Easy Crochet Tutorial: How to Slip Stitch

Want to learn how to slip stitch? This quick and easy stitch is known for most often being a way to join rounds or seam pieces together, but it has other uses as well! Keep reading to find out how to complete the slip stitch and how to use it in your crochet projects!

In my opinion, the slip stitch is an unsung hero that can take your crochet skills up a notch. Once you know and master this skill, intermediate and even advanced patterns begin to open up. When you know how to slip stitch, you are then able to join rounds and project pieces as well as start the foundation you need for amigurumi (crochet style that allows you to create stuffed animals) or garment crocheting.

When you are just starting to crochet, you want to start of mastering the basics, but the slip stitch is a quick and easy stitch to learn! It has relatively few steps and really can be used in so many patterns. I would say that the slip stitch is a must for any beginner crocheter to learn and master!

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Tips for learning how to slip stitch:

• Know ahead of time what the slip stitch is used for. Is it to join a round? Is it a ribbing? This will make a difference in your tension for the project.
• Tension is HUGE for the slip stitch. It won’t make as much of a difference for completing it, but the tighter your tension, the more difficult it will be to crochet into it if you need to. So keep this in mind!
• If you are new to crochet, be sure to check out my posts on basic words every crocheter should know and crochet basics before you get started! Also, my single and double crochet tutorials and my half double crochet tutorial would be a better place to start if you are a newbie!
• If you are unsure of what supplies you might need as a crocheter, check out my post about what supplies beginner crocheters need here.

What do you need:

To complete the slip stitch, all you need are:

-a crochet hook

-yarn

I am using a H/8 5mm crochet hook and a light worsted cotton yarn from Hobbii in the video. I have to say that this yarn is so soft and perfect for so many projects, but lately, I’ve been using it for home decor. If you want to check it out, click here or below!

Why do I need to learn the slip stitch?

The slip stitch is an essential skill for any crocheter who wants to move beyond simple square pieces. Mostly, this is because the slip stitch is often used as a way to seam together crochet pieces without sewing. Also though, you can use the slip stitch for several other things. Some examples are:

-Ribbing for beanies,

-Joining the rounds or sides of a project,

-Creating lettering or designs on top of other crocheted work,

-Making crocheted ties or ropes,

-Edging square projects or joining border stitches.

Of course, these are not the only ways you can use this stitch, but hopefully they give you an idea and some inspiration for how you can use the slip stitch in your own work.

How to slip stitch:

The slip stitch is a quick and easy stitch to learn because it has so few steps! They are:

1. Insert your hook into the stitch or chain.
2. Yarn over, pull through the stitch.
3. Pull through the loop on the hook.

Once you feel comfortable working this stitch, you can almost do it without any thought! I’ve even seen some really fast crocheters complete this stitch in almost one motion. However, that isn’t necessary to complete the stitch well. Just make sure you follow the tips and steps above, and in a short time, you’ll be slip stitching away!

Slip Stitch Video Tutorial:

How should I use the slip stitch?

Personally, I love to use the slip stitch as a simple and quick edging around blankets or other square projects. Another option is for seaming together panels for tote bags, sweaters, or home decor projects. A simple way you could practice the slip stitch would be to seam together the ends of a headband or scarf to make a circle. If you really want to push your slip stitching skills, you could use it to make a tight ribbing for the brim of a beanie! However you use the slip stitch, remember to share your projects with me over on Instagram by tagging me @godsgiftofcreativity so I can see your beautiful work in progress or even your finished projects!

What’s next?

I’ve now written all about the absolute basics of crocheting. My goal is to slowly introduce you to more concepts, stitches, and even some patterns, so you can continue to practice and grow in your crochet skills! I have been planning out some beginner level patterns and more stitch tutorials to help you along with each of them. Mostly though, my hope is that you are practicing your new skills a little bit at a time to help you progress! Remember, you won’t get any better just by watching me or others do it. You have to pick up that crochet hook and yarn and make the time to start. I know you can do it! If you need any help or have any other questions, you can always contact me, and I’ll help as much as I can!