How to Slip Stitch Crochet – A Beginner’s Guide
Want to learn one of the simplest and most useful crochet techniques? Meet the slip stitch—the tiny but mighty stitch that helps shape, finish, and finesse your crochet projects. Whether you're a total beginner or just brushing up your skills, this gentle step-by-step guide will walk you through how to slip stitch in crochet with clarity and confidence.
What Is a Slip Stitch in Crochet?
The slip stitch (abbreviated as sl st) is the shortest of all crochet stitches. It’s not typically used to build height in a row, but instead serves a variety of important functions, including:
- Joining rounds in circular crochet
- Finishing edges neatly
- Moving your yarn across the row without adding height
- Creating decorative surface details
Think of it as your crochet "safety pin"—it holds things together quietly but effectively.
Tools You'll Need
Before we get started, gather your tools:
- Crochet hook (start with a size H-8 / 5.0 mm)
- Medium-weight yarn (cotton or acrylic works well)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step: How to Slip Stitch Crochet
Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain
Start by making a slip knot on your hook. Then chain 10 (or more, if you like) to create a foundation.
Tip: Make your chains a little looser than usual—this helps make the slip stitch easier to work into.
Step 2: Insert Hook into Next Chain
Skip the chain that's closest to your hook. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, through the top loops (the "V" shape).
Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through
Yarn over (bring the yarn from back to front over your hook), then pull that yarn through both the chain and the loop already on your hook.
You’ve just made your first slip stitch!
Step 4: Repeat Across the Row
Continue inserting your hook into the next chain, yarning over, and pulling through both loops until you reach the end of the chain.
You’ll notice that the row is flat and low—this is what makes slip stitch perfect for edging or when you don’t want to add height.
Watch our video tutorial
Common Uses of the Slip Stitch
- Joining in the round – seamlessly close circles in hats, mandalas, and more
- Creating surface crochet – for decorative lines or lettering
- Moving across stitches – when you need to “walk” your yarn without changing height
- Seaming – stitch panels or granny squares together cleanly
Practice Idea: Decorative Edging
Once you’re confident with the slip stitch, try adding it as a finishing touch around your project. It gives a beautiful, clean border that adds polish to your piece—especially useful for your Poceti-style bouquet blankets!
FAQ: Slip Stitch Crochet
Is slip stitch the same as single crochet?
Can I use slip stitch alone in a project?
Why is my slip stitch too tight?
Final Thoughts
Congratulations — you’ve just learned the slip stitch, a subtle yet powerful technique that brings everything together in crochet. From clean edges to invisible joins and charming embellishments, this tiny stitch plays a big role.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned so far:
- You started with the chain stitch, the foundation of every crochet project.
- Then, you moved on to single crochet for sturdy textures, followed by the half double crochet and double crochet to add height and versatility.
- Now with the slip stitch, you’ve added polish and finishing skills to your toolbox!
At Poceti, we believe every loop you create is a gentle act of self-expression. Whether you're stitching a flower, a memory, or a cozy blanket, we’re here to walk the yarn path with you.
Explore our full beginner series, shop beautiful crochet kits like the Bouquet Blanket, or find your next stitch inspiration at Poceti.com.
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Let’s make something beautiful — one stitch at a time.
