How to Crochet Slip Stitch

In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about making a slip stitch and using it in various projects. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe how useful a tiny crochet stitch can be, but it can do wonders.

What is the Crochet Slip Stitch?

A slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch, serving many purposes. Its flat nature makes it perfect for closing rounds, moving to the right spot without adding height or creating decorative patterns on the surface.

In written patterns, you will see it abbreviated as sl st, or ss. In diagrams and charts, it’s usually marked by a dot or a short dash.

It usually doesn’t count as a stitch.

How to Crochet a Slip Stitch

Contrary to chain stitch, which is “independent” of the rest of the stitches, a slip stitch is always attached to the piece we’re crocheting. Below you’ll find a couple of ways to use it creatively.

Slip Stitch Video Tutorial

Crochet alongside this step-by-step tutorial to see how to use a slip stitch in three different ways.

Video Tutorial for Right-Handed Crocheters

Video Tutorial for Left-Handed Crocheters

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with a slip knot, make a foundation chain, and the first row of basic stitches of your choice. Then, follow these steps:

You start with one loop on your hook.
Insert the hook into the next stitch and pull the yarn. You’ve got two loops on the hook.
Don’t yarn over. Instead, lead the second loop through the first one.
You end up with 1 loop left on the hook again. The first loop lays flat on the row, creating a slip stitch, and the second one becomes your working loop.

You can make this stitch using any type of yarn and crochet hook size you want. The placement of the stitch may be different, but the process stays the same.

Joining a Round or Forming a Center Ring

If you ever tried following a crochet pattern for a granny square, you should be familiar with this method. We often use slip stitch to join the ends of the rounds or to form a ring with chains.

If the project is worked in rounds, you likely will close them with slip stitches. To do that, work a slip stitch into the first stitch, or the top of a turning chain. No matter if the pattern calls for a row of single crochet or a row of double crochet – this simple stitch will join two ends together. Once joined, you can now start a new row.

Surface Slip Stitch Crochet

With this fantastic method, you’ll be able to stitch onto a ready crochet piece. For example, if you have a swatch made with double crochet stitches, you can slip stitch across it in any direction you like. It’s possible because the loops of the stitch create a line of decorative chains on the surface.

You can insert your hook wherever you like, yarn over, and pull the yarn to the surface. If you decide to move the hook from back to front instead, you’ll create a straight line on the front side.

Explore surface crochet ideas in my article:

Surface Crochet

Move Across a Row

If your crochet project requires shaping, you can modify the shape of a row by making an unfinished row of slip stitches.

Slip Stitch Seam

A row of slip stitches may securely connect two pieces of crochet. Slip stitches can be used to join crochet squares, hexagons, and other motifs into blankets.

10 Best Ways to Join Crochet Squares

Summary

You now know how to make slip stitches, and with a bit of practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. They are extremely useful in projects like granny squares, modular blankets, or doilies.

FAQ

Is a slip stitch secure?

Yes, it’s secure, as it’s a natural way to connect two elements in crochet. Weaving the yarn through the stitch creates a secure join.

Do you slip stitch after every round?

Unless you’re working in spiral rounds (a method popular in amigurumi projects), then yes. Remember that after you crochet the slip stitch, you have to make a turning chain to move to the next round.

Does a slip stitch add a stitch?

No, it usually doesn’t count as a stitch. However, every crochet pattern may be different, so always consult pattern notes.

What’s the difference between a slip stitch and a single crochet?

In both cases we come to a step where we have two loops on our hook, but in slip stitch, we lead one loop through another, resulting in one loop left. With single crochet, we yarn over and draw it through both loops, so we still end up with one loop on hook, but the single crochet stitch is taller.

Learn how to crochet basic stitches with my stitch tutorials, or try my easy free crochet patterns.

What is the symbol of slip stitch crochet?

The symbol we use in diagrams is usually a dot, but always consult the key to be sure.

How to Crochet Slip Stitch [sl st – Easy Tutorial for Beginners]