn tail on your left side. Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 2
  3. Step 3: Hold this loop between your left thumb and index finger.Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 3
  4. Step 4: Take your working yarn (the strand that’s attached to the ball) and make another loop by pulling it through. Begin from the bottom of your first loop and bring it up through the top.Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 4
  5. Step 5: Hold onto the knot base with your left hand then lightly pull up the loop with your right hand until it cinches into a Slip Knot.Make a Slip Knot for Knitting Step 5 Hands holding a slip knot with white yarn on a green background

Notes

A Slip Knot is the first stitch in knitting.

Once you have created your Slip Knot, you’re ready to start Casting On Stitches to begin knitting.

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Kristen McDonnellAuthor • Designer • Teacher

Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

More Basic Knitting for Beginners

  • How to Cast Off Knitting Stitches in 5 Steps
  • Long Tail Cast On Knitting Stitches
  • How to Purl Stitch Knitting Technique
  • How to Select Knitting Needles for Beginners

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