How to make the Crochet Slipknot

Dear Artsy Craftsy Friends,

You are probably one of those people who want to learn how to crochet and have no idea what to start with. Well, let me tell you that the first thing you need to know in crocheting is how to make the slipknot. “What?!” you’ll say. “But making a slipknot is a piece of cake”. It is easy to make a slipknot, but, just like in any other fields of work, crocheting has its own methods on how to make different things. The slipknot is not an exception.

There are many ways to make this little thing and this article will show you two methods for right-handed people.

One piece of advice: If you find other ways that fit you better, then, by all means, use them. Thankfully, crocheting is a place where one will rarely say: “My way is right, your way is wrong.”

So, let’s get started with method 1:

This method is a little trickier, so, make sure you understand each and every step.

When playing with yarn, you will have a loose end and a main strand to work with.

Take the main strand and place it between your index and middle finger from your left hand. The loose end of the yarn is behind your hand. Make sure you have enough loose end to work with. (Tip: Do not worry if the end is too long; later on, during a crochet project, the loose end will be cut off, fasten off and hidden.)

Wrap the loose end around the index finger. The yarn is now between the index finger and thumb. Wrap the loose end around the thumb from button to top, making sure the loose end is above the main strand. This will create a loop around the thumb. Secure the loose end between the ring finger and the pinky. Take your crochet hook and place it in the loop with the hook facing your thumb, just like I’m doing in image 1.

Move your hook towards the main strand which, don’t forget, is wrapped around the index finger. Grab the main strand with your crochet hook, as shown in image 2.

Now, pull the yarn through the loop made on your thumb (image 3).

Remove the yarn wrapped around your fingers when you pull it through the loop (image 4).

Keep pulling the yarn until the slipknot is created and attached to the crochet hook (image 5).

Tah-dah! You just learned how to make the basic crochet slipknot.

Was it hard? Easy? Are you out of breath yet? Do not worry. Once you learn and practice regularly, these things will become easier and easier.

Let’s move on to method 2:

Do you remember when I said that we will work with the loose end and the main strand of yarn? Method 2 uses the same technicalities.

Take the loose end and place it above the main strand onto your hand. This will create a loop just like in image 6.

Now take this newly created loop and place it over the main strand (image 7).

Notice in image 7 that the main strand is set in the middle of the loop.

Now, take your crochet hook and insert it in the loop behind the main strand (image 8).

Pull the yarn through the loop (image 9).

You have just created a nice, tight and easy slipknot (image 10).

So far so good. Now practice your slipknot and get ready for the next lesson on how to crochet a basic chain, also known as the foundation chain.

Just in case you prefer videos better, the one below shows the second method on how to make the slipknot.

Happy slipknotting!

The Coolorburbians.

P.S.: If you know other ways to make the slipknot do not hesitate to tell us in the comment section below. They will be lovingly learned and shared forward.

 

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