Learn how to make a slip knot to start your knitting projects with this super easy and fast video tutorial!
The very first step of every knitting project and every cast on is a slip knot. So it’s clearly really important to learn how to make a slip knot.
And it’s one of those skills that looks mysterious when you see someone else do it quickly, but after you try it, it’s actually incredibly easy. So easy that you won’t even think about it. It’ll become so easy that, for example, when I had to figure out how to make a slip knot slow enough to show you guys, it was actually difficult to do it that way, it’s become such ingrained muscle memory!
Slip knots are great though because they’re fast, secure and the best way to get that first stitch on your knitting needles. They are also the first step to basically any type of cast on whether it be knitted cast on or cable cast on or long-tail cast on.
You must start with a slip knot.
(Can I tell you a secret? You start crochet projects with a slip knot too! Turns out knit and crochet aren’t so different after all, are they?)
I also love teaching slip knots to kids when they learn to knit because it looks like it’s going to be hard but once they get it, it’s kind of magical!
It doesn’t matter what weight of yarn or which size of knitting needles you use, the method is the same. Just practice a few times and before you know it, you’ll be making slip knots without even thinking about it! 
How to Make a Slip Knot
- Fold over one end of your yarn as shown. The short end is the tail and the other side is called the working yarn.
- Insert your thumb and pointer finger between the tail and the working yarn as shown.
- Twist your hand over.
- Then bring your hand back up and around to create a loop.
- Grab the working yarn with your thumb and pointer as shown.
- Then pull the working yarn through the loop. Pull the slip knot to tighten
- Put the slip knot onto one of your knitting needles
- Pull the working yarn (not the tail) to tighten the slip knot on the knitting needle
- You’re all set, you can begin your cast on!
How To Make a Slip Knot
Learn how to make a slip knot to start your knitting projects with this super easy and fast video tutorial!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Fold over one end of your yarn as shown. The short end is the tail and the other side is called the working yarn.
- Insert your thumb and pointer finger between the tail and the working yarn as shown.
- Twist your hand over.
- Then bring your hand back up and around to create a loop.
- Grab the working yarn with your thumb and pointer as shown.
- Then pull the working yarn through the loop.
- Pull the slip knot to tighten
- Put the slip knot onto one of your knitting needles
- Pull the working yarn (not the tail) to tighten the slip knot on the knitting needle You're all set, you can begin your cast on!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Man Knitting Patterns - December 13, 2024
- Peppermint Candy Cane Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
- Gingerbread Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
Leave a Reply